Creating a Good Resume

Writing a great resume does not necessarily mean you should follow the rules you hear through the grapevine. It does not have to be one page or follow a specific resume format. Every resume is a one-of-a-kind marketing communication. It should be appropriate to your situation and do exactly what you want it to do. The tips below will help you write an excellent resume.

• Choose a target job (also called a "job objective"). An actual job title works best.
• Find out what skills, knowledge, and experience are needed to do that target job.
• Make a list of your 2, 3, or 4 strongest skills or abilities or knowledge that make you a good candidate for the target job.
• For each key skill, think of several accomplishments from your past work history that illustrate that skill.
• Describe each accomplishment in a simple, powerful, action statement that emphasizes the results that benefited your employer.
• Make a list of the primary jobs you've held, in chronological order. Include any unpaid work that fills a gap or that shows you have the skills for the job.
• Make a list of your training and education that's related to the new job you want.
• Choose a resume format that fits your situation--either chronological or functional
• Arrange your action statements according to the format you choose.
• Summarize your key points at the top of your resume.