I can do all things...Phil 4:13

How to Create a Resume That Works

In today’s tough economy, finding a fulfilling job or career can be a challenge. That is why in an employer’s market (supply of workers is greater than the demand of available jobs) job seekers need to market themselves such that employers who do have openings will take a closer look at their qualifications. In order to be seen by employers as a competent, qualified employee, you will need a resume that allows an employer to see exactly what you have to offer. This booklet will provide you with the basics of “How to Create a Resume That Works” and a sample cover letter.

Many job seekers hold the myth that a resume will get them a job. This, alone, will not get you a job or a career. However, knowing what the purposes of a resume are will lay a foundation to how to approach constructing your resume. The primary purpose of a resume is to obtain an interview. The resume gets your foot in the door. What you do after that depends on how you do in your interview (See “How to Have a Successful Interview"). So, if you land an interview your resume has done its job. Another purpose is to give potential employers a positive first impression. Potential employers will more than likely see you on paper before they see you in person. This is why it is ever so important that the image you portray on paper is one of professionalism and positivism, which leads to a third purpose. Your resume is a vehicle to relate your skills, achievements, qualifications, personal qualities, and interests to the position. A potential employer uses this vehicle to assess what you have to offer relative to that which they are seeking. The more you can pique their interest, the better chance you have of landing an interview.

What exactly are employers looking for in a resume? I cannot stress the importance of making certain your resume reflects what they are looking for. In no particular order, below is what employers look for in a resume:

An objective in the resume or cover letter. This gives the employer some idea as to what is your job goal.
Good grammar and spelling. As mentioned above, you want to give a positive first impression. Plus, it shows attention to detail. Spell check does not catch everything.
Bulleted information rather than paragraph form. No one wants to read your autobiography. Well thought-out phrases of your job duties are easier to read, considering employers see many resumes for one position.
Experience and skills. This answers the question, what do you have to offer? Of course you cannot list everything but list what you feel is important relative to what you are applying for.
Well-organized. Your resume needs to have proper spacing, font size and must flow.

Now, let’s get into the actual construction of the resume. I use the term construction because you will be building something that will need to be strong enough to withstand the critique of employers. This means you will need the materials (information) to begin construction.

First, gather - raw materials – an inventory of all skills, accomplishments, work experience, internships, volunteer work, coursework, etc. Not that you will use all of this information, it is good to be able to visualize what you have in your personal inventory. With this information, you want to pull out or identify the most valuable on the list as it relates directly or indirectly to the desired position or career. Next, develop a foundation – that which your structure (resume) will stand on firmly. Your objective serves as that foundation since it will be one of the first things an employer will see on your resume. Everything that follows your objective should tie back in to that objective.

There are three types of objectives:

Position Focused – e.g. Seeking a position as a Computer Programmer.
Field Focused – e.g. Seeking a position in computer technology.
Skills Focused – e.g. Seeking a position where I can utilize my problem solving and analytical skills.

Regardless of which objective you use, that which follows should tie back to it. Now let’s design a format to put the finishing touches on your resume. Depending on your level of experience, the format may vary from chronological to functional/analytical. What are the differences?

Chronological

Work experience is arranged in REVERSE chronological order (most current first)
Emphasizes continuity and growth rather than experience, though experience is listed
Most effective for those who have little work experience

Functional/Analytical

Emphasis is on transferable skills or job functions
Highlights major areas of accomplishment and strength
Most effective for those who lack direct job-related experience

Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

Use 8 ½” x 11” paper
Use white, cream, beige (neutral colors) with black, clear print
Print only on one side of paper
Save on a computer disk
Keep updated
Have someone proofread it

Don’t:

Have typographical errors or misspelled words
Send without a cover letter
Use personal pronouns
Include every school attended, only those from which you received a degree/diploma
Give wrong/false information

Remember, a resume will not get you a job but if you created one that works you are assured to get that interview. Once you are in that interview, it's up to you.

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Herm Allen is an Academic & Career Coach residing in Clemson, SC. He has worked with students for over 15 years as a student development coordinator, career counselor, tutor coordinator and academic advisor. Herm has also taught career and study skills courses at the college level. He can be reached at herm@hermallencoaching.net. ©2007 Herm Allen