Writing A Resume

-- YIKES! --
...Writing a resume...??!!

WELL, WHAT IS A RESUME?

A RESUME is personal data sheet or a short summary of important facts about you.

It helps the employer decide whether or not to consider you or to hire you.

Some businesses get quite a few, so sometimes printing out your resume on a nice basic pale color other than white helps it get noticed or remembered (like pale blue, or green, beige.... but nothing flashy!).

Not all businesses require a resume and only want an application, like fast-food restaurants or similar places. However, some employers and businesses do want one.

WHEN WRITING A RESUME

- Your resume must be up to date.

- It must look professional and well prepared.

- Spelling and grammar must be perfect!

- Length: ONE page is best.

If you don’t have one, make one.
If you already have one, update it.

RESUMES USUALLY INCLUDE:

Personal info (your name, address, phone numbers)

Job Objective Type of job you want. The position you want.. Be clear and your career goal.
(EXAMPLE: "Work as medical assistant, which could lead to nursing position...")

Education List the schools you’ve attended in reverse chronological order (most recent listed first) with dates attended, name of school, what general subject you studied (such as medical assisting, college prep courses, auto shop,....)

Past jobs Work experience. List all jobs full-time or part-time. List any internships.
List in reverse order, with most recent ones listed first. Include dates of employment or volunteering, name and location, job title, work responsibility, name of supervisor or boss.
List skills you learned that apply to current job you are applying for.

Volunteer experience Where and what you did with dates (volunteered at local animal shelter, Red Cross, etc.)

Memberships Clubs or associations you belong to (such as Honor Society, Computer Clubs, Scouting....) Shows you are willing to donate time without being paid.

Special skills Such as foreign language, sign language, special trades or hobbies that can help in your job.

Other Interests Leisure activities, fun hobbies (enjoy hiking, playing guitar, dance, cars)

References Can be from former employers, co-workers, teachers, pastors, places you volunteered, etc.) ALWAYS ask permission to use them as references before putting their names on resumes.
References can be a separate typed sheet. -- Put on the bottom of the resume: "References available."

PDF SAMPLES:

Here are 2 free SAMPLE RESUMES to view and print out to see how you might do it. These are very simple ones (one page). It's just to get you started....

- Sample for a high school graduate, CLICK HERE.

- Sample for volunteer experience only, CLICK HERE.

If you don't have 'Adobe Reader' to open it, you can download it free from their website by clicking HERE. Adobe Reader allows you to open and read PDF files.)

When writing a resume, try different formats to see which you prefer. There are many styles and looks. If you have more more extensive work experience, it may look different than my samples.

Be creative but keep it SIMPLE and READABLE.

FOR IDEAS: Check out local libraries and online resources for more samples, ideas, and tips on how to write one.

Writing a resume doesn't have to be scary or difficult. It just takes a bit of time to get your facts together and just doing it!

I'd love to hear how you did and if these tips helped! Best of luck on your writing!

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