How to Prepare an Effective Resume’

How to Prepare an Effective Resume’


1. Resume Essentials


Before you write, take time to do a self-assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and extracurricular activities. This will make it easier to prepare a thorough resume.


2. The Content of Your Resume


Name, address, telephone, e-mail address


All your contact information should go at the top of your resume.
Avoid nicknames.
Use a permanent address. Use your parents' address, a friend's address, or the address you plan to use after graduation.
Use a permanent telephone number and include the area code.
Add your e-mail address. (Note: Choose an e-mail address that sounds professional.)


Objective or Summary


An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do.
Be specific about the job you want. For example: To obtain an entry-level position within a software development firm requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.
Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek.


Education


Fresh graduates without a lot of work experience should list their educational information first. Alumni can list it after the work experience section.

Your most recent educational information is listed first.
Include your degree (M.C.A, M.Sc., B.Sc, B.A., etc.), major, institution attended, etc.
Add your grade point average (Percentage / GPA) if it is impressive.
Mention academic honors.


Work Experience


Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words (such as achieved, organized, conducted etc.,) to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order—that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include:

Title of position,
Name of organization
Location of work (town, state)
Dates of employment
Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.




Other information


You may add:

Key or special skills or competencies
Leadership experience in volunteer organizations
Participation in sports


References


Ask people if they are willing to serve as references before you give their names to a potential employer.
Do not include your reference information on your resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume: "References furnished on request."


3. Resume Checkup


You've written your resume. It's time to have it reviewed and critiqued by a career counselor. You can also take the following steps to ensure quality:


Content:


Run a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your resume.
Get a friend to do a grammar review.
Ask another friend to proofread. The more people who see your resume, the more likely that misspelled words and awkward phrases will be seen (and corrected).


Design:


These tips will make your resume easier to read and/or scan into an employer's data base.

Use white or off-white paper.
Print on one side of the paper.
Use a font size of 10 to 14 points.
Use non-decorative font types.
Choose one font type and stick to it.
Avoid italics, script, and underlined words.
Do not use horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading.
Do not fold or staple your resume.
If you must mail your resume, put it in a large envelope.