What are the things you should remember while writing a resume?
Many people do not understand the nuances of how to write a resume. Resume writing is a skill, which one can inculcate after a lot of practice. Resume is the professional reflection of individuals who are applying or looking for an employment. Because of this, resume must be well written to increase the chance of being invited for an interview. Effort is necessary to create a resume that will make you stand out among other probable candidates.
You need to plan before you start creating a resume. You should know how to write a resume reflecting your job skills and achievements in professional life. Gather and arrange the documents, certificates and all the list of information that you might need on the process of writing your resume. Scan and list all the significant events and data for quick reference.
Recall your career plan as this will be your basis for determining the resume format that will suit you most. Reverse Chronological format is the good resume format for traditional and conservative industries like academe and law and especially suited for those applicants aiming to stay in the same profession or position. The Functional format on the other hand is appropriate for new graduates and individuals who want to make a comeback in their profession.
And for those applicants who want to shift careers or those who have diverse employment backgrounds, the Combination format is the most recommended resume format. Nonetheless, regardless of the format, all resume contain the same information that should be presented and stated very well to yield positive result.
With an assortment of available job opportunities, choose only those jobs and positions that would fit on your qualifications and personality. Then, you need to understand what the company is looking for and what you have to offer before you go on with your resume. Identify your significant qualifications that would make you the best candidate for the particular position you wish to apply.
Now that you know your career path, the jobs that you want to apply and the resume format that suits you best, begin your resume with the Objective Section. Your objective should be based on your career plan and should likewise concede with what the company needs. In short, establish your objective in such a way that you can convey to the employer that you are just the right candidate they're looking for. Mention the exact position you are applying on the Objective Section to demonstrate clarity.
There are some instances when a separate Summary Section is recommended, particularly when the applicant have several significant accomplishments that are relevant to the position being applied. This summary should consist of brief paragraph of your important qualities to answer the question why the company should choose you over other applicants. In this case, put the Summary Section immediately after the Objective.
After the Objective and/or Summary, the resume is then followed by Experience Section. Here, you should begin with your job titles, followed by the company name or vice versa, depending which is more remarkable and must stick to it for consistency. Include all your work-related experience under this section including the internships and voluntary works and services. List them in reverse chronological order and write the dates after each work excluding the months unless the job is held for less than a year.
Education is written after the Work Experience. Write them just like what you did in Work Experience Section. Licenses and degrees must be put ahead of your trainings and certifications. State your major course and awards but don't include other small commendations unless you just graduate recently. For those applicants that do not earned their degree yet put the expected date of completion under the degree.
Affiliations and Organizations are listed after the Education Section. Site only those that are recent and relevant. You may also put some of your personal background or interest after the Affiliation Section. Personal Interest, when properly listed can demonstrate your versatility. But write only those that are somehow relevant on the company or the positioned being applied.
The final section of the resume can be end by the Reference Section. However, name and addresses of your reference must not be listed here. Prepare them in another sheet and present only when being asked. "Reference available upon request" is the proper statement under the Reference Section.
For more information on how to write a resume, we highly recommend this book written by Richard Adams called how to make a great resume. This book gives a lot of details and information about making a great resume which will actually fetch you those interview calls.
Also see how to write a letter.