Wondering how to write a resume that will knock their socks off? In today’s job market, the resume is an important tool for anyone looking for work. Everyone, from the new entrant into the workforce to the experienced professional, will benefit from a well-written resume. Many employers require a resume be sent as the first method of contact. It can be used to capture the employer’s attention, even when no job is advertised. Just as a job search is a sales campaign, your resume should make you stand out from the competition.

The use of electronic technology to manage the overwhelming number of resumes employers receive is increasing rapidly. Today many companies and employment agencies are using scanners to enter resumes into a computer. These resume-scanning systems use varying degrees of artificial intelligence to screen the resume for desired skills.
   

What is the first step?

The keys to a successful resume are to "be yourself" and "be creative". Summarize the key elements of your past experience that you would like employers to consider when you are seeking employment. Do not ignore areas you may have previously skipped over as unimportant or assumed everybody has done. You may be selling yourself short, or limiting your breadth of experience, all of which may make the difference in landing the job. Take the time to organize your resume information, including education, employment, and references. Focus on your skills and accomplishments and look for ways to sell your qualifications. A prospective employer does not just want to know where you worked, but also wants to know what you can do.

Resume Formats

To an employer, a well-written resume is a problem solver! A resume, no matter how good, will not get you a job by itself. However, a good resume will attract the attention of the hiring manager and secure a job interview. The purpose of a resume is to disclose your accomplishments and qualifications to a potential employer. If the employer likes what they see, they will contact you for a face to face meeting. There are three basic formats you should use as guidelines for writing different types of resumes. This information changes geographically and varies according to the person and the profession.

Resume Variations

Today not only should you try and write your resume to target a specific job, but you must also take into consideration that there is a chance your resume will never be read by a human being.  Employers today are using optical scanners to scan your resume, and often the main criteria they look for is how many keywords each one contains. Another resume variation that is becoming more prevalent today is a resume that focuses on a specific project.

Resume Layout

The resume created by the job seeker needs to be unique. The organization of the resume can be adapted as necessary to emphasize the individual’s most outstanding characteristics. Remember, the resume is a reflection of the individual writing it; its purpose is to sell the product, you . There is no one layout that fits everyone. However, there are some standard resume categories.

Narrative Content

There are general guidelines regarding what and how information should be presented on your resume to ensure that you have the most effective resume possible.

The Words You Use

The words you use on your resume to describe yourself, your skills, and experience, can make the difference between a mediocre resume and a dynamic resume that will be certain to catch the recruiter's attention.

[ Layout and positioning for The Words You Use ]

	Action Verbs
	Emphasizing You
	Commonly Misspelled/Misused

General Information that can be Listed on a Resume

[ Layout and positioning for General Information that can be Listed on a Resume]

	Have you helped increase sales? Profits? How?  Describe in some detail.
	Have you helped reduce costs? How?  Describe in some detail.
	How much money did you account for?  Be specific.
	How many people did you supervise on your last  job? Be specific.
	Do you like working with figures more than words?  Be honest but positive.

Resume Critique List

To ensure that your resume measures up to the highest standards possible, review the Resume Critique List of do's and don'ts to achieve that perfect resume.

What is the Last Step in Resume Preparation?

Have someone check your resume once you think it is ready. Have them look for:

[ Layout and positioning for Check Your Resume ]

	your correct mailing address
	your email address
	phone and/or cellular number(s)
	spelling errors
	consistency
	grammar errors
	punctuation errors
	spacing errors

Resume Examples

To view one of the examples listed below you will need to double click on it.

[ Layout and positioning for Resume Examples ]

	Combination Resume (chronological and functional)
	Sample of Functional resume (compare to  chronological style)
	Sample of Chronological resume (compare to  functional style)
	Various types of work experience  (chronological resume)
	Job seeker with work experience but lives one  place and gets mail at another

You may find that it is in your best interest to show an employer not only where you get your mail but also where you actually live, if the addresses are different.

[ Layout and positioning for More Resume Examples ]

	Engineering Management (2 page example)
	Financial Analyst (2 page example)
	High School Student that has no work experience
	High School Student with some work experience
	Job Seeker with work experience operating heavy  equipment and driving trucks
	Healthcare Program Director (2 page example)
	Homemaker with limited work experience outside home
	Homemaker with no work experience outside home
	Information Technology/Networking Specialist        (had career change – 2 page example)
	Management experience that has returned to  school and changed careers
	Recent Graduate
	Some clerical work experience
	Focus Resume (5 page example - governmental)

Cover Letters

A cover letter is usually the first thing the employer will see, it is your first chance to make a good impression. When you are conducting a job search, an effective cover letter with your resume leaves a positive impression with an employer. This, in turn, will help to distinguish you from other candidates.

Good luck with your resume!

RESUME DISCLAIMER: There is a lot of information available on resumes and resume writing. Our advice is to find a good book on resumes and learn the fundamentals of resume writing. Try to stay with the most current material you can; resume advice follows trends. The internet can supply you with a lot of free advice and information, but in most cases that information will be less detailed than a good guide. We have provided links to other sites we have found, that may be of interest to you, the job seeker. The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training does not necessarily endorse nor recommend any of the organizations or products that may be found on these pages. These links are provided strictly as a resource for information that will hopefully be of use to you in your job search.