Writing a resume does not have to be an overwhelming process. If you take the time to understand what a resume should achieve, what information it should include, how it should be written, and how it should be formatted you will find that the process of developing and writing a resume can actually be quite informative as well as great preparation for when you land an interview!
What Should a Resume Accomplish?
Your finished resume should accomplish five things. It should:
- define a clear focus and generate interest in your services;
- pinpoint skills, accomplishments, competencies, and results;
- project your style and personality;
- set you apart from your competition; and
- compel your audience to find out more about you.
Your resume is a marketing document, designed to sell you so before you begin writing a resume take the time to review your interests, skills and goals. Throughout your career you will develop a long list of skills and experience. Taking an inventory will help you determine what information should be included to achieve your target job. If you are uncertain about what information to include and what to leave out try answering these questions:
- How do you want to be seen?
- What skills and experience do you want to highlight?
Defining how you would like prospective employers to perceive you will go a long way in helping you to identify what skills and experience to highlight on your resume.
Helpful Hints for Writing a Resume
- Resumes are scanned very quickly so it's critical your resume has a defined focus that will generate interest within your target audience.
- While it’s recommended to have others review and offer opinions on your resume, it's extremely important that you are the author.
- The tone of your resume and how it reads should reflect how you would verbally communicate during an interview.
- Take your time. Your resume is a marketing document, and it will take time, thought and effort to develop.
Need More Help Writing a Resume?
Careego Premium Members have access to three pre-recorded webinars that provide expert resume help and examples from a Knightsbridge Career Consultant. The webinars are broken down into three sections:
- Resume Basics – 10:38 minutes
- Resume Styles – 9:04 minutes
- Build Your Resume – 6:09 minutes
To upgrade to a Premium Membership or to learn what other special features Careego Premium Members have access to, please
click here.