How to Write a Quality Resume – Part 1

In this first installment, how to write a quality resume, we will examine the five main blocks that make up a quality resume and see why having these is important in attracting the eye of the company recruiter. The first section is your header – this is your name, address and contact information. Make sure this is up to date so the company can get in touch with you regarding that job your covet.

The next section should be the job objective – one or two paragraphs that specify what you are looking for. It should be targeted directly to the position you are seeking. Don’t use a generic or all purpose resume here. Show the employer that you are interested in them.

Following this, include either education (if you are a first time job seeker) or work experience (if you are looking to improve your station in life). The new job seeker wants to put the best foot forward and lacking real world job experience, needs to show the ability to follow through something to completion (i.e. a degree). An experience job seeker wants to include relevant job skills that relate directly to the position sought (but probably a more advanced position).

The next section would be a flip flop of the last one with work experience for the recent graduate and education for the experienced worker.

Finally, include something about yourself (room providing) that shows the prospective employer that you have something more to offer. For the new graduate this might be some clubs or awards earned while completing the degree requirements. The seasoned professional may want to include military service or government clearance obtained. This indicates a well-rounded individual whose life doesn’t revolve solely around their employment.

Make sure that all five (5) of these are included in your next resume so you too can be in that small group of people getting that interview. Next time we’ll examine how to zero in on that specific job target. Good luck!

Until next time,

BrianC