4 basic steps to writing a resume
By Jenesy Gabrielle Burkett Fox
Writing a resume is often the first step in applying for a job. It seems simple enough, right? But there isn’t really a course for how to write application materials or how to apply for a job. If you have access to a university career center, they’ll guide you through writing a resume and cover letter and give you a reference for what employers are looking for. If not, or if you want a quick refresh, I‘ll guide you through the basics of writing a resume.
You can download a resume and cover letter template with examples, guides and a list of over 100 action words at SheMade’s Shop.
First, it’s important to note the difference between a resume and cover letter. A resume is essentially a nicely formatted bullet pointed list of your skills that qualify you for a position. It should be as easy to skim through as possible because hiring managers will only spend a minute or two with your resume before deciding to look at your cover letter or moving on to other candidates. Resumes are written from the third person perspective. Do not refer to “I” or “my” in your resume.
A resume should be tailored to the position you are applying to and only one page long, different from a master resume. In general, what you are trying to accomplish with your resume is showing the hiring committee that 1) you have read and understand the position and 2) your experience utilized similar skills as the position you’re applying for.
Here are the specific elements you can or need to include in your resume:
1. Your first and last name and contact information
At the top of your resume, be sure to include your legal first and last name, your phone number and email. You do not have to include your address on your resume. If a potential employer requires your address they’ll ask for it in the application.
2. Optional: Resume summary or objective
You can but don’t have to include a resume summary or objective. If you’re using a resume to send to potential employers without a specific position you’re applying to, meaning you are cold applying to companies, a resume objective can help give potential employers perspective as to what level you’re hoping to work in. A resume summary or objective is a two to three sentence description of your career goals.
3. Relevant experience
A resume should highlight your most relevant skills and experience. You are not obligated to list all of your experiences. Your resume should be no longer than one page. There’s not a limit of how many different positions you can include on your resume, but you want to make sure they all fit on one page. For each position you list, limit your description to three to five bullet points. Do not write your experience in paragraph format!
You should use specific examples of how you meet the position description starting with action verbs. Rather than saying, “Completed administrative tasks quickly while managing competing priorities,” say, “Processed all incoming and outgoing paperwork for the office while working 20 hours a week.” In place of saying, “Completed clerical duties,” say, “Facilitated day-to-day office operations such as scanning, filing and completing campus deliveries.”
If you don’t have much work experience, be sure to use volunteer experience or leadership experience like school clubs, organizations, etc.
4. Awards, certificates and skills
You can, but do not have to, include any awards, certificates or relevant skills. Certificates should be relevant to the position you are applying to such as CPR certification. Relevant skills should be specific skills, like if you are experienced in a specific type of writing or software.
When in doubt, remember that your resume isn’t solely being used to get you a job. Your resume is a hook used to highlight your most relevant and hirable qualities to encourage the hiring team to look at your cover letter and/or offer you an interview.
Header photo by João Ferrão / Unsplash
