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Three keys to a great Resume:

A good Resume is your key to the door of opportunity. But how do you transform that blank page into a shining document? You must remember that there are three key parts to a good Resume: content, format, and attention to detail.

Content is the easiest one to start with. What must your Resume include? To answer this question, first look at the job description for which you are applying. What specific characteristics are listed as job qualifications? Make sure that you have an instance on your Resume where you directly address each one. Second, what about you sets you apart? Make sure your greatest achievements are included. Finally, make sure that your job duties include numbers. For instance, if you worked at a day care, you could list "ensured the safety of children" or it could say, "ensured the safety of 10-20 children for 6-8 hours every day." One is a bit more specific. Potential employers like to know the details.

The format of a Resume can be the trickiest aspect. You want to make sure to include important jobs, the jobs location, dates worked, name of the employer, and job duties. You may also want a section for education, awards, honors, or additional skills and certifications such as CPR. But above, all the most important aspect to format is: negative space.
Your Resume should be a single page that looks inviting and easy to read. Don't over crowd it with text. It should be more like a poster than an essay. Your name should be the largest font anywhere on your Resume. Many people find it affective to center and bold their name at the top of the page and list their contact information underneath. Some even find it effective to create a unique logo or letterhead- style name block. At the very least, make sure your name is clearly readable from across a board room table.

Attention to detail is all about being meticulous and consistent. Check every word in your Resume. Make sure everything is spelled correctly and properly capitalized. Make sure your job duties begin with snazzy action words such as ensured, supervised, initiated, developed, etc. Make sure your spacing and indention is consistent. Take a ruler and ensure that the beginning of every indention is aligned down your page. Verify that your dating system is consistent. Don't spell out June and then abbreviate Aug. Have a friend give an initial impression and then have him or her go through it with a fine-toothed comb. Remember, you only have one page to make an impression. Don't make the wrong impression by saying you worked in "Caulifornia."

Writing a Resume takes creativity and dedication. The first one can be daunting, but it does get easier with repetition. Don't be afraid to ask for help and get as much feedback as possible. And above all remember the three key parts, content, format, and attention to detail, and you'll make a great first impression. Happy job hunting!

Learn more about this author, Gretchen Gingerich.
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