Home > Jobs & Careers > Job Search > Resumes & Cover Letters
Created on: May 16, 2008 Last Updated: February 05, 2011
Whether looking for your first job, or moving up into top level management, few things speak better of you than your resume. Here are ten things to consider when creating a resume for yourself:
1) What is a resume and what goes in it?
A resume is nothing more than a verbal snapshot of who you are, what your experiences have been, and why an employer should consider you above all the others for a specific position.
2) How long should it be?
Most successful resumes are one page in length. There are some exceptions for positions that require many skills or experiences that need to be documented, but in most cases if you cannot keep it to a page, you need to condense.
3) What font and formatting options should I use?
There are few "absolutes" but the key is consistency. Use a font type and size that are easily readable. Use bold and italic formatting to guide the reader through your resume, but be consistent. If you bold and underline one heading, bold and underline all the headings. Margins should be standard 1" around.
4) What are the different types of resumes?
There are 3 main types of resumes. The "Reverse Chronological", the "Functional" or "Skill Based", and the "Combination". The Reverse Chronological lists your experiences starting with the most recent and working backwards. It maintains this style in every category such as education, work history etc. . The Functional resume categorizes by skill. So all experiences that fall under Administrative, for instance, would be grouped together under the heading of "Administrative Experience". Under the list of jobs relating to each particular skill area goes an explanation of what specific skills were acquired in doing these jobs. Try to list skills that could carry over or relate directly to the job being sought.
5) What are 5 specific mistakes to avoid?
Misspellings - nothing kills your chances faster
Unnecessary information - don't clutter your resume or try to "pad" it.
Not being truthful - They will check on what you claim to be true.
Too much personal information - such as height, weight, unrelated hobbies etc.
References - don't list them here, if you must, simply say they are "available upon request"
6) Personal Information Section
Include name, address, phone, and email. Make sure your email is one that seems somewhat professional and not "hoochymomma@hotmail.com"
7) Overview Section
This can be as short as a sentence, but should be no longer than a paragraph. It is the "mission" that you hope to accomplish.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
10 ways to build a resume you are proud of
by C. A. Pruit
You are faced with the challenging task of writing your own resume. You want to make sure that employers will read your
by Leigh Goessl
When searching for a job, one of the first steps to take is putting together a resume. Next to the interview, the resume
by Tim Driver
Whether looking for your first job, or moving up into top level management, few things speak better of you than your resume.
by Philip Lop
A good resume is one of the strongest tools in your job-hunting portfolio. What could otherwise be seen as a simple piece
by A. Sc.
Your resume is a written representation of your abilities, so it's important to put that representation together perfectly.
View All Articles on: 10 ways to build a resume you are proud of
Helium Debate
Cast your vote!
Military service is the best option for starting a work career: Agree or disagree?
Click for your side.
Featured Partner
Founded in January 2006, the mission of the Sunlight Foundation is to strengthen the relationship between lawmakers and their constituents by maximizing transparency of the work of Congress, its members, staff and lobbyists. Sunlight bel...more