As a serious job seeker, you need a professional resume. Potential employers require you to submit one for open positions. Resumes are also needed when applying for internal promotions. Failing to submit a resume when the employer specifically requested one decreases your chances of getting hired. Putting a resume together is easy and only takes a few minutes. The goal is to provide an employer with your basic details and qualifications, enough to pique his interest and get an interview.
Step 1
Open a program on your computer that allows you to create documents. An example of programs you can use include Microsoft Word, Adobe and Open Office. Click “File” and “New” from the top navigation bar to begin creating a new document.
Step 2
Type your name at the top of the document page. Use center alignment. Choose a large font size for your name, as it should be the largest text on your resume.
Step 3
Type your contact information, including your address, telephone number and e-mail address. Center the contact information directly under your name. Use a regular body size font, 12 to 14 points, for your contact information.
Step 4
Add an “Objective” section next. Type a one sentence objective that expresses your career desire and intent to a potential employer. As an example, “To put my 10 years of management experience to great use with an established organization.”
Step 5
Add a “Skills” section to your resume. In the skills section, list all of your marketable skills that are relevant for the job position you are are seeking. Do not write sentences when including your skills. Write them in a list format. Use commas or bullets to separate your skills. If using bullets, use horizontal ones. Using vertical bullets will extend the length of your resume and may cause it to be more than one page.
Step 6
Add a “Professional Experience” section after the skills section. In the professional experience section, add a chronological listing of your job experience. List your most current job first. When listing experience, include the name of the employer, your job title and the dates you were employed. List four to five job duties under each experience entry. When listing job duties, use vertical bullets.
Step 7
Create an “Education” section after the experience section. In the education section, list your high school diploma, the school you graduated from and the date of graduation. When listing your educational background, include your most current educational accomplishments first. If you have a college degree, list the type of degree, your major, the college you graduated from, the location of the college and your year of graduation. If you have taken special training courses or professional development courses, feel free to add those courses to the education section. Include the name of the course, the date you took the course and the course instructor's name.
Step 8
Add a “Certification” section if you hold any special certifications or licensing. In this section, list the name of your certification, the date you received it and the certifying agency.
Step 9
Click “File” and “Save As” to save your completed resume to your computer's hard drive. If you intend to submit your resume to employers electronically, save your resume in “PDF” and “DOC” formats. PDF is the preferred format by many employers. Use the DOC format if an employer prefers a format other than PDF.
References
Writer Bio
Faizah Imani, an educator, minister and published author, has worked with clients such as Harrison House Author, Thomas Weeks III, Candle Of Prayer Company and "Truth & Church Magazine." Her dossier includes JaZaMM WebDesigns, assistant high-school band director, district manager for the Clarion Ledger and event coordinator for the Vicksburg Convention Center.