In order to present yourself to a prospective employee, you will need the following information to appear on your resume.
~ Current address and phone number, and if possible an email address.
~ A brief description of the job that you are seeking, or your potential career goal. (Objective) If you are applying for a specific job, make the objective as specific as possible.
~ Work experience - Dates of employment, company name and location. Work experience should be in chronological order, with your last position on top of the list.

You can also add different variations to each company and each position held, such as finishing salary and reason for leaving. Some people don't feel comfortable giving out such information, and may choose to discuss this in person, once an interview is obtained.
Keep the job descriptions brief and be specific. A vague description of your duties will only make a vague impression. Identify accomplishments , and be sure to include them. Keep the length of the resume down to two pages, the most. You want to make sure to include a big part of your work experience on your resume, however you should try to limit it to the last 10 years only, if possible. Try to give the prospective employee a sense of direction in your work experience.

~ Education - The name of the school, location and years attended. If you have a degree be sure to specify the areas that you majored in.

~ Skills - At the bottom of the resume you may choose to give the employer an idea about your skills, such as different computer programs that you can utilize, tools and any other skills that may give someone a better idea of your capabilities. Again, keep if brief and straight to the point !

Leave out anything personal, such as hobbies, height and weight and everything else that has absolutely nothing to do with your work experience. However, if you do belong to any type of work related organizations, be sure to list them. Many employers check references, and you may choose to include them on a separate page. Even if you don't list them, it is always good to have them readily available if needed.

~ Proofread the master copy of your resume carefully before handing it out!

~ I highly recommend using cover letters. A cover letter will give you the opportunity to bring certain skills and career goals in front of the employer, that you may not have on your resume. If you are applying for a specific position advertised, a cover letter accompanying a resume, can be a great way of getting your foot in the door. With a cover letter you are able to personalize your resume a bit more. It shows direction in your job search.

The Importance of a Well-Crafted Resume

Your resume is a powerful tool that can make or break your career. It's your ticket to the interview room and, ultimately, your dream job. Let's dive into the essential elements of creating an effective resume.

Crafting the Perfect Resume

Identifying Your Target

Before you start drafting your resume, identify your target job. Tailoring your resume to the specific role you want is crucial. It demonstrates your commitment and suitability for the position.

Structuring Your Resume

The structure of your resume is vital. Use the following sections to organize your information effectively:

• Contact Information
• Objective or Summary
• Skills
• Work Experience
• Education
• Certifications
• Additional Sections (if relevant)

Contact Information

Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and professional. Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if available).

Objective or Summary

Craft a compelling objective or summary that encapsulates your career goals and highlights what you can bring to the table.

Skills

List your skills, both hard and soft, that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Use bullet points for clarity.

Work Experience

Detail your work history, starting with the most recent job. Include job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key accomplishments.

Education

Outline your educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates.

Certifications

If you have any relevant certifications, display them here to showcase your qualifications.

Additional Sections

Consider adding sections like 'Projects,' 'Publications,' or 'Languages' if they enhance your resume.

Crafting an Effective Resume

Tailoring Your Resume

Craft a unique resume for each job application. Tailoring it to the specific job description demonstrates your suitability and dedication to the role.

Using Action Words

Utilize strong action verbs when describing your work experiences. This adds dynamism to your resume and highlights your achievements.

Quantifying Achievements

Whenever possible, use quantifiable metrics to showcase your accomplishments. Numbers and percentages add credibility to your claims.

Showcasing Your Personality

While professionalism is key, your resume should reflect your personality and enthusiasm. It helps potential employers envision you as part of their team.

Keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and reach human eyes.

Creating an Effective Resume

The Importance of White Space

A cluttered resume can be off-putting. Ensure your resume has ample white space to make it visually appealing and easy to read.

Proofreading and Editing

Typos and grammatical errors can sabotage your chances. Proofread your resume meticulously and consider using grammar-checking tools.

Seeking Feedback

Don't hesitate to seek feedback from mentors or colleagues. Fresh perspectives can help you refine your resume further.

FAQs

• How long should my resume be? Aim for one page if you have less than ten years of experience; otherwise, a two-page resume is acceptable.

• Should I include personal information like age and marital status? No, personal information is generally not included in modern resumes.

• Is it necessary to mention every job I've had? Focus on the most relevant work experiences. Older or less relevant positions can be summarized or omitted.

• What's the ideal font for a resume? A clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman is preferred.

• Can I include hobbies and interests on my resume? While it's not mandatory, relevant hobbies or interests can provide talking points during interviews.

• Should I include references? It's not necessary to include references on your resume. They can be provided separately if requested during the hiring process.