This article is written for those who are applying for jobs for the first time, or who are re-entering the work force after having not worked for some period of time. Writing a good resume is easy to do, even if you don't have much work experience or extensive education---all you need are a few tips, some suggestions, and the basic format for a resume and a cover letter. This article will provide all of that, including resume template and a sample cover letter that you can alter to suit your situation.
All word processing applications have a resume wizard and cover letter on the computer.
All word processing applications have a resume wizard and cover letter on the computer.
There are four essential elements of a resume:
· Your name and address
· Personal Objective
· Work History
· Education
Offering personal references is not essential, but it is a good idea to either list the names and addresses of two or three people or to have that information available if a prospective employer asks for references. More about references is listed below.
Your Name and AddressBe sure to include your full name (no nicknames) and current address. If you are living in shared housing (such as with a parent, a roommate, or in any other shared housing situation), be sure to include a room number or any other information that is part of your full address. Use the complete street name, including the word Avenue, Road, Street, etc. Make sure that you include your zip code.
Your name and address need to appear on the first page of your resume. If your resume is two pages, then be sure that at least your name is on the second page. (Resumes that are longer than two pages might not get processed! Remember that a prospective employer is likely to be reviewing quite a few resumes, so keep your information to the point, and limit yourself to two pages. Tips for keeping your resume crisp and short are listed below.)
Personal ObjectiveInclude a one-sentence statement that provides your "objective" for applying for the job. This doesn't have to be anything more than your honest reason for looking for work. Try to use your own words (that is, try to write the sentence yourself, rather than copying a statement from an example resume). Use plain language (you won't necessarily impress an employer by using big words).
Examples of a personal objective:
- I am planning on making a career in retail sales, and want to learn more about working in a clothing store.
- I am very artistic and will enjoy working in a craft store.
- I am certified in welding and I am looking for a job in a welding shop.
- I want to contribute my skills as [an XYZ] to a successful company.
Work HistoryYour work history is a list of your last three jobs; with your most recent job first. If you are currently working, then start with that job. Include the name of the company, address, and phone number. For past employment, list at least the company name, city and state (phone numbers are a plus, even if out-of-state).
Show, in a short list, your primary job duties (tasks) at each job. You don't need to go into a lot of detail. List only the primary tasks for your job position. Don't list job duties that don't pertain that your primary job, unless it is a skill that is applicable to the job you are applying for.
For example, let's say that you are working as a cashier at a local discount store. Your primary tasks are to check out customers and balance your cash drawer. These are the tasks that pertain to your primary job and need to be listed in your resume.
However, let's also say that you are currently applying for a job at another retail store that is hiring a shift leader to work at the checkout station and to help cashiers who have questions or may need help with situations like price overrides. Now and then at your old job, you have been asked to train new cashiers or help other cashiers when they have questions. Since you do have some experience in assisting cashiers, you will want to add that you "also trained and assisted other cashiers" as a job duty because this experience directly applies to the job you are applying for. It shows that you were asked to perform job tasks that weren't part of your primary job and is an indication that the employer trusted you with these types of tasks.
Do this for your two prior jobs. If you've only had one job, then obviously, only list that job. For two jobs, then you'll have only two.
EducationFor most folks, this is going to be relatively simple. List college education (college name, degree earned, and year degree was awarded) and then high school (high school name and year graduated).
If you have only some college credits, then only list if pertinent for the job you are applying for. That is, don't list World History 101 if you are applying for a job as a cashier. However, if you have taken Principles of Management, and you are applying for a job as a shift leader or floor supervisor, then this is education that pertains to the job.
For people who have earned a GED or other vocational certificates, list those. Provide the educational facility that you attended and the year you received the GED or certificate.
If you have copies of degrees, certificates, or other educational awards, then take them with you to the interview. Do not attach them to your resume unless the job application specifically requests them. However, be sure to take copies with you for your job interview, and offer them to the interviewer.
There is no need to provide addresses or phone numbers of the schools. However, if you have this information, be sure to take it with you to the interview.
References (optional)References are people who may be contacted by a prospective employer and asked to provide work-related or personal information about you. Be sure to verify that your references are willing to be contacted and will be comfortable in answering a few questions about you. Use each person's full name and current telephone number (even if out-of-state).
It is in your best interests to let your references know that you have applied for a job and have given their names as references. Let them know the jobs you have applied for and the company names. That way, your references won't be taken by surprise if they are called. If your references are contacted and provide the information asked for, it is also polite to send a Thank you note (especially if they've helped to get you the job!).
If you have written references (from prior employers, teachers, or friends), be sure to take copies with you to the job interview. That way, you can offer your interviewer a copy that can be kept with your job application (and you won't inconvenience the interviewer by having to make a copy of an original during the interview).
Congratulations! You've now written your resume!
Cover Letter
The cover letter, which is a one-page letter of self-introduction, is also just as easy to prepare. The letter should be brief, no more than three paragraphs of two or three sentences each, and should state your intention for applying for the job and reasons that you are a good candidate for that job.
A cover letter isn't really necessary, but it is a nice touch. For both the resume and the cover letter, never try to sound like anyone other than YOU. Remember, you are the person who will be in the interview. You will be talking. You will be answering questions. If you have your sister-in-law or your next-door neighbor write your cover letter and resume in his or her own language, then the interviewer will be expecting to talk to an applicant who speaks the same way. If you need help, then of course ask for help---but write the resume and the cover letter yourself.
If you don't have access to a computer, a word processor, or a plain old typewriter, then please find someone who does. You should print your cover letter and resume on plain-colored 8-1/2 x 11" paper (white, off-white, or perhaps a soft tan or stone color). It is best to avoid putting your cover letter or resume in any type of binder or folder. Make sure that the prospective employer can access your information easily and without any fuss (resumes in fancy binders, folders, or "envelope in an envelope" may looks nice to you, but to the person who is sorting through 40 resumes, it is just a "pain" and will likely be put on the bottom of the pile).
Be honest. Be confident. Be yourself.
...and I hope you get the job!
Using the Resume Wizard
If you have an Internet connection, you can choose from dozens of resume templates on the Microsoft Office Online Web site. Or, you can create your own resume by using the wizard.
Using a template from Office Online
1. On the File menu, click New.
2. In the New Document task pane (task pane: A window within an Office program that provides commonly used commands. Its location and small size allow you to use these commands while still working on your files.), under Templates, click Templates on Office Online, and then search for resume.
Using the wizard
1. On the File menu, click New.
2. In the New Document task pane (task pane: A window within an Office program that provides commonly used commands. Its location and small size allow you to use these commands while still working on your files.), under Templates, click on My computer.
3. Click the Other Documents tab.
4. Double-click Resume Wizard.
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