Resume writing
how to get started

When resume writing how to actually get started is a real issue for some people.

For instance, the absolute worst way to write a resume is to do no planning or preparation before you get started.

When you use this approach for resume writing it's amazing how much important information you could potentially leave out of your resume...... for example critical resume key words in areas like your profile and career highlights.

There is a much better way......which in the long run will make writing your resume easier, and you'll produce a much stronger resume.

Resume writing - How to prepare

An easy to follow system for building a resume is to follow these 3 steps

1. Clarify your audience and purpose - who will be reading this? Is this a resume you're preparing in response to a job ad? Or, is this a more generic style 'leave with' resume?
2. Related to your overall purpose, which of the three resume layouts are you going to use?
3. When you've decided on which of the resume layouts to use, you can then select the resume headings to be included in your resume - this is covered here - creating a resume

So......now you have an overview of the task ahead of you. But......there's still some more preparation you can do that will make resume writing much easier for you.

Resume writing - how to prepare
Gather important information

When you are ready to start resume writing how do get started?

If you have any experience at all in building a resume, especially the first draft, there is nothing more annoying than having to stop writing and go searching through old records to find essential information.

.....having to stop and start this way will interrupt the flow of your thinking.

Also, without all the information you need at your finger tips, the process of building your resume becomes frustrating......rather than being able to maintain a cool, objective and creative approach to your writing.

Instead of concentrating on what to write, you have to start thinking about where to find the information you need..... and then you actually have to find it!

If your record keeping system is anything like mine is, that can be a time consuming chore!

So.....the tip is.......gather the information you need first.

What sort of information will you need to gather?

Let's take some of the important areas of your resume where you are likely to need to access essential information:

Your profile and key skills summary:

Some vital information is required here.....well worth fully research before you commence writing your resume draft.

What's needed? Resume key words......in other words the key skills, attributes and experiences that appear in the job advertisement.

The resume key words you'll need to use if you are building a more generic resume can be found by using job search websites to research similar occupations.

Look for key words that describe skills and attributes that are similar to yours. Adapt and use these resume key words in your own profile and key skills summary.

Your professional experience or employment history:

To complete this heading you will need to gather information about things like:

• Dates of previous employment - 'From' and 'To'
• Your key responsibilities in previous positions
• For each employer you are including in your resume, some information that will help you to briefly describe that organisation - see personal employment history for more information
• Details about your career achievements - you'll need to be able to quote things like quantities, value of budgets, quality standards achieved and so on. See this page on how to write about your career highlights

Your education and training:

You will probably easily recall the university or college you attended, and the qualifications you obtained there.

But when resume writing how reliable will your memory be about short training courses and other professional development activities that you have completed?

You'll need to include the name of the provider of these short courses, and the dates you completed the activities.

Publications, Research, Awards:

When resume writing how and what information will you include under these headings?

It will be better if you track down all this information, if relevant, before you start writing your resume draft.

Your referees:

Do you know the current contact addresses, email address and phone numbers for the people you intend to ask to be your referees?

You may also need to spend some time brainstorming who to use. Most people are reluctant to use their current boss.....for obvious reasons, so who can you call on to speak favourably about you?

Resume writing
How to prepare - Summary

Your resume is an exceptionally important document in your job search strategy.

The purpose of this web page has been to encourage you to do some essential planning and preparation before you begin the serious task of writing.

By thinking about your audience, the overall structure and layout of your resume, the resume key words that you'll need to use and gathering important historical information about your career you'll be much better prepared to really focus on what you write.

You'll notice when resume writing how much easier the process is......and your reader most definitely will notice that your document has been well researched and prepared!

Your reward......get ready for the interview.