How To Make Own Resume

The profile or summary is another way to inform the employer about the job objective. The profile or summary tends to be lengthier. Keep the profile to two or three sentences that inform the employer about your objective and your reason for sending the resume.

Identify this section as Highlights, Skill Summary, or Qualifications.

In this section, begin by identifying the skills or qualifications required for the position. You can find this information in the job advertisement, job description, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on Choices software, or by asking someone who works in your field of interest. List only those skills you can actually support. Be prepared to give examples of how you have used these skills in work-related settings. Use three to five statements to stress accomplishments, results and achievements. Try to limit each statement to one line.

Experience and achievement statements that begin with action verbs sound much more productive, powerful and impressive. Compare the following:

Secretary: Was responsible for typing, filing, phones and reception.

Secretary: Typed 65 wpm. Managed filing system for seven coordinators. Answered multiline phone system. Handled office reception efficiently and courteously.

Use verbs in the present tense for current positions and past tense for previous positions. For example:

Present tense: Prepare and maintain work logs and reports.

Past tense: Prepared and maintained work logs and reports.

Sample headings under Highlights, Skill Summary or Qualifications

Title this section Experience, Professional Experience, Work Experience or Work History. If you do not have work experience related to the field you are pursuing, title this section Work History. If you have related work experience, use any of the titles listed above. Include full-time, part-time, civic, volunteer, internships or charitable work. If you have not held a job, consider omitting this section.

Start with your most recent employer. List employment dates in years (1995 - present), the name of the company, city, state and your job title.

Example: Job Title Company name City, State Years employed

If you have had several jobs with the same employer, list the starting date of your first position and the ending date of your last position. You might want to consider putting your skill categories under each job as you moved from job to job within the company.

There are many other headings and sections you can use to demonstrate additional skills or experiences on your resume. You may want to have a separate section for Computer Experience, Military or Professional Organizations. If you want to draw attention to a special skill or ability, use a separate heading.

When you are ready to type a draft on the computer, use a software package with flexibility, such as Microsoft Word. However, any word processing package you are familiar with is fine. Save your work on disk so you can easily make revisions. Use a standard type font (such as Times New Roman). Keep most text at 12-point size or 11-point size.

Type your references on a separate page with the heading References. Bring your reference list with you in case it is requested during an interview. Your list should include the name, title, address and phone number of three to five people who have direct knowledge of your work skills and abilities. Some ads request professional references; some ask for personal. If the ad does not specify, list professional references. If you choose to include personal references, designate which references are professional and which are personal.

Contact the people on your list to obtain their permission to serve as a reference. Contacting your references prepares them for an employer’s call so they can speak confidently, positively and knowledgeably about your performance. When talking with your references, refresh their memories about your accomplishments and the skills you displayed at work. Let them know which skills you would like them to stress to prospective employers.