Resume Preparation: A Guide

Jobs! Who doesn't need one of those? But how do I get one of those you may ask?

No matter what you are looking for the first step to getting a job is creating a resume. 

If you have never done this, creating a resume can make you feel like this:

You are not a baby, you can do this!

Keep in mind, most things aren't as hard as they seem if you break it up into steps. So follow these steps and you'll have a beautiful resume in no time!

Step One: Decide what kind of resume you need. 

Generally there are three types of Resumes: Chronologic, Functional and Curriculum Vitae

Type Of Resume	Best for	Pros	Cons
Chronologic	This is the most common type of resume.  Good for when you are applying to a job that is closely related to desired employment.  Also this is a good base resume, generally all people have a chronologic resume and can build other resumes from this base.	Demonstrates growth in a profession.  Straightforward and easy to read Usually what is expected from employers.	If there are large gaps in employment or frequent job changes, this type of resume will emphasize that.  May not emphasize skills as well as a functional resume.
Functional	Focuses more on skills acquired instead of detailing job history.  Good for applying to a job that is out of your current field.	Allows you to market yourself based on your skill set instead of your job history, which may not adequately reflect your current skill set.  If you do have large gaps in employment or lack of experience in the current field which you are applying, a functional resume allows adjusting so you can show off skills, and not your lack of experience	This type of resume must be specifically tailored to the job you are applying for, so you often have to make a new functional resume each time you apply for a job (unlike a chronological resume, which can often be used repeatedly) There is the possibility this resume will make you appear as if you have something to hide, because you are omitting specific details about your job history.
Curriculum Vitae	Academic Setting, such as applying to college or graduate school.  Emphasizes your education background as well as any research experience or published work.	A must when applying to a master's or doctorate program and often for undergraduate school.  Demonstrates your education as well as involvement in school.	Can get lengthly very quickly.  Only relevant in an academic setting.

*Tip, click on type of resume to see examples!

Step Two: Must Haves for Any Resume

Don't forget any of the items listed below!

There are some common traits for ALL types of resumes. No matter which resume you select, be sure to include:

1. List jobs, experience, and/or education in reverse chronological order, so most recent at the top 
2. Name, address, telephone number, and email. Fax and website if applicable
3. When listing employers, include names, dates of occupation, and address of the company
4. Job titles: current and past
5. Name of all universities intended: include, city and state of school, degrees and honors earned, graduation dates and overall GPA
6. Any accreditation or licensure information, Ex: Teacher's license, first aid certifications
7. Any official on the job training, Ex: 2 day course on problem solving
8. Publications and patients
9. Language spoken fluently
10. Relevant Skills
11. Use easy to read font. Don't get too creative with fonts. Most importantly you want someone to be able to read your resume 
12. Use past tense verbs when describing all past work history. Only use present tense when describing your current job
13. Use action verbs

Step Three: Research your type of resume and make a draft

Once you pick a resume type, do a little online research. Find examples, often online you can find templates. Then you must start. It is easy to get caught up in the "how to's" and not actually DO anything. Look online, consult this website and others. Then give if a shot. Remember, your first try is a draft. It doesn't need to be perfect, but put something on paper, or more accurately make a word document. The first draft is the hardest part, after that it is a series of edits.

Always make a resume on a computer. If you have a gmail account, you can use google docs (click on the link for instructions), to create a resume. Google docs can be accessed from any computer, so this is a nice option if you don't have your own computer, or want to be able to access and print your resume from anywhere. You can also share a google doc with other people, and then a friend can help edit your google doc even if you aren't in the same room. This is helpful if you have a friend who is great at making resumes and wants to help you, but lives on the other side to the country. You can also download a Resume Template. Again be sure you pick the right type of resume.

Most resumes are scanned in 20 seconds. This sounds scary, but really it is motivation to make your resume as straightforward and streamlined as possible. 

Step Four: So what else can I do to make my resume POP? 

1. Contact career services: If you are enrolled in school, most colleges have a career services office that offers free advice and consultation on resumes. Prepare a draft and bring it in to get tips and edits from experts.
2. Contact your local library: Similar to career services, often public libraries offer free consolation on resumes. Find your closet library and ask about resume assistance as well as other career services provided.
3. Talk to your family and friends: Get outside advice and opinions from people you trust. Show your resume to at least 3 people who you trust. Not only will they give you good advice, but they can also help with wording, point out sections that need additional work, check for grammatical errors, and generally give constructive feedback.
4. Look at your friends, families and work associates resumes: Ask friends, family, people you work with (if currently employed) especially those who you respect, to email you their resumes. Do you see things you like? What catches your eye? Do not copy from them, again the point is to make your resume unique, but use them as guide to make your resume pop. Maybe you like the template, or think they have nice wording. Start noticing what you really like about other people's resumes.
5. Talk to someone you don't get along with: This may seem scary, but our toughest critics often say things people who care about us won't. If you can, and feel comfortable, try to show your resume to someone whose opinion you respect, and who you trust to give you honest feedback.
6. Linkedin: Are you on Linkedin? Make a profile and start networking. Everyone on this site has a profession profile with lots of examples of resumes, instructions on how to write a resume, how to phrase past work experience as well as interview tips and how to present your best self. This is a wonderful website with a lot of great information. It is also an ideal place to networking.

Step Five: What not to do

Don't even think about it!

Knowing what details to include on your resume is important, but equally important is knowing what to never include on a resume.
Never include any of the following on your resume:

1. Race, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or national origin
2. Religious affiliations
3. Political preferences
4. Salary (neither current or desired)
5. References (These are always included on a separate page and only if requested)
6. Pronouns such as I, we, and they

I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is not putting enough time in. This is not something you can start and finish in an hour. You can write a draft in an hour, but a good resume, one that stands out, it takes time, reflection, and repeated edits.

Don't be this person:

Your resume is your first impression to a potential employer about who you are. You want to impress them, not stand out because you have a horrible resume. 

Step Six: Cover Letters and References

All jobs will require a cover letter and references. A cover letter can vary a lot depending on the job, so the best thing to do is research cover letters pertinent to the field you are applying to. A cover letter for Chef position, will be different than a cover letter for a law office, or cover letter for a position in an orchestra. Research the field, and look up cover letters that pertain to your career. Essentially a cover letter is your time to stand out and address your future employer directly. There are a few things all cover letters need:

1. Address the cover letter to your the potential employer and be sure to include his/her full name, the workplace address and any relevant titles. 
2. Again include your contact information (name, phone, address, etc) at the top of the letterhead. 

Generally speaking a cover letter is your time summarize yourself, tell your potential employer why you are interested in the job and why you are the best candidate for the position. As mentioned above, cover letters vary a lot, but most follow a general outline. 

1. First Paragraph: Purpose. Why are you applying to the position, how you learned of the position, and a few specific details about the business that demonstrate your interest and knowledge in the position and company. 
2. Second Paragraph: Why you are great! Here is where you include your relevant background, important qualifications and general skills pertinent to the job.
3. Third Paragraph: Encourage contact. Sum up the letter, restate your interest in the position, and be sure to include your desire for an interview. 

Click on the links below for examples!
Cover Letter Outline, Cover Letter Examples, Before and After Cover Letter Examples, Creative and Interesting Cover Letter Examples

References are another thing that vary depending on the type of position. Some jobs want one, while others may want as many as four. Always be sure you have accurate contact information for any references you list. Also if you list someone as a reference, email or call him/her and let them know you listed them as a reference. Email is often best, because you can inform your reference of the position you are applying for, the name of the person who may contact them and any other information important for your reference to know. Pick references based on people who have known you over a significant length of time (at least a year is best), and can speak to your strengths relevant to the position. 

Step Seven: Send off and Follow Up

Before you email your resume and cover letter, email it yourself or a friend to see if there are any formatting changes that occur when it is electronically sent. I always save my resume as a PDF, that way I am sure there are no formatting errors when electronically sent.  If delivering a paper copy, be sure the paper has no tears or wrinkles and looks clean and crisp.

Call or email the business a week or so after you have sent in your resume and cover letter. Often a simple:

"I wanted to follow up with (insert person or business) and thank you for considering my application. I also wanted to see if there were any additional questions I could answer or information I could provide. I am still very interested in the position and if possible would love to set up an interview. Please feel free to contact me by email or phone. Thank you again, (insert your name)".

Obviously this is just an example, cater it to your personality and needs, but always keep contact professional and brief.                    

Step Eight: Celebrate!

Mini dance party, grab a beer, take a long walk, do whatever makes you feel good. Sure you don't know what will happen, but celebrate your accomplishment and pat yourself on the back. Failure happens more than we want in life, lets celebrate the little victories!

Can't stop this dance machine!

References: 
Vinson, B., P. (2009) Workplace skills and professional issues in speech language pathology. San Diego: Plural Publishing.