Write your resume with confidence and present it in a professional manner. If you are asked to mail it in rather than bringing it in person, make sure it is addressed neatly and includes the correct amount of postage. Also, make sure you have addressed it to the attention of the appropriate person.
1. When preparing your resume, offer the most relevant information to the job you are seeking. For example, if you are applying for an office job, put down education and experience that shows you are capable of performing office duties. You don’t need to state that you worked in a fast food restaurant if it has nothing to do with the job at hand (unless it is your only work experience, and it was a good experience).
2. Organize your resume, starting with your name and contact information in the top left corner. Use block style, keeping each line aligned to the left. Single space your information, and use two spaces to separate sections or paragraphs. Make sure to date your resume.
3. Create sections to separate education, previous work experience, and other information. Use bold headings. If you have any special skills or have received any awards, list these items as well.
4. Some employers appreciate a small amount of personal information that tells them more about you. List special hobbies or volunteer activities that may be useful in the job you are seeking. Perhaps you don’t have office experience in your employment history, but you have done some bookkeeping, filing, writing, answering phones, etc., in a volunteer position. This information is relevant. Offer a reference for volunteer work.
5. If possible, ask at least one previous employer to write a letter of recommendation stating that you were a good employee and why. Submit such letter(s) along with your resume.
Don’t be intimidated about preparing a resume. Think of it as introducing yourself to the employer, and take advantage of the opportunity to make it a terrific introduction.