If you have never had a resume but you desperately need one you have two options: either to try and write it on your own or ask someone else to do it. If you are better off with the second option then you need to carefully choose the person who will do it for you since the importance of your resume can unlikely be overestimated. This is your very first marketing tool and you don't want it to look unprofessional. So if you doubt that anyone from your friends or family can do it you should consider ordering it at a resume writing service. If chosen carefully, you will receive a professionally written resume within the chosen deadline. However, if you decided to do it on your own here are some of the things you should know before actually starting writing...
Effective Resume Writing for Starters
Choose the position you are going to apply for. Yes, just pick one. Find the job opening online or in the newspaper and make sure you are writing your resume exclusively for this opening. Most people create generic resumes and CVs hoping they would be able to send it to more recruiters and companies. However, such an approach will unlikely bring any positive result. Target your job search and customize your resume to a specific job ad. Read carefully the requirements and desired qualifications to know whether you have anything in common with those statements.
Remember what you have done that would be relevant to mention in the context of a specific application. Be relevant and concise. And do it for every job advert you will find interesting. You will probably be seeking similar jobs from one industry so once you have a resume written you will just need to tailor it to match specific requirements. After you know what if your target you should start thinking of methods of getting the target. Remember everything from your past experience and skills that can match job requirements and put it on your draft. There is no need to include all of your professional experience, especially if it has nothing to do with the applying job. Such brainstorm activity can bring up more than you realize. Don't underestimate your past experience or skills - put them all on a piece of paper. Choose those that are relevant to the job requirements. Keep in mind that your academic or volunteering experience also counts. After you have selected the content for your resume it is a good time to get to writing a resume. Start with your first and last name at the very top of the document along with your address and contact details (phone number and email address).
Then create a section where in 4 or 5 bullet statements you will summarize your skills and experience. Then goes a professional experience section where you will list your employers, titles, dates of employment and accomplishments (a short list of responsibilities). After you have done that list your educational credentials along with completed training and certifications. This would be considered a good resume structure. Try not to go over 2 pages as there is a chance no one will start reading it at all.
If you are a college grad and you need to land your first job, check out these practical tips on how to write a college graduate resume.
