10 Steps in Creating a Good Resume

1- Choose a target job (also called  "job objective"). An actual job title works best.

  2- Find out what skills, knowledge, and experience are needed to do that target job.

  3-  Make a list of your 2, 3, or 4 strongest skills or abilities or knowledge that make you a good candidate for the target job.

  4-  For each key skill, think of several accomplishments from your past work history that illustrate that skill.

  5- Describe each accomplishment in a simple, powerful, action statement that emphasizes the results that benefited your employer.

  6-  Make a list of the primary jobs you've held, in chronological order. Include any unpaid work that fills a gap or that shows you have the skills for the job.

  7-  Make a list of your training and education that's related to the new job you want.

  8-  Choose a resume format that fits your situation--either chronological or functional. Functional works best if you're changing fields; Chronological works well if you're moving up in the same field.

9-  Arrange your action statements according to the format you choose.

  10-  Summarize your key points at the top of your resume.

Things you "Should" do with your resume

• Use 8-1/2" X 11" paper.
• Make your resume as legible as possible.
• Include both a permanent contact and present address and phone number. You may be contacted through a permanent address or phone, even after you have moved from your present address.
• Include your job discipline(s)...near your name at the top of page one of your resume and as a title to each assignment.
• Include a summary paragraph near the top of your resume. Be brief but be complete.
• Include pertinent education and/or training.
• List jobs in reverse chronological order.
• Try to keep to a maximum of two pages (see "tips" if resume is longer than two pages).

Things you "Should Not" do with your resume

• Don't include personal references or hobbies.
• Don't include your Social Security Number.
• Don't include a cover sheet.
• Don't use a "Job Objective." This is normally found on a resume for someone who is seeking a "direct" position. A "Job Objective" tells the firms what you want from them whereas a "Summary" tells what you can do for them.
• Don't exaggerate your experience.
• Don't show salary or pay information.
• Don't offer explanations for leaving prior employers.
• Don't use your photograph.
• Don't use abbreviations (except those that are acceptable in the engineering/technical fields, such as IBM, CAD, E/M, etc.).

Tips to help you shorten a lengthy resume

• Have it typed by a professional typesetter.
• Eliminate all extra spaces between lines (except between job assignments).
• Use narrower margins.
• Keep job descriptions to 3-5 sentences (especially for older positions).
• If your "length" problem is due to an extensive number of job assignments, leave the oldest positions off and type the following at the bottom of the last page of your resume: "Experience from (date) to (date) available upon request." Then prepare a "complete" resume to furnish only to firms asking for it.

Helpful hints

• Include only necessary personal information.
• List "Under contract to" for any contract assignments you may have had.
• Include total number of years experience.
• Give security status, if any. If your security clearance has expired, include the date of expiration.
• Write job descriptions in easy-to-understand terms, and as completely as space allows.
• Include your name and page number on each page of a multiple page resume (except no number on first page).
• If you want to use a better quality paper, consider a white bond paper with a rag content (available from most printers or paper supply stores). Rag bond, however, should not be used if you are printing copies of your resume on a photo copier (such as Xerox), as the letters may break up on folds.

From the publishers of Contract Employment Weekly.