Journal of a Jobseeker: 7 Steps to Write an Effective Resume

Writing a resume may seem to be so easy.  It is simply enumerating your skills and the work experiences you've had in the past.

However, do you know that if you give a little extra effort, you can create a resume that would stand out from several applications received by HR professionals and hiring managers? In a matter of 10-30 seconds, your best written resume could serve as your winning ticket for a job interview.

Here are 7 steps to write an effective resume.

1.  List down your personal and employment information, such as:

your jobs in the past, employment dates, and job description
skills you have gained
quantifiable accomplishments
honors and awards you have received
special projects you have handled
your educational achievement
your contact information, especially an email address and a contact number

Keep this list updated so that you can always use this as reference whenever you need to make a resume or write an application letter.


2.  List down your job targets.  Knowing the job positions you want will help you decide what to include in your resume.


3.  Design your resume depending on the type of job you are applying for.  It is also important to write a resume that is appropriate to your situation.

There are several styles in writing a resume.  The most commonly used formats are:  chronological, functional, and the combination of both.

Chronological Resume
This is the most common type of resume.  Work experience is listed in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent job comes first.  This type of resume will highlight your career progression.  This format is very useful if you have unbroken employment records.

Functional Resume
This type of resume is practical if you are planning re-entry in the workforce, want to change careers, have handled multiple jobs in short period of time, or if you are a new graduate with very little work experience to list.  When you use this format, your resume is focused on your job accomplishments rather than dates.

Combination Resume
By combining functional resume with a chronological one, you can highlight how your skills and experience will be relevant to the job position you are applying for.  In your first few paragraphs, you can describe your achievements and job functions, and then for the chronological part of your resume, simply include an employment listing.

The chronological format is the most preferred by employers, followed by the combination format.  The least preferred is the functional format as it has a tendency to hide something in the past.


4.  Include other information in your resume that would be relevant to the job you are applying for.

Objective Statement.  If you need to state your objective, this should be limited to one sentence, and is written in the first part of your resume.  It should be clear, consistent with your skills and accomplishments, and relevant to the type of job you are applying for. 
   
Education.  Educational achievement should precede employment history if you are a new graduate, with little or no work experience, or your educational background is more relevant to the job you are applying for rather than your employment records.

Awards and Achievements.  You can include honors and awards received that would add value in your job qualifications.

Personal Interests.  Personal hobbies and interests can be included in your resume if these will help build your character that will be of great value to the job you are applying for.

Character References.  List people in your resume only if you have obtained their permissions.  Make sure to include those who you had good working relationship with.

Personal Data.  Personal information (such as age, religion, marital status, or political affiliations) need not be included in your resume unless relevant to the job.

Photograph.  You can add a photograph for more visual appeal of your resume.


5.  Keep your resume concise, neat, organized, and well-written (correct spelling and grammar).


6.  Do not lie. Employers routinely check information you have written in your resume.  If the lie is discovered, this may cost you the job, if not immediately, then maybe months or years later.


7.  Rewrite and revise your resume.  Improve your chances of getting a job interview by choosing better words or adding new accomplishments.