Write a Resume, Get the Job
Is your resume getting the results you want? Do you need a fresh, new resume, but don't know where to start? Are you curious what a prospective employer will think about your resume? The Library has the information and tools to get you on the road to a better resume.
Before you start you should know:
- The old, all-purpose resume is largely becoming a thing of the past. Employers want to see a targeted resume. A targeted resume shows that your skills and experience closely match the job requirements.
- Use strong action words to describe your qualifications. These will catch the employers attention and help them understand your abilities. You should avoid repeating the same word twice, and may want to consult a thesaurus for help.
- Edit your information. Everything on your resume should be relevant and current. Grouping information into 3-5 bullet points makes it easier to read.
- Limit the length of your resume to 1-2 pages if you are relatively inexperienced or 2-3 pages if you are substantially experienced.
- Proofread your resume for typos, spelling mistakes and grammar errors.
Creating a resume doesn't have to be complicated. Articles like "How to Write a Winning Resume with Examples and Templates" and "Ten Ways to Botch Your Resume" can give you a better idea of what employers are looking for. See "10 Essential Articles to Read if You Want Your Resume to Open Doors" for more articles online. When you're ready to start drafting, check out these tools provided by the Library:
LearningExpress* has a Resume Builder that helps you create a resume that's "sharp, focused and just right for the job you're seeking." This database takes you step-by-step through each section of your resume. You enter information about your education, experience, skills, and more. You can browse model resumes for ideas and get tips on how to improve your resume as you build it. You may also build and save multiple customized resumes for the different jobs that you are seeking.
Microsoft Word is available on all public access computers in the library. You can find templates which give you the basic form of a resume and let you fill in the blanks with your personal information. Access these templates by clicking New, then Templates, and then Resumes and CVs. Browse through basic styles, job-specific and situation-specific resumes and choose the one that's right for you.
Finally, check out these great books for more resume tips and tricks:
Power Verbs for Job Seekers: Hundreds of Verbs and Phrases to Bring Your Resumes, Cover Letters, and Job Interviews to Life by Michael Faulkner
Resumes for Dummies by Joyce Lain Kennedy
Knock 'em dead resumes : a killer resume gets more job interviews! / Martin Yate
How to write better resumes and cover letters / Patricia K. Criscito
Blue collar resumes : expert resumes for dirty jobs, and clean ones, too / Steven Provenzano
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