Resume writing from scratch ?how to get started

Resume writing from scratch ?how to get startedFacing a blank page when you are trying to writea resume can be very scary. You may think that youdonot have enough to say about yourself to filla page; you may be wondering just how to list allof your skills and experience within a singlesheet of paper. To get started, ask yourself somequestions about your past jobs and your careergoals.Before you even begin writing a resume, define theexact reasons why you need one. While this may

sound simple, it takes more than saying, want toget a new job.?Consider your career objectivefirst. Make sure that your goals are specific interms of industry, position title, and futureprofessional achievements. Once you are clear onthe type of job you are seeking, it will be mucheasier to compose a resume that highlights yourexpertise in the area of your interest.Once you have your career objective developed, dosome research on a resume format that is mostcommonly used and may be most appropriate for yourindustry. Search the Internet or check out thebooks in your local library to get a better ideaof what well-written professional resumes looklike. Once you find a format that best suits yourfield and your career objective, use the samelayout to get started.When listing your personal information at the topof the resume, include your address, home and/ormobile phone number, and your email address. A

helpful hint about listing your emailaddress ?make sure that it contains your name, asthis helps you appear more professional. You cancreate a free Yahoo email account; it also maybehelpful to have one email address as a point ofcontact for your job search.Before you begin listing your experiences, makesure to list them out on a separate sheet of paper,in chronological order, starting with the mostrecent job you had (possibly the job you arepresently holding). List up to five previous jobsyou have held, although make sure that your resumedoes not exceed two pages in length. Make surethat are listed in order; donot skip any of youremployments as this will create gaps in yourprofessional history.When listing your education, start with yourcollege attendance and move to your most recentaccomplishments. If you never attended college,make sure to include any courses, even if they

were taken as training at your previous jobs,which will help in showcasing your qualifications.In terms of skills, make sure to list, in bulletpoint form, all of the abilities that confirm thatyou are the best candidate for the job you areseeking.You can omit references from your resume, but letyour potential employer know that you can providethem if necessary. You can do so in the coverletter or by including a line at the bottom of yourresume that simply states, rofessionalreferences available upon request.?As your final check point, ask a friend or a familymember to review your resume, and give youfeedback. Having a second pair of eyes can helpyou correct any typos, or even bring to yourattention anything that appears unclear orconfusing. A well-written, error-free resumewill help you put your best foot forward and getthe job that exceeds your career goals.