How to Write a Resume for Beginners

So you need a job. Most places these days do not have forms for what they want to see from a candidate, so if you want to get a job, you have to know how to write a resume. Having been on both sides of the interview table, I have a few pointers.

There's a few things to remember when deciding to start your resume. First, you need to understand that this may be the first and only exposure someone in charge of your employment prospects actually sees. Therefore, it needs to make an impression. For entry level jobs or something along those lines, I was always willing to cut some slack on the paper it's written on. For more professional levels, I would highly recommend the investment. Higher quality paper shows that you actually care about the position and are willing to go the extra mile.

Next, the your name, address, phone number and email must go at the top. Doing all the work and forgetting a way of contacting you is basically just wasting paper and time. Make them bold, large size font, and keep it in a professional and legible style. New times roman is standard for a reason, there are a few alternatives, but i would just stick to basics. The last thing you want is to be judged for having some goofy font when you are trying to get a professional job. If you don't heed this advice, you'll be wasting your time and paper again. You already have enough challenges ahead.

You've selected a professional font and left your contact information at the top. Now what? You get the chance to sell yourself. Tell your prospective employer about your work history. If you don't have that, use organizations you are affiliated with. Have you volunteered at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, or any other service positions? What would your amateur league sports team say about you? How about a class you are enrolled in? Most positions will involve some level of sales, even if it is just that you need to present as if you know what you're doing, so now is your time to show you know how! Do not lie in any of your resume. This will come out one way or another. Embellishing a bit is OK, but only to make a point. If you don't have the paperwork to back up that time you did six tours in Vietnam, and you're only twenty five years old, its gonna be pretty obvious. If you were a cashier, instead of saying , "took customer's money and gave them goods" try instead, "provide quick and personal customer service with an emphasis on guest experience". This demonstrates that you are aware of the sales aspect involved in any job.

The fact that you are willing to recognize what your future employer is looking for goes a long way as well. Do research on your application site. Tailor your resume to fit their needs. A resume for a floor sweeping position is going to be very different than one for a security guard. Both have entry level positions, but have vastly different needs. For example, you will not usually need to focus on adequate supply of cleaning detergents in a security position, much the same as a master of the janitorial arts usually will not need to be proficient in high risk de-escalation skills.

Now that you have taken all the advice above to heart, and somehow translated that to paper, or a word document, what now? You need people who will back up your claims, so I would have at least two references. Usually these are people in respectable positions that you feel would vouch for whatever you are claiming. You should really talk to them in advance, so they are ready to discuss your performance with your prospective employer. A name, title, and phone number under the heading of "references" is usually enough.

This is a pretty quick way to understand how to write a resume, and if you follow the advice and do follow up calls, and keep in touch, you just might land that position you've been waiting for!

Good Luck!