Resource Guide to Writing a Resume

One of the first steps in job hunting is to create a strong resume. When done correctly, it can become an extremely effective tool in your arsenal. Since most companies look through resumes before inviting candidates in for an interview, the resume is essentially the first impression that the employer gets. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, it is vital to make this first impression count.

On the other hand, a badly crafted resume can end the job hunter’s chances at the very first stage. Apart from the aesthetic appearance of the resume, the information that is included along with the way it is written can make a drastic difference. Customizing the information so that it is more specific to the job or company is a great way to help employers take better notice of your resume. Similarly, brush up on the lingo of the industry and use it in relevant areas of the resume to describe your skills and experience.

There are also various ways in which a job seeker can help their resume to stand out among the crowd. For example, someone in the graphic design field should take care to apply strong design principles within their resume. This is a great way of showcasing a sample of your work while delivering the basic information that is usually required in your resume.

Resume Writing Worksheet and Tips (PDF)

Fill out a worksheet with your work experience and learn how to draft it into a resume. This package also includes a series of helpful tips and instructions on how to create a resume that will make an impact..

 Basic Elements of a Resume

This article discusses the main sections that form a resume: contact information, education, experience and activities or awards.

 What is Important in a Resume?

Some of the main areas that recruiters focus on when sifting through resumes from potential candidates include career focus, main expertise, transferable skills, and significant accomplishments in previous positions.

What Makes a Powerful Resume? (PDF)

Learn which elements help to pique an employer’s interest for maximum effectiveness.

Information That Should be Included in a Resume (DOC)

Browse through a breakdown of items that should be included in each section of your resume.

General Resume Tips

After drafting your resume, read up on these tips to help perfect it and hone it into a well-crafted document.

 Customize Your Resume

Instead of mass-mailing a generic resume, learn how to adapt it to the company, industry or job at hand in order to make it more interesting and relevant to the recruiter. This is also an ideal way of showing them that you understand their business and could be a good fit for the company.

 Guidelines for a Great Resume (PDF)

Learn how to turn a standard resume into a powerful marketing tool and use it to your advantage!

 Practical Resume Advice

While reading through these tips, compare them with your own resume to pinpoint problem areas.

 Information to Avoid on a Resume (PDF)

Confidential personal details and exaggerations about your work experience are examples of some of the things that should strictly be avoided on a resume.

Standard Parts of a Resume

Use this guide to create a basic outline for your resume and then fill it out with the relevant information in each section.

Organizing Information in a Resume

Clearly marked headings or subheadings can help to keep each section of a resume well organized and easy to read.

Tips for Career-Specific Resumes (PDF)

Learn how to slant your resume towards the field that you are applying to, whether it be arts, sciences, business, etc.

Resumes for Different Fields

See how to make your resume more effective for the field that you wish to work in.

Resume Advice for Job Seekers

Read about how recruiters evaluate resumes and how to improve your chances with a stronger first impression.

 Resume Tips and Samples

Check your resume against this list of do’s and don’ts and compare it with some samples of well-written resumes.

 Poor Resume Practices

For a resume that is bound to make a bigger impact, keep your text concise and accurate, and make sure that the document is designed to be read easily.

How to Write a Resume

Learn the how to write a resume from start to finish.