A resume is a communication tool. Job seekers use it to list their skills and experience. Employers use resumes to choose who to bring in for an interview.
Resumes are not a list of what you did. They list what you can do. When describing work experience, start with an action verb. Do not say “responsible for.” Good resumes use skill language. List the common skills and experience that employer’s want. Again, use your occupational research to know what employers want.
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What to Include on Your Resume |
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Contact information tells the employer how to reach you. It is very important for setting up interviews. Most people list their home address, a telephone number and email address.
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If you choose to include a career objective, include skills that you intend to use at that job. Objectives should be tailored to fit each position for which you apply.
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A summary of qualifications statement shows why you are a good fit for your target. You can highlight your skills and traits that make you successful. This also changes with every position for which you apply. Highlight your skills that match the requirements of the position.
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Education lists your degrees and classes. Include licenses or certifications
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Your work experience describes where you worked. It also describes your skills and accomplishments.
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Your accomplishments and awards can be on the job or in school. Also include quotas that you met or money you saved past companies, number of customers you helped, or other outcomes that help a business run well.
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Resume Formats |
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A chronological resume (pdf) lists your work history starting with the most recent. This is the most common type. It is used by people who are changing jobs, but staying in an occupation.
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A functional resume (pdf) groups your skills and experience by skill areas. These skill areas are called “functions.” It is used mostly by people with little to no work history or when changing occupations.
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A combination resume combines the above two formats. It groups your skills by function, and it lists a short work history. It is used by people who are changing occupations.
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For more help with resume writing you can visit www.njworks.org.
Resume Writing Resources
NJCAN Resumes
How to Write a Resume
Career One Stop Resumes
Career InfoNet Resumes
