Is your résumé the best it can be?
Need to start over from scratch?
Use these insightful tips to create a
winning résumé.
Résumé writing can be intimidating. We wonder,
what do I include, what do I leave out? How do I make
it look nice? In what order do I need to list everything?
Some of the most common concerns I hear from my career
coaching clients are about how to organize their résumé
and what pieces of information to include. Here are some
tips that can help you get started on either creating your
résumé from scratch or updating it for your next job search.
Brainstorm:
The best way to get started is to brainstorm about your
natural talents and abilities. Write down everything you’ve
accomplished, even as far back as childhood. This is a confidence
boost and also can help you get everything out on
paper that you could possibly include in your résumé.
Give Yourself Credit:
We tend to downplay the things we are naturally good
at. This is because we assume that since it comes so naturally
to us, everyone must be good at it, right? Wrong. Just
because you can easily organize your office and keep your
files in amazing working order does not mean everyone can
do that. Perhaps you coordinated your local church’s picnic
and did a spectacular job. Not everyone has that particular
skill, so give yourself credit for what comes naturally to
you. Do this, of course, while being honest and accurate.
It’s never a good idea to blatantly lie on your résumé.
Organize in a Way that Is Best for You:
One thing people frequently ask me is, “Do I have to put my
résumé in chronological order?” The answer is no. Ordering your
work experience by date isn’t necessary— relevance is. If you
prefer chronological order, and it seems particularly appropriate
for the job you’re hunting for, go for it. But I typically recommend
highlighting your skills and accomplishments that are relevant to
the position, and organizing the résumé with jobs that are most
relevant at the top. If you have a spotty job record, this also helps
minimize that issue.
Clearly State Your Objective:
Make sure your career objective clearly states the type of work
you desire—the more specific, the better. Specific objectives are
more powerful and hard-hitting. They stand out. If you’re not sure
what type of job you want, consider working with a career coach
or counselor to clarify the next step you would like to take in your
career
If you need help with a resume or cover letter, consider a resume/cover letter session.
Here's to having a career you love!
