Preparing to Write Your Resume

Preparing to Write Your Resume After writing customized resumes and cover letters for hundreds of individuals, there is one thing I have found. No two clients are exactly the same. And, they shouldn’t be â€" after all, this is the client’s personal resume with individual information. Another big difference among all of my clients? The level of preparation varies greatly. With a few simple steps, preparing to write your resume doesn’t have to be a dreaded process. Organization is the key. First, keep any job descriptions and job duties lists from previous jobs. When you are struggling to define exactly what you did in a previous position, these job descriptions can be very helpful. They tend to trigger your memory for key duties, responsibilities, and position goals. Next, maintain a file with transcripts from your educational institutions. Most potential employers only require an unofficial transcript when applying for a position. However, many employers will require an official transcript upon hire or within a certain probationary period. I recommend keeping both an unofficial copy and an official copy at all times. If you have little professional experience, a transcript is a great way to find classes and other items you can place on the educational portion of your resume. Finally, keep your letters of recommendation and reference listing close by when writing your resume. Letters of recommendation showcase your skills and abilities, areas that can be highlighted on your resume. And, consider what your references may say about you when a potential employer contacts him or her. Use these words as key words or phrases throughout your newly-created resume. When it comes to your resume, I recommend keeping more information than necessary. This makes it much easier when trying to gather enough information to craft a well-written resume. Comment below and provide your best tip for preparing to write a resume â€" one lucky commenter will receive a package with free items from Feather Communications!