Writing a Resume

Why do you need a resume? To start, employers use them to screen prospective employees. But the process of creating a resume also helps you to recognize and assess your strengths and accomplishments --- which will in turn help you articulate them during an interview.

Types of Resumes There are three main types of resumes to choose from. The chronological lists work history and accomplishments in reverse chronological order. It's most effective for people who: have a steady record of employment in an industry or functional area; or want to stay in the same line of work. The functional lists your accomplishments in different categories, such as: Management, Social Policy, Clinical, Supervision. It's the best choice if you are: making a career transition; want to return to a professional area you worked in earlier in your career; have large time gaps in your resume; or have extensive accomplishments in volunteer work or hobbies. The combination combines elements of both. It's most effective for people who: want to emphasize unique skills and accomplishments; or want to de-emphasize certain parts of their employment history. Elements of a Resume Whichever type you choose, be sure to include the following key elements: Contact Information: Name, address, phone number(s), e-mail, Web site address. Headline/Summary: Summarize your expertise and give the reader a clear idea of what job you are seeking. For example: "Clinical social worker with training and experience in family therapy. Expertise in treating families with adolescents. Excellent organization and case management skills. Computer literate." Employment History: Provide each employer's name and city, your dates of employment and your job title. If you are older, you can omit earlier periods of work history if they are not relevant to your current work objective. A resume should include major career highlights, not everything you have ever done in your life. When you describe past jobs, focus on accomplishments, as opposed to a list of job descriptions. Use strong action verbs and specify the results or impact your actions had on the organization. Use numbers or percentages whenever possible. For example: Evaluated 200 people for inpatient admissions, admitted 75 percent and referred the remaining to appropriate community resources. Developed state welfare policy that resulted in more efficient delivery of services to two million people in Georgia. Education/Training. If you are a new graduate, list this category first. Use reverse chronological order to list colleges, as well as courses, seminars and workshops that relate to your job objective. Additional Information: List professional affiliations, publications, community activities and computer skills. Include no personal information, such as marital status or anything that would indicate your race or religion. References should not be included on your resume, but you should have them available if requested. Resume Appearance Use the following guidelines when designing the look of your resume: Keep your resume to one page unless you have extensive experience. Do not use all caps. Use a font size no smaller than 12. Print on quality bond paper, white or off-white. Do not use booklets. Many people procrastinate when it comes to resume preparation. However, the best time to look for a job is often when you are satisfied with your current position. An updated resume is a career development tool that can help you strategize your next career move. Entrepreneurs and independent practitioners can also use an accomplishment-oriented resume to create their career development and marketing plans. Debbie Brown is a career consultant and owner of D&B Consulting, Atlanta. She can be reached at (404) 240-8063 and Debbie@DandBconsulting. Visit her Web site at: www.DandBconsulting.com.