Resume FAIL. How to Construct a Killer Resume, From Start to Finish. Last week, I wrote a controversial article about resume tips that got a lot of readers fired up. As a result, I thought it would be worthwhile to go through the entire process of creating a strong resume, step by step. Step 0: Do NOT fire up Microsoft Word and use a generic resume template. Absolutely, positively, do NOT do this, no matter what. Microsoft Word is a powerful program, but just firing it up and opening up one of the included resume templates does one thing and one thing alone – make your resume look like everyone else’s. You want your resume to look unique and memorable, but classy – Word’s default templates will not cut the mustard.
Step 1: Open a plain text document and start listing all of the information you might ever include on a resume List the details of every job, including every possible relevant accomplishment at each one. This is essentially your “default resume.” Step 2: Read and research the job you’re interested in applying for One last thing… Give your résumé a face lift. After avoiding the 7 deadly sins of résumé design, you may be asking, “If I can’t use crazy colors, clip art, and other types of decoration, how do I make my résumé stand out from the crowd?” Like many things, the answer lies in the details. Even if you can’t hire a fancy designer and are stuck with Microsoft Word, a few tweaks can turn your blasé résumé into an elegant and functional showpiece. Update (Oct 25): As promised, here’s a template of the final résumé. Please credit this site, LifeClever, if you post it elsewhere. Thanks! Before starting your résumé makeover, first take a look at a typical one: Like most résumés, it was created in Microsoft Word.
Pick a better typefaceRemove extra indentationsMake it easy to skimApply typographic detailing If you’re using Times New Roman, Word’s default typeface, change it now. At the same point size, Georgia appears larger than Times New Roman, so you’ll want to set the font size a point or two smaller. To do this in Word: Here’s the full page: Job-Seeker Action Verbs -- Alphabetically. Free Sample Resumes: Vault Resume Examples, Templates, Formats and Advice. You don't need to purchase the Vault guide to get back on track.
Just search our site or use the links above. © 2014 Vault.com Inc. Browse > Connect with Vault Please contact customerservice@vault.com for assistance to configure your Vault account correctly for jobs-related functionality. Original text Contribute a better translation. Creating a Resume That Works for You. Home « Online Job Search Guide « Guide to Effective Resumes Your resume is the document that opens the doors of opportunity in your professional life. When you resume works, you work and when it doesn't you don't, put quite simply: your resume is the most financially important document you will ever own. Show me a stalled job hunt and one of the major causes will invariably be a resume that is inappropriate for it's task. Is your resume a general recitation of everything you have done to maximize opportunities?
Is your resume focused on the next rung up your promotional ladder? Is your resume based on your potential rather than your credentials? Answer yes to any of these questions, and your resume almost certainly isn't getting you enough interviews. Become discoverable in resume databases from amongst millions of other resumes. Your resume is a tool to start conversations, not to preclude them. Beyond this, a well-written resume works for you after job interviews as well.