10 Steps: How to Write a Resume

10 Steps: How to Write a Resume

You're a smart job seeker! You know your resume is a key part of getting a new job. That's why you're taking time to learn how to write a resume so you have the best one possible.

This may be your first time writing a resume; or maybe you're updating an old one for the umpteenth time. Either way, you'll want to use this guide to be sure you're doing all you can to have the best resume possible.

I created this online resume workshop so you can use it as a step-by-step guide or as a resource to answer particular resume questions. So feel free to start with Step 1 and work your way through to Step 10. Or, jump around to find answers to your questions.

10 Steps: How to Write a Resume

Introduction: Top 5 Resume Tips
Key points that will serve as a compass as you go through each step of writing your resume.

Step 1: Find a Job for Your Resume
Learn why this step is important to writing a good resume. Don't make the mistake so many make by doing this step after they write their resumes.

Step 2: List of Keywords for Your Resume
Recruiters and employers search for keywords, so you need to put them in your resume if you want to be found.

Step 3: Choose a Resume Format
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to resume format. Learn which of these three resume formats will make your job search a success.
Chronological Resume Template
Functional Resume Template
Combination Resume Template

Step 4: Your Resume Heading
Believe it or not, there's a right way and a wrong way to do this easy step. Be sure you do it the right way!

Step 5: Your Resume Job Objective
Learn the pros and cons of having a job objective statement, how to write a good one, and some good options for not having one. For example, here's a Sample of a Professional Title on a Resume.

Step 6: Your Summary of Qualifications
If the employer reads only this part of your resume, does she get the very best of what you have to offer? Find out how to make your Summary shine!

Step 7: Your Work Experience
Know how to write your work history on your resume to make the best of it, even if you have tough problems. In this step, you'll learn:
How to Explain Unemployment on Your Resume
How to Overcome Age Discrimination With Dates on a Resume

Step 8: Your Resume Achievement Statements
Achievement statements tell the employer you're worth hiring, or at least interviewing for the job. Spend time on this part so you use your resume real estate wisely.

Step 9: Listing Education on Your Resume
Where to put your Education section, what to list in it, and how to deal with many college degrees or no degree at all.

Step 10: Community Service and Other Lists on Your Resume
Where and how to put all those lists of community service, skills, and other things that need a place of their own on your resume.

More Good Resume Stuff
While writing your resume, you may find it helpful to look at
100+ Great Resume Samples to see how others have done on their resumes.