Writing a resume is one of the first things you must do when initiating the job search process. Job opportunities can appear at any time. You should, therefore, always have a complete and up-to-date resume that you would be comfortable providing to potential employers.

A resume gets you the interview, not the job. It is one of the first things that employers look at when they are screening potential candidates and so is a great way to get your “foot in the door” and make a good first impression that could lead to potential follow-up. A resume is a summary of your accomplishments and a brief description of who you are as an individual. A resume should leave the employer with the impression that you are a qualified candidate for the position.

Resume Format
A standard resume consists of six different categories of information:

1. Contact Information: This includes information such as your name, address, phone number, and email and should be located at the top of your resume. This information should provide the employer with enough information to contact you, if needed.
2. Job Objective: This section should appear below your contact information and consists of a brief description of your career goals and interests.
3. Work Experience: This section should include all of your past work experience. Information such as the name of the employer, the position held, a brief description of the duties and responsibilities of that position, and the time period spent there should be included in this section. Work experiences should be listed in reverse chronological order. Be sure to not only focus on the responsibilities of that job but also to highlight any achievements earned during that work experience.
4. Education: This should include all past and current education received as well as any awards or credits earned (e.g. scholarships, substantial GPA, etc.). Awards or credits earned that could be seen as somewhat vague should be clearly explained in this section.
5. Additional Information: This section is an asset to your resume and is provided for any additional information you would like to communicate to the employer that cannot be placed in any of the previously stated categories. This could include items such as positive personality traits, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, recognition and awards, and any certifications or licences that were not previously stated in the Education section.
6. References: The References section can take on one of three different formats: The first format is to state that references are available upon request of the employer. The second is to list your references including their name, position, and contact information. The last format is, in certain circumstances, where you may want to attach a reference letter to your resume.

Use Active Words
It is very important that you use active words when describing your accomplishments in order to create a positive impression on the employer (e.g. increased, led, developed, etc.). You may also want to tailor your resume to your audience. This includes using active words that will catch the attention of that particular type of employer.

Make it Look Good
Visual appeal is also an important factor of resume writing. White space and layout are great ways to make your resume look professional. Most employers receive many resumes and therefore can only look over each resume briefly. By creating an attractive resume you will gain the attention of the employer and encourage them to review your resume more in depth. The goal of this strategy is to make your resume stand out from those of all of the other applicants. Resumes should have sharp headers and be properly aligned. A resume should not be longer than 2-3 pages in length.

Proofread, Edit, and Proofread Again
Lastly, proofread your resume; several times, if necessary. It is imperative that small errors such as typos or poor grammar be identified and addressed. All your impressive work experience and education can be easily upstaged by some tiny gaffs that cast doubt on your professionalism to a prospective employer. If possible, get a third party to review your resume before applying for jobs. This will eliminate bias and produce constructive feedback that will help out with the resume writing process.