How To Build A Good Resume

Though you may have a general idea of how to create a resume, do you know how to build a good resume? If not, don’t worry-as you are not alone. Though many people think that not knowing how to create a dynamite resume is ok, as long as they what they have for career qualifications included in it are good, is ok; it is often the reason that many resumes, and their corresponding applicants get passed by in the hiring process-before they even get to the interview. Below, we offer tips on how to build a good resume, so that you know how to get results in the job search process.

Contact Information: As simple as it seems, starting with solid contact information is key to building a good resume. Though this is the most elementary aspect of any resume, it can often be overlooked and not approached correctly. Make sure when stating your contact information that you give your full name, correct mailing address, and updated contact information of phone and email. Offer two phone numbers and/or email addresses if you like; but make sure to offer an employer a way to reach you effectively and without hassle. Most likely, if an employer cannot reach you the first time, they will stop trying, as they do not have the time. This results in you not getting the interview or the job. So, this is why including your contact information accurately, is vital to your job search. This is what it should look like:

John Adams
12 West Street
Key West, FL 45567
(H)444-444-4444
(M)555-555-5555
johnadams@emailaddress.com
jadams@emailaddress.com

Objective: Though many career experts are divided on whether or not to include a professional objective in your resume, it is more often than not one of the aspects of your resume that makes it the most powerful-if it is written correctly. Include your professional objective after your contact information. Your objective, if written correctly, will include your career goal, what skills, achievements, experience, and learning will get you there; and how the position that you are applying to fits in. This should be written in only one of two sentences. Why an objective is so helpful in getting your resume noticed is that it shows an employer that what their company values most is in line with your goals-thus, you will likely be a more qualified and motivated candidate, if you have a clear vision of your own career goal-as demonstrated through a professional objective. So, what should it look like? Though it will vary based on your experience, where you are in your career, your industry, and the company to which you are applying; a sample objective looks like this:

Objective: Seeking a career in Advertising in which I can use my excellent communications skills, degree in Advertising, and strong work ethic to bring about success for the company I work for.

Include Strong Skill Sets: In order to get an interview for the position that you are seeking, you need more than just a section on your skills and achievements-you need compelling details and examples on why you possess these skills sets and how you have used them to bring about success in your career. Use a handful of bullet points to point out these strongest achievements and skill sets; and use action words to introduce each point, such as: initiated, mastered, commandeered, and partnered with. Using strong skill sets that are both general and specific skills, will help the employer see how valuable your skills will be to them, if they hire you.

Use the Right Resume Format: Thousands of applicants per year apply well qualified for positions in all sorts of industries and capacities, but with the wrong resume format for their specific experience and career history. This, in most cases, costs them the possibility of a job interview and future employment. There are three basic types of resume formats out there-and most people believe there is only one-the chronological resume format. This said, not everyone is best presented with a chronological format as it focuses on employment history. In the case when employment history is weak, this makes the inconsistencies in the employment history, all the more showcased-which can be of serious detriment to the candidate. Instead, the candidate with a weak or inconsistent employment history should use a functional resume which focuses more on the skills and achievements of the applicant; and takes focus off of the inconsistent employment history.