Do you need help with how to write a resume? First of all, your resume needs to be consistent, concise, and clear and easy to read. If it's not, your resume and cover letter won't get a second glance from any hiring manager.

Here's how to write a resume that will get noticed and help you get invited for an interview.

There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume. Taking the time to target your resume is well worth the effort.

Resume Contact Information

It's important to include all your contact information on your resume so employers can easily get in touch with you. Include your full name, street address, city, state, and zip, home phone number, cell phone number, and email address.

Resume Objective

If you include an objective on your resume, it's important to tailor your resume objective to match the job you are applying for. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of being considered for the job you are interested in.

Career Summary

The Career Summary section of a resume is an optional customized section of a resume that lists key achievements, skills, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Resume Experience Section

The experience section of your resume includes your employment history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

Resume Education Section

In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. Also include professional development coursework and certifications.

Resume Skills

The skills section of your resume includes your abilities that are related to the jobs you are applying for. Include skills that are relevant to the position / career field that you are interested in i.e. computer skills, software skills, and/or language skills.

Resume Keywords

Your resume should include the same keywords that appear in job descriptions. That way, you will increase your chances of your resume matching available positions - and of you being selected for an interview.

You Must Prioritize Your Resume Content

It's important to prioritize the content of your resume so that your most important and relevant experience is listed first, with key accomplishments listed at the top of each position.

Write a Custom Resume

First Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone (Cell/Home)
Email Address

Objective (optional)

To find keywords to use, take a look at some actual job postings. Search for job listings that match your background and experience. Then look at the keywords including in the job postings and incorporate them into your resume.

Use a job search engine so you can find jobs from a variety of job sites. Then compare and contrast and pick the keywords from the job postings that are the best fit for your skills and qualifications.

Use job keywords to find jobs in the career fields and industries you are interested in. Keywords can be more effective than using the predefined search options in the job banks, because they search the entire listing (job description, job title, contact information, etc.) for the keyword(s) that you use.

When you use the job search engine sites you will need to enter a keyword to search. Use terms (like graphic designer or marketing assistant, for example) that closely match the type of job you are seeking to generate a list of relevant jobs.

When writing a resume, some job seekers choose to state an objective on their resume, rather than including it in the body of their cover letter.

Stating an objective can convince employers that you know what you want to do and are familiar with the field. Stating your objective on your resume is optional, having an objective for your resume is not - you need to be clear about your employment goals.

• Obtain a position at XYZ Company where I can maximize my management skills, quality assurance, program development, and training experience.
• Account executive trainee at ABCD advertising agency.
• Position as clinical practice assistant for health maintenance organization, utilizing writing, research, and leadership skills.
• Elementary education teacher at small independent school.
• Customer service management where my experience can be utilized to improve customer satisfaction.
• Create integrated strategies to develop and expand existing customer sales, brand/product evolution, and media endorsement.
• Management position where I can effectively utilize my expertise in human relations, project management, and staff recruitment and retention.
• Marketing position that utilizes my writing skills and enables me to make a positive contribution to the organization.
• Search engine optimization position where I can use my SEO skills and experience to increase site traffic and search engine placement.
• To secure a position with a well established organization with a stable environment that will lead to a lasting relationship in the field of finance.
• To obtain a position that will enable me to use my strong organizational skills, educational background, and ability to work well with people.
• Experienced HR Coordinator who enjoys challenge seeking opportunity to learn and improve skills.

Contact Information

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message how you include your contact information will vary based on how you are sending your cover letter.

When you are writing a cover letter to mail or to upload to a job board or company website, the first section of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you. If you have contact information for the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information.

Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

FirstName LastName
Email Address
Phone
Cell Phone

FirstName LastName
Email Address
Phone
Cell Phone
LinkedIn Profile

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to include an appropriate salutation at the beginning of the cover letter or message. If you have a contact person for your letter, be sure to include their name in your letter.

The following is a list of letter salutation examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence.

The most important part of a cover letter or an email message applying for employment, is the body of your cover letter. The body of a cover letter includes the paragraphs where you explain why you are interested in and qualified for the job for which you are applying.

The body of your cover letter is the section of the letter that tells the hiring manager what position you are applying for and why the employer should select you for an interview. You're selling your candidacy to the reader, so it's important to be specific about your qualifications as they relate to the position.

First Paragraph

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to close your letter in a professional manner.

The following is a list of letter closing examples that are appropriate for cover letters and employment related correspondence.

When you are sending email cover letters, it's important to include contact information so the hiring manager can easily see how to reach you.