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resume is one of the most important documents of any person’s career. Without a proper resume your chances of securing a proper
job are not very good. Contrary to ordinary belief, a resume is not a book on your life. A potential
employer does not have the time to read a book on a potential
employee.
The secret is to keep it short, essential and just give enough information to entice a potential employer to invite you for an interview to learn more about you! A resume is a special document that tells potential employers some of the important things they need to know about you. It helps them to decide whether you are the right person for the job.
Sometimes it is the only way you can communicate with a potential employer who is offering a job, so it’s very important that it is written properly. Ideally then, a resume should be two to three pages long and never, but never present a hand-written resume. It must be typed without any spelling mistakes, grammar problems or any crossings-out in pen. Even one silly mistake on it would give the impression that you have not bothered to present a professional presentation. Do not add photographs of yourself if it was not specifically requested.
A resume could be divided into the following sections or divisions: Personal detail
Educational background
Employment history
Interests and achievements
Computer and other
skills Personal detail: Some personal detail are irrelevant to an employer and unless specifically requested it is best to leave it out. Remember a potential employer will probably not waste valuable time sifting through trivia to find the essence of you. For instance, you can definitely leave out the names of your children, your height and weight and how long you have been married!
Educational background: If you do not have any
tertiary qualifications then you must mention your highest school qualification. For tertiary graduates, only include all such tertiary qualifications, both academic and professional.
Employment history: This is the section that carries the most weight in a resume. Your employment history should be written in reverse chronological order – from the present date back to your first job. For each job you had, give accurate dates of employment, explain the employer’s business, position you had, your duties and job description and the area of work you covered. Very important, do not leave gaps in your employment history. If not employed for certain periods, mention it with reasons.
Interests and achievements: In this section you can portray something about your personality and lifestyle. Only mention recent achievements and not those many years ago when still in school. It is very important, do not attach copies of press cuttings, diplomas and other documentary evidence – employers do not have time for it.
Computer and other skills: Most jobs nowadays require some computer literacy – or in other words you may not be employable if you don’t have any computer skills. It is therefore vital you highlight it in your resume. List every computer course you have attended, the type of applications you have experience with, as well as any programming skills you might have. Punctuate any typing skills you might have as well as your typing speed. Also specify all other skills you may have – negotiation skills, accounting skills, etc.
In conclusion, make sure your resume is prepared and presented professionally. It may even be your worthwhile to obtain the services of agencies specializing in preparing resumes. Remember, this could be the most important document in your entire life – do not make a hash of it. Your resume is a mirror of yourself or the story of your life – make sure it is read by the right people.
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