Basic Resume Writing 101

Understanding the Four Essential Elements of the Perfect Resume

Dec 5, 2008 Deborah S. Hildebrand

Regardless if someone is an experienced job seeker or a newbie, resume writing should be clear and simple and include these four basic elements.

For job seekers who are writing their first resume, it can be a bit confusing and even overwhelming trying to determine what is and isn’t the best way to craft this short story about their work life. And while some might say there is only one way or at the very least a better way, most people will probably find that resume writing is fluid, ever changing, and dependent on what works for the individual and the type of position for which they are applying.

That being said, here are the four essential elements job seekers need to consider every time if they want to write a perfect resume.

Design of a Resume

Chances are that when candidates go for a job interview they dress in a manner that is considered appropriate for their profession. Whether that means a pin-stripped suit or something less formal, they dress to impress. Resumes need to do the same thing.

When job seekers create their resume it must have eye-appeal. That means that every design element they choose, from the font they use to the paper quality and color to the actual layout of information, has to capture the reader’s interest. If a resume is sloppy and cluttered, difficult to read or distracting in any way, it can ruin the intent: to interest the reader.

For the best results choose a 12 pt. font for easy reading, especially if faxing. Select a font that is simple and basic like Bookman or Arial. Use paper that is plain and light in color. In general, choose design elements that will not detract from the information being provided.

Focus of a Resume

There really is no one size fits all when it comes to resumes. The focus of a resume should be specific to the position for which the job seeker is applying. Anyone with an extensive background in a variety of areas who would welcome an employment opportunity in any one of several positions, may find they need a resume for each and every job.

Trying to design a generic resume that will work in every situation for every type of position is generally less successful in the long run. Now that does not mean job seekers have to completely rewrite their entire resume. It merely means that they should mix and match job information depending on what is applicable to the position.

Flow of a Resume

The flow of a resume is important because it goes to the job seeker’s ability to write. An employer is likely to think twice about a job seeker’s communication skills if he cannot put a coherent statement together on the resume.

In order for candidates to make their resumes flow smoothly, they should not write in third person as if they are describing someone else. On the other hand, they should also avoid first person; writing “I did this” or “I did that” is unnecessary and a waste of words and space.

And speaking of a waste of words: be careful not to fill a resume with empty words that take up space but add no content. Words like ‘a’, ‘an’, and ‘the’ can often be eliminated with no loss of understanding, as in “rewrote employee handbook” instead of “rewrote the employee handbook.”

Components on a Resume

The components of a resume are the critical types of information writers choose to include in order to convey their background and experience.

There are any number of sections – summary, work experience, education -- that job seekers might be advised to include on their resume; however, there are only three or four that are essential. These are:

• Contact Information: Be sure to include at least a name and phone number, although adding the address and email is helpful. Make sure the font is large enough to read clearly if faxed.
• Job History: Start with the current employer first and work backwards for up to ten years.
• Education: Only include education after high school and only if it is relevant to the job posted.
• Skills: Include those skills that are applicable to the job whether that means computer skills or any others.

Of course, job seekers might choose to add additional sections, like a summary, but try to keep it clean and simple. In addition, some experts suggest including an objective and the concluding statement, “references available upon request.” However, objectives are better replaced by headlines. And saying “references available upon request” is merely stating the obvious.

It’s a matter of taking the time to design a resume that communicates the best of who the job seeker is and what he has to offer. That’s basic resume writing 101.

The copyright of the article Basic Resume Writing 101 in Career Advice is owned by Deborah S. Hildebrand. Permission to republish Basic Resume Writing 101 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Writing a Resume