What is a Resume and What Can It Do for You?

What is a resume?

The word resume was coined in 1804 to signify a summary or a written account of a person's basic qualifications or credentials. It is intended to be used by a person like you, who is currently seeking or applying for employment. These tips will show you what a resume can do for you. By using these guidelines, you will find that you are successful in obtaining a job that is appropriate.

Your cover letter identifies you.

Your cover letter is probably the most important page of your resume, because without it, any potential employer may or may not be able to contact you. This page gives your employer your contact information with your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.

Your most recent employment experience informs your potential employer immediately, as to whether you have the required employment experience or expertise, required for the job being offered or posted internally or externally.

Begin your resume with your most recent employment experience. Sometimes, it takes a while to document all of your employment history, but you will be glad that you did that first, before writing your resume. Your potential employer may only want to know what you have been doing in the last five or 10 years, but you will want to be able to relate other employment history to him or her, if asked, so be prepared with a complete employment record. This should include the name and address of the employers, dates of employment and previous salary records, if possible.

Your academic or education record immediately reveals to your potential employer whether or not you have sufficient education or training to handle the proposed position.

Begin with your most recent education and training, as that is what is current and will be of more benefit than many years of other, possibly unrelated, kinds of education or training. There may be specific kinds of education or training that your employer is seeking, so be prepared to relate other previous education and training to him, if asked to do so. It may be of benefit to you, in terms of the actual salary that you will receive. Your employer will know what further training or education will be required in the future, in order for you to succeed in your new job.

Your current other interests will reveal personal information about you.

Relate your current interests in this part of your resume, as it is important that your potential employer gets to know you and respect you, as a person. You may include outside interests, hobbies or pastimes, specific parts of your life that you feel are important and may be important to your employer. Your work hours are important, but your own personal time is important to you and appropriate scheduling should allow you to do what you want or need to do, particularly if there are other family members involved. It is easier for the employer if he or she knows what to expect down the road.

What you feel you can contribute to the company or job is important and may be the key factor that determines whether or not you are successful in obtaining employment.

Many employers want to know why you think they should hire you. You know why you are attracted to a particular job or position, but they do not know. In this part of your resume, you may want to include your own expectations, like salary, hours, benefits and vacation. It will help to avoid any confusion.

Concluding the resume with letters of reference or contact information shows the employer that you are serious about the job application. This will re-enforce your personal credibility as well.

You probably know several people who would be willing and able to give you appropriate letters of reference. Speak with them before you submit your resume and make certain that you have their permission to use their names, addresses and phone numbers, as well as valid e-mail addresses, for future contact purposes. This can prevent confusion, at a later date.

Making certain that your resume looks professional and is submitted to your employer in a professional manner may make the difference between getting the job which you are applying for and not getting it.

Resumes may be sent in the mail, but now it is easier and faster for potential employers to look at and respond to a resume by e-mail. If you are using e-mail, make certain that you have attached your resume properly to the e-mail.

Remember that e-mails sometimes get missed or lost, so do not hesitate to re-send it. Expect to receive an answer from your employer. Keep a record of when you send it out and what response you get from it. You may need to revise it later, if necessary.

These seven tips will help you to obtain employment. Think positive and you will find that you are successful in finding new employment.