A resume (pronounced "REZ-oo-may") is a very personal document and needs to be adapted to each individual's needs and circumstances. With Wilford W. Webster, we are presenting you with a typical resume layout that has proven to be effective. You can tailor your resume to your unique experience and educational background.
On average, a resume is read in 30 seconds or less. If you
can't say what you need to say in that amount of time/space, you're probably
saying too much.
Lead with your strengths. For most people, that will be
work experience. But it may be that your education is your strongest suit,
or volunteer work you've done, honors you've received, or collateral experience
not normally associated with your job description.
Use simple, declarative sentences.
Avoid the urge to be flambuoyant, unless you're going into
a creative field, such as graphic arts.
Do not include potentially damaging information, such as
being dismissed for one reason or another. Save it for the face-to-face
interview.
Check with your references before giving a potential employer
a list of names -- sometimes people you believe will give you a good
recommendation will surprise you. Also, it's recommended that you not
put references on a resume. Wait until you're asked for them. Another
word of advice: Personal references are rarely contacted unless you are applying
for your first job. Employers want to talk to one another.
Click here to go to the resume template.
Traditionally, all resumes are mailed with a cover letter explaining why you are sending the resume. On-line, the rules change slightly, but the concept is the same. E-mail your cover letter to the person or persons you want to read your resume. Obviously, the letter must contain the URL to your on-line resume.
Covers letters need to be short and to the point -- three
to four sentences is plenty long.
Cover letters should be addressed to a specific individual
whenever possible. It's worth the extra time to track down the appropriate
person's name.
Do not address your cover letter to the company president
(e.g., Bill Gates at Microsoft) or other high-ranking executive just because
you know his or her name, unless you know for certain that's the correct
person. Otherwise, your query is likely to be ignored.
Cover letters should be upbeat and positive. Don't try to
explain away some skeleton in your closet that may surface during the hiring
process. Deal with it when -- and if -- it surfaces.
Click here to go to the cover letter template.