When a people are young, we are taught the fundamentals of our future. We are told to learn all that we possibly can, make sure always to prioritize, and aim high. Keeping within these core lessons, many may choose to embark on a journey up the corporate ladder. As helpful and earnest as these guidelines may be, they do not exactly lay out all the necessary work involved in reaching each step. If one, for example, is aiming to join the workforce, how is he/she to know what he/she should do to put himself out there? This is one of the many challenges that may arise. These answers are learned from experience and help from other’s who have been there. Although there is no single suitable or correct answer, one of the best solutions for this type of question is to create an outstanding resume. Keeping in mind a few key ideas, anyone can become a master resume maker.

A resume is a brief summary of all job relevant skills, experiences, and education. This information is compiled into a neat, functional outline that highlights each detail for the potential employer. There are several different types of resumes to choose from, each unique to the requested information and position being sought. They are classified as chronological, functional, electronic, and curriculum vitae. Choosing which type to use is solely based off of what kind of background the applicant wishes to present.

A chronological resume is the basic outline of skills, experience, and education. Organized by titles and dates, this resume type is best used when the applicant meets all of the requirements for the job or position. It is the recommended choice of applicants with a stable work history and ample experience pertinent for the job or position sought. Employers tend to appreciate this type the most because it is easy to follow and specific.

A functional resume is the more complex outline that primarily highlights skills acquired. Organized by grouping experiences and education under a specific skill or accomplishment, this resume type is best when used to organize fractured or limited experience. By matching education and skills that may not directly connect into a more cohesive format, it is the recommended choice for entry-level job seekers and those that wish to change their field or industry. Employers tend to shy away from this type unless each section is clearly organized and easy to read.

An electronic resume is used when applying for jobs or positions via internet. Organized to highlight key words, this resume type is best when applying to companies that use automated scanning systems to pull information. By precisely organizing and wording content with the key words stated in the job requirement, the applicant increases their chance of standing out from possibly thousands of other resumes. Employers with large databases and frequent job or position openings favor this type of resume to stay organized.

A curriculum vitae resume is a lengthy compilation of all experiences, education, awards, publications, work history, and credentials. This type of resume is most commonly used when applying for professional careers in the medical or science field. However, depending on what country the applicant is applying in, this resume may be either the basic requirement for resume content or be recognized as more of special format. It is important to check the application guidelines for the area of potential employment before adopting this type.

No matter which type of resume is chosen as appropriate for the occasion, all should include the same key details. The first piece of information found on a resume is the job seeker’s personal information. This includes their full legal name, primary address, preferred contact phone, and email address. It is crucial to use the exact name listed on all legal documents. Should the applicant prefer to be referred to by another name, it should be listed in parenthesis. Personal websites should only be listed if they contain relevant information. Do not list personal sites used for leisure, such as social networking profiles. The next piece of information, found just below the contact information, is the objective. This is a declarative statement that expresses exactly what it is the aspirant would like to accomplish from their submission. It should be specific and no longer than one or two sentences.

Depending on what type of resume sample is selected or what content the author chooses to include, there are several other types of information that can be entered. The primary type is work or employment history. This should be a complete list of all relevant jobs with time periods, listed in order from most recent. It is necessary to include jobs from the last 10 to 15 years, unless otherwise noted in the application requirement. The secondary type of information that may be entered is education and training. This should include all relevant degrees and courses, listed in order from most recent. If education and training experience is sub par, it may be in the applicant’s best interest to include other explanatory information, such as activities, non-profit experience, professional affiliations, clubs, or military experience. These can be listed in various combinations and forms, making sure they are relevant to the job requirements.

On occasion, an employer will ask for a list of references be included with the resume. The reference list should include the names, titles, and contact information of anyone that can directly vouch for any skills and qualities that have been listed in the submitted resume. These should be closely limited to professional and other non-related persons. If a reference list is not requested, it is often wise to end a drafted resume with the words “References Available Upon Request”. This gives the employer or hiring manager the option to ask for more information, if needed.

Another document often requested by the employer to be included in the resume is a cover letter. This is the first page of your resume, drafted as a letter to the employer or hiring manager. Cover letters clearly and directly explain the applicant’s purpose for the submission, draw attention to the resume, and correlate the employer’s needs to the qualities enclosed. The letters should be no longer than a page, separated into a greeting, opening paragraph, body, and closing paragraph. The opening should state the desired position and how job seeker learned of the position. The body should draw attention to the job seeker’s best qualities and how those qualities would benefit the company, if hired for the job or position. The closing paragraph should thank the reviewer for their time and explain the specific details of the applicant’s plan to follow-up. It is important to stick to these meeting plans exactly as listed. If done efficiently, the cover letter can be the aspirant’s greatest tool.

Resumes are a simple, yet effective way to get noticed in the working field. The effort and attention involved in their creation can make all the difference in being hired or not. Learning the process of resume making may be the very first step in achieving one’s goals and securing the future they’ve always dreamed of.