Here is a quick overview of how to put together a resume for a job or career objective if you plan to stay in your current area of expertise.

The strength of the chronological resume is showing the dates of where and what you have done, including the progression of your work experience, as well as the specific achievements attained at each job.

The chronological resume is the most favored resume by human resources representatives and managers. (see example)

However, I would not recommend this style if you:

• wish to change your careers
• have gaps in employment.
• are entering or re-entering the workforce

This resume is for individuals wishing to stay or advance in the same field.

What are the key questions you should answer?

First, summarize what skills, achievements, and experiences you bring to the position.

Second, create a section at the top that provides the reader an overview of your experience. This is a separate section with its own set of bullets.

EXAMPLES:

• - SUMMARY OF SKILLS
• - CORE OF EXPERTISE
• - HIGHLIGHT OF QUALIFICATIONS

What should go in this section?

• number of years of experience
• special awards or acknowledgements
• degrees, certificates, or major course work
• skills that should be highlighted outside other sections
• a personality trait or two that applies to the job

Third, think of four to five examples you provide for each job worked.

Examples must be specific in nature.

Good examples of your achievements present a visual, snapshot of your work.

Achievements should be quantifiable. They should tell the reader how you use your skills. For most applicants, this takes a little time and thought.

• If you need help on what and how to do it, you can get help through:
• job descriptions
• performance reviews
• what co-workers say

Example 1:
Too generic:
Answered and routed phone calls (don’t know about how busy you are).
More specific:
Answered over 200 phone calls and routed calls to over 20 staff workers (paints a picture of a very busy office)

Example 2:
Too general:
-Directed a nonprofit agency serving the homeless population of San Francisco.
More specific:
-Directed a nonprofit agency of a $2,000,000 budget serving over 500 homeless clients in San Francisco.

Example 3:
Too general:
Repaired and serviced Bay Area copier machines.
More specific:
Repaired and maintained over 200 copiers for 35 vendors on a monthly basis.

A great resume is filled with lots of achievements. Achievements will make you stand out from others.

Finally, sequence your presentation in a logical manner, with your most important information being placed at the top.

A good resume will help you to promote your skills, interests, and motivators in an organized fashion.

The added benefit of a good resume is to prepare you psychologically for the interview. You will be armed with lots of examples and specifics of how you can impact their department and company.