How to Write a Winning Resume!

1. Job Hunting Made Simple with the Right Resume It doesn't matter what your status is in life or what you would like to achieve out of it, almost everybody is going to need some type of employment. The struggle to find the right employment can often be made easier if you take the necessary steps in advance to ensure that you are as employable as possible. This publication is designed to help you in that regard because it talks about how to write a winning resume and to do what is necessary to get your foot in the door. More than likely, you are already looking for one specific benefit when it comes to writing a resume, the benefit of finding a job. In reality, however, there are a number of additional reasons why you would want to write a good resume and it can be of benefit to you, even if you're not actively seeking employment. By understanding the different benefits that are associated with writing a resume, it can provide the motivation to get the right one started. In addition, it will allow you to get more out of the resume than simply submitting it and trying to find a job. There are a few things to keep in mind when you are writing a resume. First of all, there are different formats of resumes and each one is going to be submitted for different purposes. We will take a look at the 3 different formats that are available for resumes, including some of the differences and why you would want to choose one over the other. Choosing the right resume for your needs can really make a difference when it comes to finding employment that is suitable for you. After a brief review of the different types of resumes, it is time to actually put one together. The first step in the process is to get the resume started but there is more to it than that. What is it that makes your resume stand out from among the rest, and when it is in front of your prospective employers, what makes them want to choose your resume over the others that are piled on their desk? If you pay attention to the way that you start your resume, it makes it much more likely that it will be noticed. We will also discuss some of the other factors that are associated with writing a resume so that you can put one together that will suit your needs. Some of the different parts of the resume that will be covered in this publication include the objective statement, your qualifications, your experience and even your achievements. Admittedly, the amount of information that your will include on the resume will differ from one circumstance to another. By looking into all of the possibilities in advance, however, it gives you a better likelihood of writing a resume that is going to work well for you. One of the issues that many people struggle with when it comes to writing a resume is the fact that they have never written one before. If you find yourself in that situation, you may have considered using a template in order to form the basis for your own resume. There are benefits to using a template but there may also be some issues that are involved with it as well. We will discuss the use of resume templates in this publication and let you know how you can use them with success. Although the bulk of this publication is going to focus on putting together a resume that is actually printed out, there are also options for using the Internet to post a resume as well. It is important for you to include an Internet resume, because it can make a difference in your ability to find the work that you need. At times, an Internet resume may even land you a job that you had not considered because they find you rather than you finding them. Those are some of the factors that will be considered about online resumes in this publication. Although it is important to have a resume if you want to land a job successfully, there are other factors that need to be considered as well. In fact, timing everything properly is going to be paramount in getting the job that you need. We will talk about some of the different factors that will allow you to successfully land a job that would include those that are associated with your resume and those that just have to do with proper etiquette. If you play your cards right, you will be able to go places. It is also important to ensure that you are as employable as possible. Many people tend to overlook this factor, but it is very important. We live in a day and age when it is possible to find information about almost anyone and to do so without his or her knowledge. Although you may be doing some research in advance on the place of employment where you are posting your resume, you can be sure that they are doing some research on you as well. We will talk about how to make yourself as employable as possible, and that will put you head and shoulders above the competition. Finally, we are going to talk about the way that you can leave a job if you find another. Many people find themselves in a difficult situation, where they are unhappy in their current circumstances and they would like nothing better than to let everyone know their true feelings when they walk out the door. Burning your bridges in such a way can come back to haunt you and in many cases, it will. We will talk about not burning your bridges and how to leave your current job with dignity. There are many factors associated with finding a job but writing the proper resume is one of the first things that you should consider. By reviewing the information in this publication, you are putting yourself in line for finding the employment that you need and doing so, even when the job market is difficult. 2. The Benefits of Writing a Killer Resume If you were to ask most people why they were writing a resume, they would answer that it was to help them land a job. In reality, that is only one of the many benefits associated with writing a resume. There are also other benefits that you will experience and that will likely follow you as you change places of employment. In this chapter, we are going to look at some of the reasons why writing a resume is a great idea and why you should focus your efforts on this important document. Getting Hired - One of the obvious benefits of writing a great resume is the fact that it can increase your opportunities to get hired. In fact, that is the primary reason why your resume is written, and if you write one properly as is outlined in this publication, you increase your odds of getting hired substantially. Great First Impression - If you write your resume properly, it is possible to leave a great first impression that will be remembered for quite some time. Of course, the first impression begins with starting your resume properly and getting the attention of those who are reading it. We will talk about leaving a great impression by writing your resume in a proper way and focusing on the beginning, which is where everything starts. Skills - It can be difficult to outline your skills when you are sitting in front of your prospective employer for an interview. More than likely, you are going to forget about something or you will not be able to properly get across your information as you would like, usually out of nervousness. By writing a proper resume, it gives you the opportunity to highlight your skills and to do so in the best way possible. Etiquette - One of the reasons why you would want to write a great resume is because it can let your prospective employers know that you are familiar with proper business etiquette. It is especially important if you are applying for a job in an area where that etiquette will need to be practiced on a regular basis. Communication - As we briefly discussed before, it is possible that you will end up sitting in front of your prospective employer in an interview. During a live interview, it can be difficult to maintain your focus and to get across all of the information that you need to convey. This is often due to nervousness, and it doesn't matter how many interviews you have been on, they are all going to be different. By taking the time to write your resume properly, you are able to communicate effectively with those in charge. Value - Finally, it is possible to outline your value and what you could bring to the table if you were to be hired by your prospective employer. This is perhaps one of the greatest benefits of writing a resume, because it gives you the opportunity to speak, even before you say a word. You can let a potential employer know about any ongoing training that you may have taken part in or perhaps about your qualifications, which can be outlined in detail. Not only does the resume add value to you, it is very easy for you to add value to the resume as well. Although these are only a few of the many benefits associated with writing a winning resume, they can be motivational when you keep them in mind. This publication will help you to write a resume that will stand out in a crowd of others, and you will see that these benefits are quite possible. 3. Three Resume Formats and What They Mean for You Although the different ways that you can write your resume are practically unlimited, there are a few different formats that you should consider. In reality, there are 3 basic formats when it comes to writing resumes, and as long as you follow one of those formats, you will be following proper etiquette. Of course, it is possible to step outside the lines if you like but you would certainly want to choose the basic format that was right for your needs and circumstances. Here are the 3 ways in which they can be written. Chronological - This is perhaps the most common format of writing a resume, and it is one that works in most circumstances. You need to remember, however, that the chronological entry of the information on the resume is actually in reverse order. The most current information is posted at the top, and it works its way down through your work or education history. In those cases, you will want to follow a chronological order for both your work history and your education. Typically, it is not necessary for you to go back more than 10-15 years but in some instances, it may be relevant to the circumstances. It is really up to you to decide how much information you're going to put on your resume as far as your work history and education are concerned but in a chronological format, you should work your way backward through at least 10 years. Typically, a chronological resume format is going to work well if you have been in the same general field for quite a few years and are not planning on making a move anytime soon. In addition, if you are applying for a position at another company that is very similar to your current position, the chronological format would also work well. After all, the first thing that is going to be seen by your prospective employer is at the top of the list, and you would want to ensure that it was relevant to the job you're applying for. Finally, make sure that you don't have any major gaps in your employment history if you're going to use a chronological format. Functional - The chronological format, which we discussed above, included information about when you worked and when you got your education. With a functional format, however, you are going to focus more on your particular skills and what you are able to do that is directly associated to the work that you are applying for. In that way, you are able to outline the specific areas where you can benefit the company, whether it is in your work experience or in your education. Typically, a functional format is used if you have worked in a number of different careers throughout your employment history. After all, you would not want your prospective employer to have to look through all of your employment when much of it would've been unrelated to what you are currently applying for in the new position. In addition, if you have any large gaps in your employment history, it is better for you to use a functional format. Some individuals find themselves in a position where they are either entering the workforce directly out of school or perhaps they are getting back into the workforce after they have been out of it for quite some time. In either case, you may find that a functional format is a much better choice than a chronological format, because you can focus on what you can do rather than your history, which may be spotty or even nonexistent. Hybrid - At times, you may want to combine the benefits of both the functional and the chronological resume format in a hybrid form. It may be possible for you to do this in a way that would make you look more attractive to your prospective employer. In a hybrid format, it is not necessary for you to mix everything but you may want to focus on one particular area, such as your work history or perhaps your education. Most people that choose a hybrid format are those that are trying to get into a new field or make some type of significant career change. The reason why it is beneficial for doing so is because you can highlight both your skills and your level of experience that may put you in line for such a position. In addition, you may use a hybrid format if you want to highlight something within the resume but you don't necessarily want to take a complete step away from the chronological format. 4. Getting Things Started on the Right Foot When you meet somebody for the first time, what is the first thing that you typically do? Like many people, you likely exchange hellos and then introduce yourself. When you are giving somebody a resume, it is essentially introducing you to them as an individual and to the place of employment. That is why it is important for you to pay close attention to the heading of the resume, which is where the information gets its start. By formatting this information properly, it can show that you are serious about employment and it can also make things very convenient for the prospective employer. The heading of the resume goes at the very top of the first page. Typically, it is not necessary for you to include a title page with your resume, unless you are applying for something that is very specific. As you will learn, keeping a resume fairly short and to the point is one of the best things that you can do in order to get yourself noticed. In fact, if you're able to fit all of the information comfortably on a single page, your employer will appreciate the effort. The heading is a part of the first page and it goes at the very top of the page. If you are writing your resume in Microsoft Word, you should not put it in the header feature but rather, it should go on the top of the main page. There is very specific information that you should include in this area, which may seem basic, but it is important to review it. Name - At the very top of the heading, you will put your name. When the interviewer is looking through a pile of resumes and trying to find the one that they need, you want to make sure that yours stands out and is easily found. The easiest way to do this is to simply put your name at the top of the document and if possible, you should make it bold. It is not necessary to change the font, italicize it or underline it; simply making it bold will make it stand out. Address - It is also important for you to put an address so that you can be contacted if there are any questions. Although it may be convenient to use your post office box, if you have one, it is not appropriate for use on a resume. A PO Box will likely make your prospective employer look at you as being transient or a temporary prospect. Using your street address, however, will display a bit more stability, and it is preferred. The only reason why you would use a PO Box is if you were going to be moving to a new address. Phone Number - It is important to put your phone number on the document as well. Like many people, you may have a number of different phone numbers at your disposal, but you should only choose one. Make sure that you choose the one that is your primary number and is the one that you will answer when it is called. It is also important for you to check your voicemail message on your phone. Make sure that the message is done in a professional manner and provides the clear information that is needed so that there will be no question that they called the correct number. Avoid any amusing messages and make sure that you don't just have the standard message that only states your number, because they may not leave a message. Internet - It is important for you to include some contact information from the Internet as well. This would include your primary email address, your website if you have one, and your LinkedIn account. Your prospective employer may want to contact you in this way. Additional Headings on Other Pages Although the primary heading is going to go at the top of the first page, it would also be beneficial if you included a short heading at the top of any additional pages. Just include the basic information, such as your name, your phone number and an email address. It will make it easier for them to keep track of your resume if you do it. Always remember that first impressions count and the first thing that they are going to see is your heading. By taking the time to format the heading properly, it will make an impression that sticks. 5. Do You Need a Job Objective Statement? In most cases, you would want to have information in the resume that would let the prospective employer know what job you are applying for. On traditional resumes, this was done by the means of a job objective statement, and it is still something that can be used today if it is used properly. There are also other options that may be a better choice, depending upon your needs and the circumstances of the position that you are applying for. In this chapter, we will take a look at the job objective statement and some reasons why you should or should not use it. If you are going to go with a typical job objective statement, it is going to be close to the top of your resume, placed directly below the heading. It is not always necessary to put it in that position, because there may be times when it is obvious that you are applying for a specific position and using a job objective statement would be somewhat redundant. On the other hand, if you are applying for a type of work that is significantly different than what you're currently doing or if you're only applying for one particular job within the company, using a job objective statement may be the best choice for you. It would help to remove any confusion that is associated with applying for the job and can typically help to streamline the process. If you decide that using a job objective statement is the best choice for your needs, it is important to format it properly. It will make it easier for your information to be found by the employers and it will also help to save them time, which is something that they would appreciate. The first thing that you should include on your job objective statement is the position for which you are applying. Be as specific as necessary, so that you are sure to be considered for that job and not another job that may be available at the company. In addition to providing information about the specific job, you would also want to include information about any responsibilities that are associated with that job as well. Finally, include information that would help to guide the reader through your resume and let him or her know that the information that is presented within it is directly related to that job. More important than putting the specific information in your job objective statement is how you should word it. It is important not to be too wordy with the job objective statement, or the benefit will get lost in the context. It is best if you keep the job objective statement to a single line or, if absolutely necessary, two lines but not any longer. If you decide that you do not want to use a job objective statement, you can still be specific in the way that you are applying for the job by using a professional title. This would allow the potential employer to see who you are and what you bring to the table. Employers can make the determination as to where you would fit best into their company when they have that brief description. 6. What Are Your Qualifications? When writing your resume, keep in mind that it is likely that the person who is reading it has a stack of resumes on his or her desk already. It can be very difficult to go through each and every resume and a look at every fine detail before making a decision as to whom to call. That is why it is a good idea for you to have a summary that would outline your qualifications and any additional information that would be beneficial to the interviewer. The summary of your qualifications can be in its own section and you should have a heading that would alert the interviewer to the fact that you are providing such a summary for him or her in that location. It should be near the top of the first page, either directly under your heading or, if you use it, under your job objective statement. Try to make it stand out in some way or another, typically by making the heading bold. You can then include the summary, but make sure that you are only including the information that is absolutely necessary to make it as easy as possible for the interviewer to see your qualifications and why they should take a closer look at your resume. You should also keep in mind that you will have other sections within the resume that would outline your qualifications and your levels of experience to an even greater degree. For example, you may have a section on any education that you have that is specific to the job that you are applying for, and you may have a work history listed. That information is going to be very detailed, so it is not necessary for you to include all of it in the summary of your qualifications. The shorter and more concise you make the summary, the easier it will be for the interviewer to see what you bring to the table. There is no specific length for the summary, but it is a good idea to keep it somewhat short. For the most part, a brief paragraph about your qualifications is going to be all that is necessary, although you may want to split it up into two paragraphs if it makes it easier to read. It should also be written in a format that speaks to the reader and is not simply listing one fact after another. The following is some of the information that should be included in the summary… Experience - Include a brief overview of your experience that is directly related to the job that you are trying to land. Background - Again, you can include any background information about you or your work history that would be specific to the job as well. Ethics - The interviewer is not only going to be interested in your educational or work history qualifications, he or she also wants to know something about you, and this is often directly related to the ethics that are part of your business practices. Values - You should also include information about your personal values, but make sure that it is related to the job that you are applying for. Throughout the summary of qualifications section, you should really blow your horn without seeming arrogant. Don't be afraid to talk about what you are going to be able to do for the employer to enhance the position and to be a "team player". This is also a good place where you can do some name dropping, because at times, it is not what you know, it is who you know. Think of your resume as being an advertisement that is promoting you as an individual. In reality, that is exactly what a resume is doing! You want to speak to your readers in a way that would let them know that you are the perfect candidate for the job. In some cases, the summary of your qualifications is going to be the only thing that is read on the resume, and if you want any chance of landing the job, you really need to shine in that section. Finally, keep in mind that you should not make any claims that you are not able to substantiate. Although it is a good idea for you to talk about your qualifications and to speak highly of yourself, you always want to back up those claims with information that is included in other sections of your resume. If you make your summary of qualifications so good, you will get noticed, but make sure that you are being noticed for what you truly offer and not for your unique writing skills. 7. Outlining Your Experience Up until this point, we have talked about some of the different things that could be included on your resume that are, in essence, only a summary of you and your abilities. Beginning with this chapter, we are going to talk about some of the longer sections that will be of interest to your employer, beginning with the section that outlines your experience. It is important for you to give this section the attention that it deserves, because it is one that is going to be looked at thoroughly by the interviewer. In this chapter, we will talk about some of the things that you should include in this section as well as how to overcome some difficulties that may exist as well. First of all, you need to consider the format of your resume as to whether it is chronological, functional, or if it is a hybrid of the two. If you are dealing with a chronological format, you would include the employment history, beginning with the most recent employer and working your way down through the history for a minimum of 10 years and perhaps more, depending upon your circumstances. When you use a functional format, you would include the work experience that is directly related to the job that you were applying for first. You should then list the employment history in order of the level of experience associated with that job. In a hybrid resume, you can use either a chronological or a functional format, depending upon your needs. You want to include enough information so that the interviewer is able to see, at a glance, your overall experience and job history. The basic information that should be included is your job title, the name of the employer and the address of the employer. You can also include very specific information about what you were able to achieve at each of those places of employment. It is important not to be overly detailed in this regard, because you don't want to clutter the resume with unnecessary information. A few bullet points that are included under each place of employment will be enough to provide the overview that is needed. You should also be concise when it comes to putting the basic information about your employment. For example, there is no need for you to be overly detailed about the dates that you were employed through another company; just the years are all that is necessary. The only reason why you should be more specific about the dates is if you changed jobs several times within a one-year period. Although it would be nice if all of us had a perfect work history, that is not typically the case. For some reason or another, we may have had difficulties that caused us to have gaps in our employment or we may have something in our work history that we would rather not put on the resume. Here are a few of the problems that can exist in your employment history and how you can overcome them. One of the problems that can occur if you have been in the workforce for many years is that you can be discriminated against due to your age. That is why it is a good idea for you to limit your work history to a certain extent. In working in chronological format, you should start with the newest job but it is unnecessary to go back any more than 10 - 15 years. If you were to list all of your jobs in order since you first started in the workforce, it could trigger some questions as to your age. The only reason why you would list older jobs is if you were doing your format in a functional format and needed to include experience from more than 15 years ago. Another issue that is common is for gaps to exist in your work history or perhaps for you to have circumstances that are less than desirable. For example, you may have quit a job under less than favorable circumstances or perhaps you were laid off for an extended amount of time or even were off work by choice for a long time and are now reentering the workforce. What can you do to ensure that those gaps in your work history don't trigger any unnecessary questions? One of the best things that you can do is to simply assign a title to the work that you were doing during the time that you were "unemployed". It doesn't matter if you were a caregiver for a sick parent or if you were just enjoying some time away from work, it is likely that you were doing something that could be assigned a job title. Try to be honest when doing this, but there is nothing that says you need to have been employed by an outside employer during those times. You may still been building up experience and certainly, we do keep busy, even if we are not working. 8. Blowing Your Own Horn - Achievements We have now discussed getting your resume started properly including some of the basic information, such as your education and work experience. These are the facts that will be looked into very carefully by the interviewer and you should include them in detail according to the information we provide. More than likely, however, you have additional information that could be included in the resume and it doesn't necessarily fit into any of the prior sections. That is what this chapter is designed to do, to help you to list your achievements in a way that is beneficial to you and makes it easier for you to land the job. First of all, it is important to recognize that your achievements are going to be of interest to the employer. As we will talk about further in this publication, it is important for you to make yourself as employable as possible and one of the best ways for you to do that is to make sure that your interviewer understands what you are bringing to the table. This would include both your personal achievements in life and your professional achievements, especially if they are directly related to the position that you are applying for. At times, it may be beneficial to break up your personal and professional achievements into separate sections. In that way, the interviewer could look through either one or both, depending upon the relevance. Of course, if you want the information to be read because you feel as if it has a direct bearing on the position that you are interviewing for, you should write it in a functional format and include it in the same section. Here are some of the different things that can be put into an achievement section that will be beneficial. Unpaid Services - Most of the resume is going to be related to what you do during the working hours. You may also be quite proud of the work that you do during the off hours, and you may take part in various types of community service or other unpaid types of services. What you do during that time is not only going to be considered when it comes to experience, it is also a reflection of your moral character as well. Make sure that you pay particular attention to any unpaid services that you take part in that are directly related to the job. Awards - It is also good to list any awards that you may have received, either in your professional life or your personal life. It is best if this information is relevant to the job, but any rewards that would show your moral character or your business ethics will be greatly desired. In some cases, winning awards may also display the fact that you are a team player and many potential employers desire that. Affiliations - Many individuals are associated with organizations that are directly related to their profession. If you have any of these types of professional affiliations, it is a good idea for you to list them either in order of importance or alphabetically. Include any specific information that would be relevant to the job, including any offices that were held during the time that you were associated with those organizations. Skills - There may be some specific skills that you have that would be of interest to your employer as well. For example, you may be highly technical and can work your way around the computer quite well, which is certainly something that would be of interest in most jobs. Include information about any creative interests and skills that you may have or if you are able to speak more than one language. Anything that would give you an advantage in the workforce is worth including in this section. Publications - If you have any publications, including research papers, books or articles that you have personally written or have taken part in, it should be included in this section. Personal Interests - Although this is typically included near the end of your achievements, it is a good idea for you to include your personal interests. At times, they may even be directly related to the position, but even if they are not related, it is a good idea to include them in this section. Of course, anything that you can do to improve your qualifications for employment would be preferred and should be listed at the top of your personal interests. These are only a few of the different options that you may want to consider in the achievements section. In essence, anything that can be included, which would show that you are a qualified candidate for the job or would provide information about your morals or ethics would be good to include. Try not to be overly personal in the information that you provide while at the same time, providing enough information that they have an overview of you and what you have to offer. 9. Outlining Your Education Depending on the job that you are applying for, it may be necessary for you to focus on your education. At times, it may even be the first thing that the prospective employer looks for, especially if they want to see a college degree or a particular certificate that is associated with your education. In this chapter, we are going to talk about some things that you can do to make your education stand out. In addition, we'll discuss how to format the section so that you can get everything right for the interviewer. First of all, not everybody that has an educational background is going to have one that is specific to the type of job that they are applying for. In addition, there may be times in which you don't have any advanced education or perhaps you have a degree that is pending and are still attending classes. Those are very specific circumstances and you need to consider them when applying for any job and completing your resume. Putting everything down in the proper format will help you to look better on paper and will make it easier for you to get your seat in front of the person running the interview. In most cases, the section that involves your education is going to be found at the end of the resume or, at the very least, close to the end of it. There are some circumstances, however, which may make you want to consider placing your education section earlier in the resume. Here are a few of the things that would make that option one to consider… Recently Graduated - If you have recently received your degree or even if you are working with a high school diploma that you have recently received, it is better if you include this information earlier in the resume. It will be of particular interest to the interviewer if you have the education necessary for the job but are lacking in experience. It doesn't mean that you're not going to be considered for the position, but putting it earlier in the resume can help to avoid any questions that could be uncomfortable during the interview. Relevancy - Your education may be either extremely relevant to the position that you are applying for, or there may not be any relevancy. In either case, it is a good idea for you to include the information earlier in the resume. This is particularly true if the education is specific to the job, because it will make you a more qualified candidate for the position. Don't be afraid to make yourself look extremely employable on your resume, and posting any relevant education is one way to do it. Degree with No Experience - Another issue that may be a problem is that you have a degree that is specific to the position, but you don't have any experience in the field. This is typically the case if you have recently graduated, but it may also be true if you graduated and then went directly into a different field for any number of reasons. If you have education that is relevant to the position without experience, include the information early in your resume. You should be as detailed as possible when it comes to listing your education, including the college that you attended, classes and the number of credits. This information should also be included if you attended classes at the college but did not get your degree, regardless of whether you plan on going back to get your degree at a future time or not. If you are currently enrolled in classes at college, you should specify that information on the resume and the date you are expected to graduate. Certificates should also be included on the resume under your education section. In some cases, having a professional certificate is going to mean as much to the prospective employer as having a college degree. You can include the certificates along with any college education that you may have in the same section or, depending upon the circumstances of the interview, you may wish to split it up into its own section. 10. Should You Use a Template? Writing a resume from scratch can be very overwhelming and many people struggle to put down the information, even if they are using a general guide, such as this publication. It is at that point that they may consider the possibility of using a template to design their resume and to come up with one quickly and easily. The fact of the matter is that there are benefits to using a template, and we will discuss those benefits in this chapter. There are, however, some potential problems that are involved, and you need to understand those problems so that you can avoid them. First of all, templates can be beneficial because they can help you to get a proper start when it comes to formatting the resume. Although it is not going to put down any information that is specific to your educational work experience, it will help to give you an overview of what information needs to be included and where it needs to be included. When you are staring at a blank page and wondering how you're going to get started, you can quickly get overwhelmed and you may procrastinate, simply because you don't know where to begin. A template can help you to get beyond that point, but it is only to be used as a general guide. Unfortunately, there are hundreds, if not thousands of resume templates to choose from. Quite simply, many of them do not provide you with the information that you need in a format that is acceptable. For example, you may use a standard resume template that is provided through Microsoft Word or another word document program. Those templates are going to be somewhat beneficial in that they can give you some general guidance, but you really need to be cautious about the specifics that they offer. For example, they may put your name at the very top of the resume in large, bold letters. It is a good idea for you to get your name recognized, but it is what comes after your name that is of vital importance. That would include your contact information, such as your email address and your telephone number. Unfortunately, many resume templates will provide this information in fine print, so it is difficult to read, especially for those who are looking through one resume after another. For that reason, it may be necessary for you to edit the template to a certain extent and to make sure that you are perfecting it, rather than just using it as the authority. You also need to be cautious about the limited amount of information that may be included in the template. As we discussed earlier, resumes are a way for you to market yourself, so you want to ensure that you are putting down enough information in a way that would do the marketing effectively. The template may include information in general, such as a place to put your work history or perhaps your educational achievements. It will not, however, provide you with the information that you need for your personal achievements and a summary, which would be used to catch the eye of the interviewer. One of the reasons why you should exercise caution when using a template is because it is often quite obvious that you took a shortcut. You don't want to make yourself appear lazy or non-committed when it comes to applying for a job. Taking a shortcut, including using a standard resume template, may make it difficult for you to get your seat in front of the interviewer. The bottom line is that templates can be beneficial, but only in a general sense. Even if you use a template, it is still good for you to format everything rather than going with the standard formatting and to include additional information that would market you properly. Use the template if necessary, but make sure that you modify it to the point where you present a professional appearance. 11. Don't Ignore the Online Resume Services Although the majority of this publication has been discussing writing a resume that would be printed and handed in when you apply for a job, there are benefits to having an online resume available as well. After all, most companies use the Internet exclusively, and they may require that you send them an online document rather than providing them with something that has been printed. In this chapter, we are going to talk about some of the ways that you can format your resume so that it is acceptable for electronic distribution. First of all, there are some specific differences that exist between an online resume and a printed resume. One of the primary differences is that the resume that is printed is typically written in Microsoft Word or another word processor, and you can format it to fit on the printed page. When it comes to electronic resumes, however, it must be done in a different format so that it could easily be distributed online. Here are a few of the more common resume formats that you may want to consider. PDF - It is a good idea for you to always convert your resume to PDF format. Most word processors will have the ability to do so automatically but you can also download a program that would print to PDF, which achieves the same purpose. The primary benefit of using a PDF is the fact that it is a universal document and can be viewed on any operating system. In addition, a PDF document can be formatted in such a way that the data is compressed so it is easier to send through email. Microsoft Word - It may be necessary for you to have a resume in Microsoft Word, because the employer sometimes requires it. More than likely, you used Microsoft Word or another word processor to write your resume in the first place, so it is not going to be too much of a stretch for you to send it in this format. You should pay particular attention to the formatting of the document, because the employer should be able to open Microsoft Word documents, even if they are in a newer format (.docx). If you don't have a copy of Microsoft Office, you can download OpenOffice for free. Make sure that you save the document in Microsoft Word format. Plain Text - It may also be necessary for you to have a plain text format of your resume available. More than likely, you will not be distributing this resume in plain text format to your employer, but it may be necessary for you to copy and paste into online forums or certain resume services. Email - If you are going to be emailing your resume regularly, you can either do it in PDF format or you can format an email so that most email clients will read it properly. Sending your resume through the body of an email would require that you do a soft return at approximately 72 characters. HTML - Finally, it may be necessary for you to produce an HTML file and upload it to an online service. The benefit of using HTML is that you can format the document in any way that you need it, including changing the fonts, colors and spacing. It may take some time for you to format the document in this way, but many online services offer free HTML tools so that you can achieve the same end result. Subject Lines and Keywords It is also important for you to consider the subject line and the keywords that are associated with your online resume. This is especially true if you are emailing your resume frequently or if you are putting it online and want others to find it. As far as the email subject line is concerned, be short and concise so that they know what they are getting. Don't try to get overly creative with the subject line in an effort to get them to open the email. Doing so would likely annoy the potential interviewer and you may miss out on the opportunity to interview with them. There may be times when you are able to do some passive job searching as well, and this is done through choosing the proper keywords for your online resume. When employers in your local area are looking for perspective employees, they will likely search for industry keywords online. Make sure that you include those keywords in your resume so it is more likely that it will be found. There is no need for you to overdo the keywords, but you should include some of them in your resume for that purpose. 12. Beyond Resumes - How to Land the Perfect Job The resume is undoubtedly one of the most important factors associated with landing the right job. In this chapter, we're going to discuss some of the other factors that will be considered during your interview and beyond. You want to make sure that you are focusing on the entire package and not simply posting the perfect resume and then not following up on it properly. Here are some of the things that the interviewer will be looking for and will be impressed with, if you do it properly. Dress and Grooming - When you are going in for an interview, make sure that you dress appropriately. Although it is not always necessary for you to dress to the nines, you should be dressed in a way that will help you to get noticed and in some cases, keep you from being noticed for the wrong reasons. Try to aim for one level above the standard for the company where you are interviewing. Prepare in Advance - One common mistake that is made by many people going for an interview is that they don't prepare for the interview in advance. You should research the company where you're interviewing and if possible, do some research on the individual that will be interviewing you. You don't need to use this information in a strange way, but being familiar with the company and the individual will help to move things along nicely. Be on Time - The last thing that you would want to do when you are interviewing is to arrive for the interview late. Admittedly, there are going to be circumstances that are out of your control, such as a flat tire or perhaps a babysitter that didn't show up that day. Make every effort to be early for the interview and if you are unable to be early, initiate the contact first. Bring Extra Copies - Make sure that you have extra copies of your resume, just in case they don't have a copy available. It is not always going to be necessary but more often than not, it will help to impress the interviewer when you hand them a fresh copy of the resume when they need it. Body Language - Although it is not necessary for you to become an expert in body language, you should avoid some of the potential problems that will be looked for by the interviewer. Some of the things to avoid include looking down constantly, fidgeting, and tapping your foot or shaking your leg. Initiate eye contact to a comfortable degree, hold your head up high and keep your feet on the floor. Relax - Yes, it is going to be a nerve-racking situation when you're sitting in the hot seat, but that doesn't mean that you need to be so uptight that you blow the interview. You need to relax a little bit, allow yourself to speak naturally and to be friendly with the interviewer. Of course, you will want to avoid any familiarity that would be inappropriate but being relaxed will certainly help to move the interview along properly. Bring a List - Although you are going to be asked questions during the interview, don't be afraid to ask questions of your own. If you have any questions about the company, the position or about how you can put yourself in line to get the job, don't be afraid to ask it. Make sure that you bring a list of questions so that you don't forget them out of nervousness. Follow-Up - One other important item to consider is the way that you follow up on the interview. An immediate follow-up would be beneficial, typically through email. Keep it short and to the point, thanking them for their time and letting them know that you are looking forward to the next point of contact. You can also send a written card through the USPS, which is a nice touch as well. If you don't hear anything within a few days or a week, email again so they know you are still interested. Include a brief overview of your qualifications and the reason why you feel that you're the perfect candidate for the job. 13. How to Make Yourself More Employable In the previous chapter, we discussed some of the different things that you can do when you are on the interview and shortly after the interview is completed that would allow you to land a job more successfully. There are also other things that need to be considered and when you consider them carefully, it is going to make a difference in you being employable or missing out on the job of a lifetime. First of all, you need to remember that it is possible to do research on almost anything online, including you. You can believe that any interviewer is going to do that research in advance on you, looking for any information that would provide an insight on your moral character. Unfortunately, many individuals have found themselves in a difficult situation because of posts that were made on Facebook or other social media networks. Posting one picture of you having a good night out with friends and acting foolishly may be funny at the time, but it is going to be a huge red flag when it comes to landing a job. Before you apply for a job and submit your resume, make sure that you do your part to clean up your social media accounts. Remove any pictures or posts that may put you in a bad light and do so as soon as possible. In some cases, it may be difficult for you to remove those posts, particularly if they were posted on the wrong social media network. It may take some time for them to remove them for you, so you should clean things up as soon as you can. You also need to be concerned about what your friends may have posted about you or any pictures of you that they have posted. Depending upon the job that you are seeking and the ability of the interviewer, that information is going to be easily available as well. Get in contact with all of your friends that have such pictures and information posted, and tell them to please remove them as soon as possible. Explain that you are applying for a job and you don’t want it to show up when a general search is done on your name. Finally, take the time to research your name on Google, because you would often be surprised with the information that is available. In some cases, it may be a picture on Google images and in others, it could be a post from years ago that puts you in a bad light. Take the time to clean these items up because, more than likely, you are going to be researched in exactly that way. Keeping your online reputation clean is one of the best ways that you can make yourself more employable. Aside from that, write a winning resume as is outlined in this publication and interview well. You would be surprised with how easy it is to find a job when you connect those dots. 14. A Word about Burning Your Bridges This publication has provided you with the information that you need so that you can successfully apply for a job by writing the best resume possible. If you are able to successfully land a job, you have a choice that needs to be made. When leaving your current place of employment, you can either leave with dignity or you can take out all of your frustrations and leave in a fury. It is important for you to maintain your dignity for one single reason. Admittedly, there may be times when you have been treated poorly at your current place of employment. You may be completely justified to feel as if you have the right to voice your opinion and to let everybody know exactly how you feel and what you think about them. Doing so, however, is burning your bridges, and when you burn your bridges behind you, you can never cross over them again. Even if you feel as if you’re never going to go back by that way, it can come back to haunt you at some point in the future. Perhaps you would need them for a reference or perhaps, for employment in an emergency. In either case, when you burn your bridges now, you limit your opportunities then. Be happy in the fact that you were able to land a job by writing a written resume and interviewing properly. When you put some distance between yourself and your prior situation, it will begin to fade into the background, and then you can focus on your new situation -- one that you worked hard to achieve.