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Taking notes on ones self allows time for self reflection.pen and paper image by Melissa Schalke from Fotolia.com
Begin a brainstorming session. Write down all employment history and any unique skills. The skills do not have to be something that is relevant to the job that is being sought. - 2
Skills come from everyday life experiences including those had with friends and family.sitting couple image by Wendi Evans from Fotolia.com
Ask friends, family members and former employment associates if there is anything they find distinctive that may not have been realized and can be included on a resume. It is possible that there are skills being left out that would be appealing to an employer. Once the skills are known, cite accomplishments that support the skill. - 3
Most people do things that they enjoy doing on their spare time.coffee-job image by Patrizier-Design from Fotolia.com
List any rare skills even if they seem trivial. There is a job for every talent and listing it may lead to a dream job. - 4
Point out your shining moments that once made you stand out from the crowd.Blank award certificate form image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
List any important characteristic traits with supporting examples. Think of any awards you received in school or on the job and include relevant awards and recognition given. For example, when applying for a managerial position or something requiring a leadership role, an award received in school recognizing leadership abilities is appealing to an employer seeking this characteristic trait. - 5). List any hobbies or schooling that is relevant to the type of industry or position of interest. For instance, one semester or a few classes at an artistic school will be appealing to an employer seeking a creative person.
- 6). Fill in employment gaps with what was done during the time frame. Time spent volunteering, helping others and freelance work shows that the person remained productive.
- 7). Reflect on what a duty meant to the job performed. Instead of writing the duty that was performed, write the results that it lead to. A result driven resume is more effective than a resume that merely lists duties performed.
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Work is work. Do not list only paid jobs.work! image by Gleb Semenjuk from Fotolia.com
List all "favors" done frequently for friends and family. Anything that is done for others is a form of work and a skill that is being utilized even if it is not paid for. Find a way to incorporate anything found to be relevant to a job in the skills section of the resume. - 9). Gather any samples of work done that is relevant to the job of interest and consider developing a portfolio. Instead of writing "References available upon request" below the work experience write, "Portfolio available upon request." This shows that the applicant has supporting evidence of the skills listed. It also sparks interest and curiosity.
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Go digital. Resumes that are delivered electronically do not need to be on a word document. Digitize the resume using an electronic resume developer. Ask a college or career center if they offer such options. - 11
Type the resume based on the information gathered throughout the brainstorming process. It should consist of contact information first, skills (include hobbies, achievements and awards/recognitions) and education next (if education is not a strong point list it last), employment and volunteer work.
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