Outline for a Resume - Start with a Good Resume Outline

One of the things that make great resumes great is the fact that they are organized. And why is that so important? Well, here are a few reasons...

1. Hundreds of resumes will cross the desk of the hiring manager.
2. Hopefully, something in your cover letter will entice him or her to spend a few more seconds looking at your resume.
3. Your resume must make a powerful enough impression in those few seconds to tempt the hiring manager into finding out more about you through an interview.

So, you see... If your resume is not organized, you'll never make it through that test!

You can use the topics in the resume outline below to start gathering the resume information that you need. You won't necessarily be writing your resume in the same order as the categories appear below. But at least you'll have everything you need in one place, so that the writing will go smoothly..

Then, once you have all the info you need, download and print this resume outline worksheet and start writing!

A. Identifying Information

• Name
• Address
• Phone numbers (cell phone and fax too, if relevant)
• Email address
• Website URL for your portfolio or online resume, as needed

B. Career Objective or Summary Statement

Some people use resume objectives, while others prefer a summary or power statement. It's somewhat of a personal preference, but that discussion is addressed here. Regardless of which way you decide to go, it will be helpful to you in your job search if you know what your career objective is.

Are you looking for a job as a technical writer? Or do you aspire to managing technical writers? Do you want to work for a large or small company? Profit-oriented vs. nonprofit? Private vs. public?

Put some thought into this area, and then think about what you hope to offer the companies you want to work for.

C. Your Educational Background

Includes the names and dates attended for high school (if you're a recent high school or college grad only), college, and any graduate studies. Also, include any training programs, certifications, and academic awards earned. If you're a recent graduate, include your cumulative average. New grads may also want to consider putting together a few bullets on educational highlights, with significant courses, thesis title, etc.

D. Work History

List each job title, the employer, and the dates of employment. Next to that, list the main duties of the job, using the kinds of action words spelled out elsewhere on this site. (Look at Resume Ideas for more help with phrasing too.) New grads can include internships and volunteer work here as well.

E. Significant Achievements

Here's where it gets fun! Think about significant accomplishments you've had on the job, and quantify them as much as possible. For example, "Suggested a change in office supply vendor that saved my employer $2000 in the first month."

F. Skills

This is where you list your special strengths and all of the significant job-related skills that you have learned. Be sure to include any computer skills, technical skills of other types, and foreign language skills, if relevant.

If you take a cavalier, "I'll think about it as I write it" approach to putting together a resume, it will show.

Likewise, if you take your time, think it through, and use a resume outline to get organized, it'll show too... in a good way!

Get more tips on writing amazing resumes at: Resume-Writing-Information.info