Updated June 29, 2024
Writing a resume doesn’t need to be difficult. Don’t let the process intimidate you. Remember it’s all about you and what you’ve done in your career.
Let’s get started.
First, create an outline with the following sections.
Now, start filling in those sections. List as much information as you can think of. You can always whittle it down later. I would suggest starting with the sections you can fill in rather quickly and then moving onto the more in-depth ones.
Skills – What programs are you familiar with, technologies, etc.? Be sure to include software versions. You can list soft skills here too (communication, leadership, project management, etc.).
Education/Certifications (if applicable) – You can put these both under one heading.
Experience – List each company name, job title, dates of employment, and what you did (make a bulleted list of tasks, projects, responsibilities, accomplishments, technologies used, etc. and be as specific as you can – saved the department xx dollars, managed staff of 10, wrote 3 annual reports, etc.)
Addition Information (if applicable) – This is where you can include any additional experience that isn’t already in the experience section (like military experience or volunteer experience).
Summary – This is the fun part; yes, you read that correctly. This section is where you sum up your talents and what you have to offer. And it’s where you tailor your resume to the job you’re seeking. This can include years you’ve been a professional, what your strongest skills are, and what you would bring to the role. Don’t be afraid to brag.
Gaps in employment? If you have large gaps between jobs, you can include a note, such as ‘employment search’ or ‘sabbatical’ or ‘in school’ or ‘cared for ill family member,’ along with the dates.
Once you have written out the information for each section, it's time to start putting it together. For design and layout ideas, check out Adobe Express' Basic Resume Template, a free tool, to get started.
Need help drafting your resume? Or a resume review or refresh? I can help! Contact me at devlin.kate@gmail.com.
