The resume is a synopsis of your education, job experience, volunteer experience, special skills, accomplishments, honors, and awards.  A person who has had little actual job experience may have had valuable experiences as a volunteer, as a parent, or in hobbies and special interests.  It is important to consider just what skills you have gained throughout your experience. 

The heart of the resume is in the description of your job responsibilities.  You must be able to look at your job/volunteer experience in terms of responsibilities.  Use action words to describe your job responsibilities:  developed, analyzed, created, etc. You must also interpret for the potential employer how this experience can match his/her needs.  Thus it is possible that you may need to tailor your resume for a specific job. 

Consider the following points:

• With whom did you work (the CEO, the Board of Trustees, etc.)?

• What goals were you trying to achieve, and did you succeed or exceed?

• How did I solve problems?

• How did I increase profits, (listing numbers, percentages, etc.)?

• How did I improve systems, productivity, efficiency?

• Were there time lines and deadlines, and how did you meet these?        

• Did I initiate or develop new programs, etc.?

The format must include headings for Job Objective (sometimes optional), Summary of Skills, Education, Experience, and Honors, Awards, Certifications if applicable.  In addition you may choose between the Chronological format or the Functional format. 

The Chronological format is the most familiar.  It begins with the present or most recent job and works backwards.  Always include the employers name, location, dates of employment, and job title.  As mentioned above the vital part of your resume will be in your description of the job responsibilities.

The Functional format is less traditional and less familiar to employers.  Work/life experiences and skills are grouped together according to their commonality.  Less emphasis is placed on continuity of employment.  This format can be used in several situations:  when you have had long periods of unemployment, when you have not followed a step by step career path, or when you have had more than one career.  This format downplays one’s age.

Keep your resume current.  Remember to update your resume with every new position, job achievement, promotion, and should you complete additional education.