Resume Preparation Guide

Gather Your Raw Materials

You need an extensive foundation of information upon which to build your resume. You can build that foundation by answering the questions that follow (even though some of the information may not appear in your final resume).

1. What is your job objective?
Have a job objective or type of employer in mind so you can target your resume to a specific career. Describe the career you want in your own words. The most important part is that you can clearly state what sort of job you want and know what kinds of skills and experiences are needed to do well in that job. You may decide to change your job objective later, but it is very important that you decide on what your job objective is now.

2. What jobs have you held?
If you have not had any paid work experience, there may still be some activities, military experience, or volunteer experience in your background worth examining. Write down the following information for each position you have held, starting with the most recent.

• beginning and ending dates
• your position or title
• organization’s name
• organization’s address (city and state are sufficient)
• phone number supervisor (would this person make a good reference?)
• major duties and responsibilities

3. What is your education?
Include any schools attended, including military schools. List the following details for each school. High school education is not typically included if you have a college degree.

• beginning and ending dates
• name of school address (city and state are sufficient)
• major area of study
• certificate or degree
• extracurricular activities and areas in which you excelled or exhibited leadership skills
• courses which help qualify you for your career objective

4. What are your accomplishments or achievements?
Name those projects or activities in which you have been involved, formally or informally, and received special recognition.

• beginning and ending dates
• activity
• brief description of accomplishments