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How to write a resume


There is no one type of resume that everyone can use, but here are some general rules to produce the best possible resume. Remember, a resume is something that represents YOU. You want to show that you are organized, clean, and reliable. If you hand in a crumbled piece of paper to your interviewer, you’re probably not going to get the job.

Many teenagers are often worried about the amount of experience they have, and think they can’t put much down on their resume. Don’t worry. Employers will know that you’re just starting out in the job world, they’ll understand.

Imagine, you walk in to your interview, neatly dressed, smelling clean and you hand in a very professional looking resume, how impressive is that? Even if you are applying for a job at McDonald’s, it’s better to over do it than to under do it.

Don’t think that I knew this all on my own. I had a guardian angel by my side to help me learn about resumes—my dad.

What should you put in?


First, put a heading at the top of your paper with your name, address, then telephone number. Remember to put a Ms. or Mr. in front of your name, especially if it’s hard to tell your gender from your name.

In caps, type OBJECTIVE. Under that, write what you want to achieve in at the particular company where you are applying for a job. Be positive and determined! Use positive words like "promote," "positive," and "contribution".
Then, under EXPERIENCE, type up any kind of job experience you’ve had. Think about it. Did you volunteer anywhere? Do you hold any kind of office position in the student body? Include internships, part-time work and extracurricular activities.

SKILLS may be one of the harder sections to complete next to EXPERIENCE. Consider traits that you have and put it into professional terms (refer to example). Think of basic school-related skills you have. Do you know how to work a computer? Do you have experience in leadership? Are you "familiar" with certain computer programs? Are you good at writing or speaking?

A lot of teens in Los Angeles are bilingual. This is an excellent ability to put in your resume. Label it as LANGUAGE ABILITIES. At the same time you may be learning a third language at school. Write down how long you’ve been learning this other language too. Use words such as "fluent." Remember to specify what aspect of the language you’re good at. Distinguish between written and spoken language.

Under EDUCATION, write down what junior high and high school you attending, or have attended. Write down what school, then the years attended.

Now, you may put down your PERSONAL INFORMATION. Have you won any awards or gotten special recognition? Write down any special talent you have. Do you play sports? How good are you? What positive hobbies do you have? Do you play an instrument? Do you enjoy drawing? Do you dance? Sing? Think.

How to present your resume


Remember, correct spacing in between objects is very important. It makes the resume look balanced and organized.
Do not use colorful paper. Be conservative. Use white or ivory colored paper.

You may choose to use paper that looks expensive. If you don’t have the money to buy 500 sheets at a time at Office Depot or Staples, go to Kinko’s and buy a few sheets at a time.

Always make copies of your resume. You never know how many people might want to see your resume or how many interviewers you’re going to have.

Bring some type of folder with you to the interview so that your resumes will stay clean and crisp.



More info

Here are some other sources that can
give you helpful tips as well:

Online:
www.monster.com: from there, go to "career center." Then, go to "resume center."

www.hotjobs.com: from there, go to "career tools."  Then, go to "resumes."



Books
The Resume Handbook: How to Write Outstanding Resumes and Cover Letters for Every Situation
(Resume Handbook, 3rd Ed)
By Arthur D. Rosenberg, David V. Hizer

The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book:
Write & Use an Effective Resume
in Only One Day

By J. Michael Farr



Professional Words

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Adapted
Administered
Analyzed
Approved
Completed
Conceived
Conducted
Controlled
Coordinated
Created
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Demonstrated
Designed
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Earned
Effected
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Initiated
Inspected Instructed
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Led
Maintained
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Motivated
Operated
Ordered
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Participated
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Planned
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Programmed Proposed
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Purchased
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Reviewed Revised
Scheduled
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Simplified
Solved
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Structured
Supervised
Supported
Surpassed
Taught
Trained
Translated
Used
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Won
Wrote

How you did it and what you are

Ability
Actively
Capacity
Competent
Competence
Consistent
Effectiveness
Fluent
Pertinent
Proficient
Qualified
Resourceful
Substantially
Technical
Versatile
Vigorous