You’ve probably lost track of the number of times you’ve heard people say: You can’t just rush out and find that perfect job; you need to write a resume that would put you in the spotlight. But your problem is not that you don’t recognize the importance of an outstanding resume. Your dilemma runs more on the question: How do you present yourself in the resume and write everything in the limited space that a little piece of paper provides? Careful planning, that’s how. Check the following tips on how to plan your resume content.

1. Identify your resume target. Think of resume writing as a journey; you have to decide which way you want to go, right? Ask yourself what kind of job you are looking for. Part-time or full-time? Are you interested in working on shifts? Do you want to work for a local or international company? It’s crucial to determine the career path you want to take and positively identify the audience (the hiring manager or prospective employer) that’s going to read your resume. Having a clear target career and audience can guide you in choosing the details that closely match the requirements of the job you seek.

2. Brainstorm. The idea here is to fill the paper with great stuff about you. Start with the things that interest you. Then write about your educational history. Think of all your work accomplishments, great or small. Try to remember the awards and recognitions you received; clubs and organizations you have affiliations with. When you have all information, start matching them with the job requirements; then omit those that are unnecessary or not related to the job you are seeking.

3. Prepare a general outline. An outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you don’t overlook anything essential that has to be included on your resume. This is the part where you can now position the results of your personal brainstorming in focus and in the appropriate category.

4. Consider the format and visual elements. The idea is to put you and your capabilities across in the best light possible. Will the format and style you have in mind propel your resume to the front of the line? Which format will catch and hold the hiring manager’s attention: chronological, functional or hybrid format? Are you going to use small fonts so you can come up with a single-page resume? Don’t get stuck on the one-page resume myth; it is more important to present yourself through the most relevant qualifications, skills and strengths that can sell YOU better. A two- or three-page resume is still appropriate and can maximize the desired impact.

5. Maximize Internet resources. Draw on the power of Internet and the many tools available to help you craft a superb resume. Google up some sample resumes online and study the different styles in writing a resume. Use these samples in coming up with your own template. This should help you start your first draft. If you’re still unsure, you might want to consider seeking the help of professional resume experts and writers.

Creating an exceptional resume can be quite overwhelming – the main problem being that you’re not quite sure where or how to start. A well-planned resume can present your abilities and skills in a clear concise manner, and increases the chances of getting your resume to the top of the pile.

Tags: career change, cover letter, how to write a resume, job, job duties, job history, job history in resume, job hunt, Job Search, job skills, job tips, jobs, new job, Personal Branding, professional, Resume, resume advice, resume help, resume re-write, resume review, resume services, resume tips, resume writing, resumes, top resume tips, write a resume

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 2:03 pm and is filed under Career Changes, Cover Letters, Job Search Tips, Resume, Resume Do's and Don'ts, Resume Help, how to write a resume. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.