LA Works: Create a Resume

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Create a Resume

When you are looking for a job or internship, a resume is your biggest help in making sure you get the job you want. You want to stick out from the crowd, and a good resume will help you do that.

Your school or local WorkSource Center can give you help in building your first resume. You can also find all sorts of Web resources that will let you build your resume online. Employers receive thousands of resumes, and it is easy for them to overlook good candidates for a job because their resumes are poorly written, too long, or else the candidate did not read the job ad correctly.

A good resume should include your career goals and objectives, accomplishments, skills, education, and experience. The resume should be easy to read, neatly printed out, and should emphasize your strengths that meet the requirements of the job for which you are applying.

Putting a resume together is not hard, and LA Works has some tips will help you create a successful resume:

Use quality stock paper in a neutral color, such as white or parchment

Avoid the use of intense colors, graphics, and photographs

Do not include personal information about your age, sex, race, religion, marital status, health or appearance

NEVER handwrite your resume or cover letter.

The OBJECTIVE is a key element of the successful resume. With an objective on your resume, an employer will know the type of position you are seeking, and whether or not there is a position available for you. When you state your objective, be brief and specific. Sample objectives include: "Seeking an entry level position as an Accounting Clerk which will allow me to utilize my business and accounting education, as well as my extensive spreadsheet software skills." "To obtain a position as a marketing intern, where my education can make a useful contribution and be enhanced by the skills and experience I will obtain."

EXPERIENCE and ACCOMPLISHMENTS are important elements. You may have no practical experience in the career area you are interested in, but take a few moments to think about what skills you do have. If you have worked in the service industry, you probably have learned good customer service skills. Computer education is always a plus to employers in today®s technological workplace. Volunteer work, leadership positions held in school clubs, or unique life experiences may give you a leg up on the competition.

EDUCATION will be the section of the resume where you highlight diplomas, certificates and any honors or scholarships you may have received.

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS should include any special credentials, training or office skills. In today's workforce, not having computer skills can be a disadvantage for many job seekers. Be sure to list computer languages, software and applications.

AWARDS and HONORS should be on your resume if they are relevant to the job for which you are applying. Employers will be interested in honors that reflect a desire for excellence and achievement on your part.

ASSOCIATIONS that you belong to should be included. These can be professional, volunteer, community, alumni, or any other organization that is relevant to either your occupation or the position you are seeking.