How To Prepare A Resume

By Polly Hamilton
How to prepare a resume:

Everyone should have a prepared resume on hand, just in case they need to apply for that dream job in a rush, or use it as a template for a presentation, etc. The best way to prepare a resume is to have a template with all the information an employer might ever need. You can then alter that resume for specific jobs. For example, delete irrelevant information and highlight relevant and positive information.

How to prepare a resume: particular job or template?
For this exercise in how to prepare a resume, decide whether this is a template resume or one for a particular job. This is mentioned above, but another hint is if you are looking for a summer job or part-time work and not a specific job you can use your template resume (just prepare it to be as uncluttered as possible).



How to prepare a resume: information gathering
Write down a list of the headings you wish to have in your resume: interests, past employment, work experience, education (including courses), work ethic and goals, etc. Underneath each heading put all the details you think might be relevant to future employers. This is just a noted, short hand list. For example: you may have a done a drama course two years ago, but can't remember the specific dates and names. Don't worry for now! Just note it down, the details come next. Once you have added everything you can possibly think of (this may take a week to prepare) go searching for all the finer details. Phone numbers, addresses, dates, etc. At this point in preparation you should also contact possible referees or references and secure their contact details. Tip: at this stage store everything in a folder, if it's all in one place it makes life a lot easier!

How to prepare a resume: template
By template in this context I mean layout. Have a look on your computer, or on the internet at what other people have done to prepare a resume. Decide on colors, fonts, paragraphing, and all the finer details of presentation. Once you have decided these details begin to type everything into your template. Remember the following tips for preparing your resume: make it as clean and clear as possible; omit unnecessary information; make it match! For example, if you would like to use three different colors, don't! Find one color and find three different shades of that color that will match nicely. Use the lightest shade for your paper (adds a nice touch to show you've put in the effort); the middle shade for borders and boxes; and the darkest shade for all your writing. Whether you choose three shades of red or blue, as long as you can read the typing, it will make your resume seem much more aesthetically pleasing and tie it together nicely.

How to prepare a resume: production
Don't print them all at once! Print a test of your resume at home. If it all looks good (and there's no mistakes!) take it into a professional printing store. This is a good idea because many home printers are crooked and will make your resume look unprofessional. Think carefully about how many copies you need. If you get too much it's a waste of money, but not enough and you might run out and look unprofessional. It's a good idea to always keep a prepared printed copy to refer back to (a 'master' copy).

Résumé's are easy to prepare, it just takes a bit of time and effort! If you put the extra mile into preparing your resume, and present it just that bit nicer than everyone else, your guaranteed to get noticed by employers more often.

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