How to Organize and Format Your Resume

How to Organize and Format Your ResumeEvery writer will agree that the most important step in resume writing is to organize your information. Before writing, read a resume sample and identify all the skills and experiences you have for the job. Your resume writing will come later when you're ready to develop your own ideas about what you want to say. Here are some quick and easy ways to make sure you organize your information effectively.First, use headers to organize your resume information. It's best to add an introduction at the top of your resume, and then continue on down with the rest of the information. You can also add a summary section at the bottom. Make sure each section is clearly identifiable so you can easily read it without reading over the page. This is a good way to ensure that your resume is organized and your knowledge is focused.Write your heading in a logical order, starting with the most important information first and then moving to the least important informat ion. This will allow you to quickly scan your resume and determine what information is more important to you. To be effective, be sure to use the order of presentation throughout your resume.Another common mistake that writers make is to forget to format their resume properly. Formatted resumes often look messy and unfocused. Most applicants know how to structure a resume, but make sure to follow the directions in the appropriate sections of the guide. Remember that there are several different types of resumes out there; use the style that best suits your situation.Keep your formatting simple. You don't want to turn your resume into a long novel. Use standard fonts, only put in one or two bullet points and include a few general ideas about yourself along with the details. You'll want to be able to skim your resume quickly and easily, so keep it to one page. Avoid using bulleted lists unless you absolutely have to. Most people think that the power of a list is in the fact that they f ill up the page with a lot of information, but that is rarely the case. Instead, try to emphasize the positive things you can do for the company instead of writing a long list of accomplishments.Format your resume the way you would format a letter to get a response. You will want to include a cover letter that is professionally written, but the format of your resume should be the same as how you would submit a resume to a company. An applicant needs to be able to send it back to you in just a few days, so make sure to include instructions on how to send back your resume.Lastly, be sure to tailor your resume for the specific job you are applying for. Most hiring managers have very specific requirements when it comes to resumes, so make sure that your skills and experience match up. With this in mind, make sure to highlight your strengths and try to include some of your weaknesses.