Preparing the Resume

Resume writing seems to be the part that gives people the most trouble.  It isn't that hard if you follow some guidelines. 

At some stage or another during your life, you will need to prepare a RESUME. If you are like most people, you will have many attempts at preparing your resume before you actually get anything decent together.  The problem is generally due to a lack in planning. 

The key to resume writing excellence is in presenting it the right way.  Most people make the error of just listing their experience and qualifications, this ends up being a rather boring document.  A good resume should not only demonstrate your skills and experience, but should also give the reader a good indication of the type of person you are.  It needs to have personality.

Following are some helpful hints on getting started, Definition of a Resume and Types of Resumes.

Getting started

Let's start at the beginning, what exactly is a RESUME and what is it's purpose.

The sole purpose of a RESUME is to show the reader what you are capable of. 

The RESUME is your selling document.  It needs to be able to show your prospective employer that you are the person that they are looking for.  This goes beyond experience, training and skills.  It needs to demonstrate your personal strengths, capabilities and the type of person you are.

It also needs to be a concise document.  Most employers will skim through all the Resumes and put aside only 5-10 that might be worth reading.  On average an employer will only spend around 1-3 minutes on each RESUME.  In other words your RESUME has to stand out from the others.

This does not mean that the RESUME should be full of graphics, colors or printed on colored paper.  Employers feel that if you have to use gimmicks to impress them, then you probably don't have anything to offer.  The RESUME needs to have a clean, professional look about it.  It needs to be easy to read and should look balanced.

The format or style you choose depends on the type of RESUME that you require, but no matter which one, the resume should always be easy to follow and read.

Types of Resumes

The type of RESUME you decide on will depend entirely on the type of position you are applying for.  The key is to analyze what the employer will be looking for and ensuring your RESUME will sell you in the best possible way.

For example if you are applying for a Project Manager position, then the projects that you have handled in the past will be important.  Your RESUME needs to list the type of projects, your responsibilities and any achievements.  It is important to show the relevance of what you have done in the past as it relates to the position you are applying for.

On the other hand, if the position you are applying for is more a "hands-on" type of job, then your RESUME needs to demonstrate your "hands-on" experience in these areas.  Again highlighting the relevance to the position. 

The Chronological RESUME is the easiest to write.  It should always be written with your current or most recent position first.  Showing your responsibilities and achievements that would be relevant to this position.                    

If the job is more of a technical nature, then you need to prepare a "technical style" resume.  There are other types of resumes, Graduates need to use a different approach. A different approach would be used for someone seeking a career change.

The style that you choose will depend on which one will serve you best.

Information Provided by Engineers-International.com

| Home | CAD Bookstore | CAD/CAM Software | CADChat Forums | CAD Training Schools | Engineering Organizations |
| Engineering Colleges & Universities | Advertise | Jobs | Resume Submittal | Bulletin Board | Portfolios | Job Networking | Contact Us |