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How to Write a Résumé
About 50 years ago, when I applied for my first job after college, writing my résumé was a major project. First, I had to type the résumé on my manual typewriter using erasable paper, so I could later correct any errors. Then, I had to bring my original to a printer or copy center and purchase 50 copies on a better quality of paper. Finally, I had to distribute those copies to potential employers at job fairs or through the mail. In other words, every potential employer saw the same copy of my résumé, and no customization was possible. Obviously, modern technology has drastically improved the process, but writing a résumé still requires a basic format and good deal of work.
Essentially, a résumé includes four key components: your contact information, your education, your work experience, and anything else that might help you get a job. Let’s look at each component.
Contact Information. Most people place their information in the center of the page on the top portion of their résumé, but others like to put it in one corner or the other. Whatever location you choose, be sure to include the following: name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and e-mail address. Some people put their name in bold type and also use a larger font while others put everything in bold with a larger font. Your font size and type may depend on the job you’re seeking. A conservative law…
