aving a well-written and organized résumé is the first step in finding a job. A résumé is a chronological listing of your most important work, education and other experiences. It tells potential employers what they need to know when considering hiring you to work with their organization. Don't confuse a résumé with a curriculum vitae (c.v.) or a biography though. A résumé should be limited to a single page if possible. Occasionally, a person with a long work history will have a two-page résumé; however, you should try to keep it to one page. Think of it as a photograph of who you are and what you can do.

Importance of a Résumé

A résumé is a very important tool for you in your job search and potential employers often require one. Many times the most difficult part about finding a job is getting the first introduction to the employer. This is often called "Getting Your Foot in the Door." Many times, a résumé is the only way to do this. It is the introduction that may result in an interview. Employers use information on the résumé together with the application form to screen out the large numbers of applicants for a single job. So, it is important to have a good résumé. It will not guarantee you a job, but it can help you "get your foot in the door."

You should have many copies of your résumé. Give a copy to everyone you contact about a job. You can either give one in person by visiting the job site or you can mail a copy to the employer. It is often very difficult to contact potential employers by phone, so you should send a résumé. Even if you are told that a company is not hiring at the present time, leave a copy of your résumé with the receptionist and ask if they can keep it on file.

Makings of a Résumé

A good résumé contains the following information:

• Personal Information - Name, address, phone number, email, etc. DO NOT include marital status, sex, number of children, etc.

• Job Objective - What do you want to do?

• Educational Background - For foreign education, be sure to make it clear by translating the level of education into language that Americans can understand. For example, "gymnasium" and "college" are words that have very different meanings in different languages. List the school and its location, any degrees or diplomas received and the date of graduation. Don't forget to include any English as a Second Language classes you have attended in the United States. This is very important.

• Work History - Where have you worked? Include the name and location of the firm and a short description of the job. Include also the dates that you worked there. Start with the most recent job and work backwards to your first job.
If you have little or no experience, be sure to include any volunteer work and internships or unpaid work for an organization.

• Special Skills or Interests - Include any language capability and describe your proficiency. Also include any technical skills you have and be as specific as possible. You should not simply list that you can use a computer. Instead, be more specific and list the programs you are familar with.

• References - Finally, you should include at least three references. Sometimes a résumé will simply say, "References will be furnished on request." That is fine, especially if you have little space to add the names and addresses of your references.

There are many different styles of résumés and you should work hard to make yours stand out in some way. But remember it is a professional document. Don't put graphics and don't use brightly colored type or paper.

Resources

There are many excellent sources of information about résumé preparation. You may want to visit the library or search on the web for ideas. At the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library there is an excellent brochure entitled "How to Land that Job." This brochure contains a list of books on résumés, cover letters and interviews that different libraries in the area have. A good website to check out is:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101043371033.aspx.

Cover Letter

When you have completed your résumé and are ready to send it out, you must prepare a cover letter. This is simply a short letter to the potential employer explaining why you are writing and enclosing your résumé. Most books on preparing a résumé also include information on cover letters. Remember to keep it short. Do not repeat all of the information that is included in your résumé. Use polite language and correct form. With a good cover letter and a professional looking résumé, you should be able to "get your foot in the door" and that is the first step in getting a job.