Career Advice

Guide to Writing a Professional Resumι

Resume plays a vital role in winning an interview. This would give your prospective employers a first impression of your professional standards and abilities. It's the first stage to sell yourself without any pressure. Below are some useful and easy ways in creating resume. 

Before you begin, summarize your work experience, skills and abilities. This will help you to prepare a comprehensive one. 

1. The Content 
Contact details should be place on top of your resume

• Name
• Address (Use a permanent address)
• Telephone Numbers (include both Home and Mobile nos.)
• Email Address

2. Objective or Summary
An objective tells prospective employers the type of job you are likely to do.

• Be specific about the job you want.
• Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek. 

3. Work Experience
It is important to put your most recent job on the top. Briefly explain your work description and highlight your accomplishments and achievements to add value to your resume. 

• Title of position
• Name of organization 
• Location of 
• Dates of employment 
• Describe your work 

4. Education
New graduates without a lot of work experience should list their educational information first. 

• Your most recent educational attainment comes first. 
• Include your degree (B.S., AB., etc.), major, and school attended.
• Add your grade point average (GPA) 
• Mention academic honors and relevant awards received. 

5. Other Information
You may want to add other information like:

• Key or special skills or competencies, 
• Leadership experience in volunteer organizations, 
• Hobbies and Interests

6. References
Make sure to ask them first if they are willing to serve as your referees before forwarding their names.

Do not include your reference details on your resume. You may put a note at the bottom part of your resume: "References furnished on request." 
 

Now you're done. It's time to review and check it:

Grammar
You may ask a friend (nice if an English Major) to proof read it or to do grammar review. 

Design

• Use white or off-white paper. 
• Use 8-1/2- x 11-inch paper. 
• Print on one side only. 
• Use a font size of 10 to 14 points. 
• Use non-decorative typefaces. 
• Choose one typeface and stick to it. 
• Avoid italics, script, and underlined words. 
• Do not use horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading. 
• Do not fold or staple your resume. 
• If you must mail your resume, put it in a large envelope. 

Tips for a Successful Job Interview

• Be prepared. Research information about the company website, products and services.
• Review your qualifications for the job.
• Practice sample interview questions and styles.
• Dress appropriately.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview.
• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake.
• Make frequent eye contact.
• Be polite. Smile and try to relax.
• Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose answers can be easily found on the company website. Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.
• Thank the interviewer.
• Send a follow-up or Thank You letter.