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What is the best way to format a resume and what information should be included like volunteer work, awards, extracurriculars and skills?
I tried using the resumes google docs has but I don’t believe they are the best unless otherwise. I also do wonder if there is a website that can help with this process.
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5 answers
Updated
Misa’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
When formalizing a resume, a clean and organized layout is key. Start with a header including your contact information, followed by a summary or objective statement, relevant work experience (including internships), education, volunteer work, awards, extracurricular activities, and skills. Make sure to tailor each resume to the specific job you're applying for by highlighting experiences and skills that align with the role. Use bullet points to concisely describe each section, focusing on accomplishments where possible. Finally, keep your resume to a maximum of one page, unless you have extensive relevant experience.
When formalizing a resume, a clean and organized layout is key. Start with a header including your contact information, followed by a summary or objective statement, relevant work experience (including internships), education, volunteer work, awards, extracurricular activities, and skills. Make sure to tailor each resume to the specific job you're applying for by highlighting experiences and skills that align with the role. Use bullet points to concisely describe each section, focusing on accomplishments where possible. Finally, keep your resume to a maximum of one page, unless you have extensive relevant experience.
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
I agree with information in previous answers. There are some websites with excellent resume templates. I want to stress how important it is to use proper grammar and perfect spelling. Each job listed should have two or more bullet points. Each bullet point should start with a verb - present tense for any current position and past tense for any previous positions. Be sure to proofread many times and have others proofread for you as well.
Here is a website with suggestions of verbs that are powerful for resumes: https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resume-awesome
This website has great resume writing tips: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/10-resume-writing-tips
This is a process well worth time and effort as you move forward trying to secure a job. Good luck!
Here is a website with suggestions of verbs that are powerful for resumes: https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resume-awesome
This website has great resume writing tips: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/10-resume-writing-tips
This is a process well worth time and effort as you move forward trying to secure a job. Good luck!
Updated
Nandishkumar’s Answer
Crafting a remarkable resume is crucial to set yourself apart in a fiercely competitive job market. Your resume should not just catalog your experiences, but also spotlight the unique skills and knowledge you've gained, particularly from volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
Resume Formatting Guidelines:
- Sleek and Professional Layout: Adopt a sleek, professional layout that's reader-friendly. Steer clear of overly intricate designs or an excess of colors and graphics.
- Uniform Formatting: Maintain uniform use of fonts, bullet points, and headings. This contributes to a refined and professional appearance.
- Reverse Chronological Sequence: Prioritize your most recent experiences and education, as they are usually the most pertinent.
- Bullet Points: Employ bullet points for easy reading and to underline key accomplishments and duties.
Emphasizing Learnings and Applicable Skills:
When outlining your volunteer work and extracurricular activities, concentrate on the skills and knowledge that can be applied to the job you're seeking. For instance:
- Leadership:“ Steered a group of 10 volunteers to arrange a community event, bolstering my leadership and project management abilities.”
- Communication:“ Liaised with multiple stakeholders for a campus event, enhancing my communication and negotiation skills.”
- Problem-Solving: “Devised and executed a new system for monitoring donations, boosting efficiency by 25%.”
Quantify Your Influence:
Whenever feasible, quantify your accomplishments to offer a clear depiction of your influence. Figures make your contributions more concrete and striking. For example:
- “Boosted social media engagement by 30% via targeted campaigns.”
- “Secured $10,000 in funding through grant writing and community outreach initiatives.”
Resume Formatting Guidelines:
- Sleek and Professional Layout: Adopt a sleek, professional layout that's reader-friendly. Steer clear of overly intricate designs or an excess of colors and graphics.
- Uniform Formatting: Maintain uniform use of fonts, bullet points, and headings. This contributes to a refined and professional appearance.
- Reverse Chronological Sequence: Prioritize your most recent experiences and education, as they are usually the most pertinent.
- Bullet Points: Employ bullet points for easy reading and to underline key accomplishments and duties.
Emphasizing Learnings and Applicable Skills:
When outlining your volunteer work and extracurricular activities, concentrate on the skills and knowledge that can be applied to the job you're seeking. For instance:
- Leadership:“ Steered a group of 10 volunteers to arrange a community event, bolstering my leadership and project management abilities.”
- Communication:“ Liaised with multiple stakeholders for a campus event, enhancing my communication and negotiation skills.”
- Problem-Solving: “Devised and executed a new system for monitoring donations, boosting efficiency by 25%.”
Quantify Your Influence:
Whenever feasible, quantify your accomplishments to offer a clear depiction of your influence. Figures make your contributions more concrete and striking. For example:
- “Boosted social media engagement by 30% via targeted campaigns.”
- “Secured $10,000 in funding through grant writing and community outreach initiatives.”
Updated
Zahcary’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
I remember encountering the same issue when I was first creating my resume. I didn't find any templates on Word that I liked. I would recommend building out from scratch. It may take a little longer, but the end result will be worth it. For inspiration, though, a quick google image search for "professional resume format" will show you lots of different format options as a jumping off point.
When creating your resume, here are some guidelines that I found helped enhance its reception by employers:
1. Always lead with active verbs (Engaged, developed).
2. Use black font.
3. Be sure to list specific measurable achievements about what you did and the skills you obtained from your experiences
4. Keep everything on 1 page.
Good luck!
I remember encountering the same issue when I was first creating my resume. I didn't find any templates on Word that I liked. I would recommend building out from scratch. It may take a little longer, but the end result will be worth it. For inspiration, though, a quick google image search for "professional resume format" will show you lots of different format options as a jumping off point.
When creating your resume, here are some guidelines that I found helped enhance its reception by employers:
1. Always lead with active verbs (Engaged, developed).
2. Use black font.
3. Be sure to list specific measurable achievements about what you did and the skills you obtained from your experiences
4. Keep everything on 1 page.
Good luck!
Updated
Karen’s Answer
You might want to research other sites online to see a variety of resumes. Then begin a draft of yours, keeping it to one-page. Include all of your volunteer and/or work experience and extracurricular activities. Once you have a draft, show it to people you consider to be successful, such as your parents, relatives, neighbors or friends who might work in areas where you have some interest to get their feedback. Ask what you can do to make it better and then come up with your final version.
With every good wish.
With every good wish.