When I ask people whether or not they enjoy writing their own resume, I most always hear a resounding NO! Some of the most common complaints I hear is that they don't know what to say, they don't know what employers want to hear, or they don't know where to start.
Many people who have attempted to write their own resume describe a painful experience that includes sitting at a computer, staring at a document that is blank except their name and contact information. Although I am not sure I am able to make the process painless, asking yourself these three questions may help ease you into the writing process.
What do you want to do?
It is quite difficult to write an effective resume without the answer to this question. Without a target, how will you know what skills to highlight? Answer this question before you begin the resume in order to focus in on your most marketable skills and accomplishments.
What value can you bring to an employer?
If you write your resume by focusing on the answer to this question, you will set yourself apart from the crowd. An employer is always seeking the most cost-effective employee that will bring them the highest return on investment. Define how you can bring value to an employer, how you will earn the salary they pay you, and how you can solve their problem or fulfill their specific needs.
How did you make a difference in each previous position?
The answers to this question go hand-in-hand with the previous question. For each job on your resume, brainstorm what you did to make things better - increased sales, improved efficiency, and enhanced organization are just a few examples. Insert these accomplishments into your resume and be prepared to tell the stories in detail during your interview for a more successful job search.
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