If you have taken the time to determine what you want from your career and have already begun your job search, you might be eager to start applying right away. In fact, that would be a terrible mistake. To be considered for most jobs, you must prepare a flawless resume that showcases exactly why you are the best candidate for the job. Compiling and fine-tuning your resume requires time, effort, and attention to detail.
Don't worry if you don't know how to write a resume. This course will help you create either a standard resume or a custom resume for each job for which you apply. By following the steps outlined in this course, you will learn how to demonstrate that you are the perfect candidate to fill a particular job opening and obtain the necessary edge over other applicants.
The focus in Segment 1 is resumes in general. You will first learn what a resume is meant to achieve. This segment helps you find out which resume format will work best for you. Then, the course provides details about the three main types of resume formats:
- Chronological
- Functional
- Combination/Targeted
If these formats are unfamiliar to you, relax. You will see sample resumes throughout Segment 1. You can choose to review only the format that you think is best for you, or you can decide for yourself by reviewing all three types.
In Segment 2, you will compile all the information you need to create your own resume. Although formats can vary, essentially the same kind of information is found on every resume. If you have completed Career Course: Determining What You Want from Your Career, you might have already started to compile some of this information. For example:
- Your Educational Background
- Previous Work Experience
- Personal Skills
If it helps, you can review the information you downloaded from that course. Because your answers in this segment may actually be included in your resume, take the time to consider the information you include and, of course, make certain it is all accurate.
As you move through this course, you may wonder if all these steps are really necessary. The truth is, there are no shortcuts in the resume-creation process. If your resume does not properly represent you, or if it does not look professional and follow a commonly accepted format, you could easily get passed over for a job that you are otherwise totally qualified to fill.
