Writing a resume is a frequent topic that intimidates lots of people. Possibly it’s the very concept of writing correctly which has job-seekers bewildered and frustrated. It really isn’t as hard as everyone makes it seem. Just think of a resume as a 1-page letter describing your experience, abilities, schooling, and job history–all of this information is what you already know and you just have to beat it out of yourself. :)

The difficult that you probably face is identifying the correct format of a resume for a particular job. You also me be unfamiliar with format, fonts, and margins. Many job-seekers stress themselves out when they start thinking about creating a new resume or updating an existing one. You have nothing to fear once you know the fundamentals of writing a basic resume. If you experience writer’s block, you could find an experienced resume writer or a recruiter to assist you. In the following paragraphs we’ll cover a few basic principles of writing a resume. We’ll also cover the kinds of resumes and which one to use in your situation.

What style must I use in my resume?

The style of your resume is based on your overall experience, job background and the type of employment for which you are seeking. If you desire to stay with your job area but are seeking a promotion, then use the Chronological resume format. If you’re updating and tweaking a resume and will not be changing jobs, then use a “mixture resume” or a Functional resume format. When you learn new job skills and attain new education and experience, then review the Functional resume style to see if it is appropriate for the job.

Should I mention any volunteer or charity work?

Many people decide to include extracurricular activities with non-profit organizations into their resume to raise awareness about their charitable contributions. This really is your decision to include this info or not. Sure, it will add some professionalism if the organization is well-known. Only list things that can help showcase your skills and personality.

Should I hire somebody to write my resume?

In the event that you cannot write your resume, then you may want to pay a professional to write it. You’ll have to give the resume writer your work history, education, and salary history. Additionally, you will need to describe your exact job responsibilities, skills, education and any relevant information. Many resume writers ask fees between $50 and $250, depending how involved the resume is. A basic job resume will require much less work and time than writing a resume for an executive businessperson. Always research current prices before you hire somebody. If you’re getting a professional resume with a 1-page cover letter, then you may need to pay more. Sometimes writing a cover letter takes just as much time as crafting a resume.

Do not lie on your resume

If you’re caught falsifying information on your resume, the employer can fire you at any time during your employment. Clearly an employer cannot trust you if you add any misleading information. Adding false information on your resume may also set you back afterwards in the future even once you have the positioning. Many companies re-check resumes before giving a salary raise or job promotion to double-check your references. Additionally, any false information can ruin your credibility with your boss and co-workers.