Creating a Resume

Your resume these days is the only first impression you will get with a company before they decide to give you an interview. Because of this the best way to look at any job that does not require a degree is to understand that a piece of paper is the only thing coming between you and that job. Once they call you for an interview it means they will hire you if you give a good interview. So that being said, the resume you create is really your key to getting a solid job. 

There are 5 things that every resume should have in order to give you the optimal chance at obtaining a job.

1. A good format- Every resume should be formatted correctly. A resume template is easy to find online with a simple google search or you can certainly feel free to copy the example we will list below.

2. A short section about yourself in your resume- You should use this section of your resume to highlight the most positive attributes about yourself and more importantly separate yourself from other people. I always try to say something about my ability to listen, learn, and apply myself to problems. I may write something about my competitiveness or that I have been through a lot in life, and it makes me want to be the best at everything I do. This section may even just highlight some major strengths in the field you are trying to enter but again the most important thing is that it sets you apart positively from the other candidates applying for the job. See the one in the example below. You can feel free to use it, but it is definitely better to find something unique to you.

3. A list of experience made relative to the job you are applying for- I wouldn’t tell you to lie and put your friends down as references that is not right. However, I would say to use your creativity when creating your resume, but make sure you have supplemented your lack of experience with some heavy research online if you don't have much experience. We believe some of these courses will do wonders in teaching the secrets of trades to help you get into different industries and know the work before you jump in. Remember your resume is all about hyping yourself up for the position, think from the employer’s point of view and wonder what they want to see on your resume for that position. Even if you do use your exact work history, you should only mention tasks that relate to the position you are applying for when summarizing your previous jobs. I remember when I had very little experience years ago I was applying to everything from a fry cook to a salesman and a lawn technician. Every one of the different industries I applied for had a different resume and with the resume I provided and the interview I gave I was able to obtain a great paying sales job even with a record and no college degree. There are many people willing to give you a shot if you present yourself well enough, especially in today’s job climate.

4. EASY TO FIND CONTACT INFO!- I have been in positions where I have had to review resumes and hire applicants many times at this point in my life and the most mind-blowing mistake I have seen on multiple occasions is that people will forget to put their contact info on their resume. If an employer does not have a phone number AND email they may not even look at your resume. I had an applicant apply for a graphic design position and they had good experience, and I would have certainly gave them a shot but there was no number to call them. It is obviously a simple thing, but it is a must of course. When I am hiring anybody, I want to be able to get on the phone with them as soon as I decide I like their resume and always be prepared for that call.

5. Attach a short cover letter to your resume- I personally am most likely not going to read any cover letter that is longer than a couple paragraphs long so keep that in mind. Employers are busy and their time is valuable. Writing a concise cover letter that highlights the things that make you the positively only right option for this job can be enough to even outweigh a bit of lack in experience.

The last thing I want to be clear on is that parts of your resume that lack effort will be boring to an employer and will not be remembered. I know how easy it is to put something like this…

skills- hardworking, on time, dedicated, quick learner

or something like this

2002-2003 Lawncare Salesman

 duties- making sales and working 6 days a week

Any list you have on your resume should not lack effort. No one is going to care that your resume says you work hard or that you are a team player. You need to write things that apply to the position and that stand out no matter where it is on your resume. Everything that you put on your resume even certain experience, should be questioned by yourself. Always ask yourself, If I was an employer would I care about what I just wrote? Would that make me want to hire me? Will it make me stand out from the rest or am I writing the same droll things as the majority? If you do that you will be much closer to getting that call for an interview and obtaining a job.

Resume Example for Applying to CEO Positions

John Doe

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