Jason Kaufman Resume Tips

When to start? The average person writes one up a couple days before a job interview. But on the contrary, you should begin a working resume way before. For anyone looking for employment in the future, the time to start writing your resume is now. Even if you’re not sending it out for several months or years, It’s never too early to start writing down past employment related names, addresses, dates, experiences, and qualifications. After you’ve started one, remember it is important to constantly update it. According to Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century, it is important to start today because:

· It will help you recall precise/specific details required on more formal resumes

· Seeing the information written down shows gaps in your training or experience that you need to fill in(pg.401)

· If you need a letter of recommendation, you have all the contact information for your past bosses

Although the origin is unknown, one could assume a resume has been around ever since there’s been a need (by an employer) for a competent and qualified worker. Today, all employers require these kinds of dedicated employees (competent and qualified), and the question is how do you obtain these above-average productive workers? You begin by accept applications along with resumes. Then, Interview those candidates who have the most impressive resumes interested in the job.

Essentially a resume helps an employer in determining which possible candidate would be the most qualified, productive and profitable for the company. A decision like this could be made by looking at a resume, it allows an employer to gain insight on a candidates’ past. Information such as their:

· Education

· Employment history

· Experience

· Summary of relevant skills

· Honors and activities/achievements

· Career objectives

· References

These are the basic elements of a resume, along with the writers contact information (at the top).

Due to people having different preferences, not every resume contains the same elements. Regardless, every resumes should include some if not all the elements. Although, there is no exact right way to write a resume, one can very easily be messed up. Making mistakes such as:

· Grammar errors

· Inaccurate information

· Unnecessary information

· Bad structure and organization

Could cost a candidate his opportunity of the job. Even the smallest error in your resume could suggest to your readers that you are not detail oriented or concerned with quality(pg.409). Even the highest qualified candidates may be eliminated if their resumes or cover letters contain errors. My overall advice when writing a resume would be to assume you cannot afford to make mistakes. Then regardless whether you are the highest qualified, you will have a good shot at landing the job.

Reference:

Dobrin, S. I., Keller, C. J., & Weisser, C. R. (2002). .TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION: in the Twenty-First Century Upper Saddle River , NJ: Pearson Custom Publishing. Pg.401-409