Writing a Resume

Create a resume that impresses hiring managers and speaks to your personal and professional strengths. Learn about the nuts and bolts of resume formatting, layout, and word choice.

Finding a great job starts with writing a great resume, one that speaks to your personal and professional strengths. Learn how to write a resume that stands out and makes employers take notice. Stacey A. Gordon, cofounder of Career Incubator, has made it her life's work to help others find the jobs and build the careers of their dreams. In this course, she walks through the basics of resume writing for job seekers, as well as a few extra job search basics such as identifying companies to work for and determining fit.

Stacey explains what to include and exclude on a resume and how to showcase your talents and best qualities. Using practical examples, Stacey walks through choosing the right format, tailoring information to match job requirements, and writing alternative resumes that include industry-specific information. Last, Stacey shows you how to deal with some common sore spots—like job hopping, lack of experience, or unemployment gaps—while concentrating on your experience.

Introduction

• Writing a successful resume

1. Basic Components of a Resume

• The goal of an objective statement
• Your summary of skills section
• Showcase professional work experience
• How to present your education
• Display membership in an organization
• Showcase volunteer work and experience
• Add a technical or computer skills section

2. Customizing the Basic Resume Components

• Customize identifying information
• Include optimal contact information
• Include keywords in professional experience
• Tailor your education to match the job

3. Upgrading Your Resume

• How to use achievements on your resume
• Use awards to upgrade your resume
• When to include publications on your resume

4. Layout and Formatting Choices

• Resume formats and layouts
• Resume-friendly software
• The functional resume

5. Alternative Resume Design

• United States curriculum vitae (CV)
• European resumes
• Marketing resumes
• Entertainment resumes
• Design/architecture resumes

6. Handling Common Hurdles

• Tips for college grads and early careers
• How to tackle large gaps and longevity
• How to handle a career change
• Tips for job hoppers
• Manage long term unemployment

7. Using Your Resume to Get the Job You Want

• Use your objective to focus the reader
• How to showcase the skills an employer wants
• Use your experience as a roadmap
• Strategies for using your education
• The value of your volunteer work

8. Standing Out from the Crowd

• Use thank you notes to follow up
• Prepare your references
• How to follow up without stalking
• Manage your online presence

9. Best Practices for Using a Resume

• Resumes and online applications
• How to use a resume during an interview
• Resumes and networking
• Resumes and informational interviews

10. Conducting a Proactive versus Reactive Job Search

• Identifying companies
• Determining fit
• Finding a contact

Conclusion

• Next steps for job search success