First, you must select the kind of resume to use. There are a number of options. For
the purpose of this article, we will focus on three: the chronological, the functional,and the combination resumes. The chronological resume’s main body is composed of a list of jobs and experience going reverse chronological, with your most recent job first.

This kind of resume is often the preferred for those hiring, and is best suited for workers with long, steady, and related job histories. For those with a more off-and-on work past or those changing careers, the functional resume is often the better choice, focusing in on a list of relevant skills and experience rather than actual job history. For the most versatility and coverage of all options, the combination resume uses both job history and skill and experience to make its point.

There are a few central sections to build in your professional resume. First, as a header, you need your contact information: full name, house address, home and cell phone numbers, and e-mail. Following the header should be a basic tagline or headline, a short phrase describing you as a career worker with some specific highlighted skill. After the tagline comes the resume objective.

This objective should be as detailed and plainly stated as possible, focusing in on your goals for the job to which you are applying, how this will help you with your professional skills, and, potentially, what position you want to rank at eventually in the future.

Following your objective, it is time for you to fill out your main body, whether it be a listing of skills and experience, a chronological job history, or both together. Be  clear, concise, and focused on the skills and keywords that will put you in the best light for the particular position to which you are applying. Use bullet points, action words, and clear numbers with logical and professional abbreviations and symbols. Most of all, highlight your strengths and be positive!