English as 2nd Language

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How To Write Resume in English

Writing a resume in English can be very different than in your native tongue. The following how to outlines a standard resume format.

Difficulty Level: Hard      Time Required: 2 hours


Here's How:
  1. First, take notes on your work experience - both paid and unpaid, full time and part time. Write down your responsibilities, job title and company information. Include everything!
  2. Take notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career objectives.
  3. Take notes on other accomplishments. Include membership in organizations, military service and any other special accomplishments.
  4. From the notes, choose which skills are transferable (skills that are similar) to the job you are applying for - these are the most important points for your resume.
  5. Begin resume by writing your full name, address, telephone number, fax and email at the top of the resume.
  6. Write an objective. The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain.
  7. Begin work experience with your most recent job. Include the company specifics and your responsibilities - focus on the skills you have identified as transferable.
  8. Continue to list all of your work experience job by job progressing backwards in time. Remember to focus on skills that are transferable.
  9. Summarize your education, including important facts (degree type, specific courses studied) that are applicable to the job you are applying for.
  10. Include other relevant information such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge etc. under the heading: Additional Skills
  11. Finish with the phrase: REFERENCES Available upon request
  12. Your entire resume should ideally not be any longer than one page. If you have had a number of years of experience specific to the job you are applying for, two pages are also acceptable.
  13. Spacing: ADDRESS (center of page in bold) OBJECTIVE double space EXPERIENCE double space EDUCATION double space ADDITIONAL SKILLS double space REFERENCES. Left align everything except name/address.
Tips:
  1. Use dynamic action verbs such as: accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.
  2. Do NOT use the subject "I", use tenses in the past. Except for your present job. Example: Conducted routine inspections of on site equipment.

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