As a prospective employee, you have a lot of access to free resume advice. See our Resume Checklist or review the following online resources for how to write a resume:

For additional resume advice, check out your local library for books and articles on how to write a great resume.

Other resources include:

• The Resume.Com Guide to Writing Unbeatable Resumes
  by Warren Simons and Rose Curtis
• Get the Interview Every Time:
  Fortune 500 Hiring Professionals' Tips for Writing
  Winning Resumes and Cover Letters
  by Brenda Greene
• The Resume Handbook:
  How to Write Outstanding Resumes & Cover Letters
  for Every Situation
  by Arthur D. Rosenberg and David Hizer

Resume Checklist
Your resume can get you in the door to meet a prospective employer. The look of the resume and the quality of the writing are both important. Think about these tips as you put your resume together.

What is a resume?
The purpose of a resume is to convince prospective employers that they should meet you for an interview. An effective resume should:

• introduce you to an employer,
• communicate what you can offer;
• provide information about your accomplishments; and,
• function as a marketing document that highlights your skills and qualifications.
  

1. The material should fit neatly on one or two pages with an ample amount of white space.
2. The resume looks professional (laser quality printing) and is on appropriate paper (white, cream or another neutral shade of bonded paper).
3. The header (name, address, telephone number etc.) is centered or laid out in a way that is visually appealing and easy to read. Your name should be in a font size between 14-16 points and bolded or in upper case so that it stands out.
4. The font size on the rest of the resume is between 10-12 points.

1. There are absolutely no spelling or grammatical errors on the resume. You may want to get a “fresh” pair of eyes to read it over.
2. Write the text of your resume in a clear and concise fashion.
3. Action verbs are used to describe your skills and abilities, e.g., “Initiated the reorganization of the filing system, resulting in more rapid retrieval of key documents and files.”
4. The resume describes your accomplishments as well as your job duties, e.g. “Planned and organized volunteer fair attracting 30 volunteer agencies.” (Note: use numbers to make your statements quantifiable whenever possible.)
5. The resume highlights your employability for the position for which you are applying. You may want to include a section called “Highlights of Qualifications” near the top of your resume in which you showcase the skills that make you most qualified for the position. For example, if the job posting requests that applicants have knowledge of the MSOffice package, you may want to include a statement that you are “Proficient with all MSOffice applications,”
6. Organize your resume so the most relevant content appears closest to the top. For example, if you are a recent graduate applying for a marketing position and you have a marketing degree, but little relevant work experience, list your education first. If, however, you have several years of related work experience, but no formal education, list your work experience first.
7. The format you have chosen best reflects your work, experience and skills. You may want to use a functional or combination format if you are applying for work in a field in which you have no prior experience, but you have many transferable skills. A chronological format can be used if your work history has been progressive. Remember that volunteer work and internships count.
8. Irrelevant and inappropriate personal information (height, weight, gender, age) should be excluded from your resume.

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Research and Preparation
The key to successful interviewing is preparation and practice. Make sure to research both the company and the current trends that pertain to the company’s industry. Review the company’s website, as well as the job description and the skills required. Do you possess those skills or most of them? Are you able to present your skills and abilities in a positive manner and demonstrate them using examples? Have you prepared responses to those interview questions you find most difficult to answer? Have you thought about which questions you would like to ask the interviewer?

A day or two before your scheduled interview you may want to confirm your appointment. Presentation is important so ensure that you dress appropriately. Make sure you have the correct address and aim to arrive 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment. Take an extra copy of your resume.

First Impressions
First impressions are extremely important so greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm return handshake. Don’t wear excessive cologne, perfume or makeup. In your research, try to get an idea of the company culture and dress code and dress appropriately. Make an effort to relax and appear confident. Take in your surroundings, the artwork, plants, etc., as they can provide you with a conversation ice breaker. They may also provide a helpful indication of the personality and interests of the interviewer.

Non Verbal Communication
Be aware of your body language and maintain good posture. Keep habits such as fiddling with your jewelry or swinging your feet in check. Maintain good eye contact during the interview, be alert, positive, and show your interest and enthusiasm (balanced with professionalism, of course!)

During the Interview
Listen carefully to the questions and stay focused. If you are not sure what is being asked, ask for clarification. Make sure that your answers are honest, relevant and brief. Articulate your skills in accomplishment form providing examples. Try to prepare answers to some of the most commonly asked interview questions, and ask intelligent and relevant questions of the interviewer. (See the following list of questions).

Follow up
Remember to send a thank you letter within 24 hours of your interview. Few people do and it provides an opportunity for you to confirm your suitability for the position and thank the interviewer for his or her time.

1. What is your greatest strength?
2. What is your greatest weakness?
3. Why do you want to change jobs/why did you leave your last position?
4. How do you handle conflict?
5. Why should we hire you?
6. What do you know about our company?
7. Why do you want to work for us?
8. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
10. What are your salary expectations?
11. What did you enjoy most about your last job?
12. What kind of management style do you work best under?

1. What is the typical career path for someone with my experience?
2. What is the first project/task that will need to be addressed by the person in this position?
3. What kind of training can I expect?
4. Describe a typical day in this position?
5. What type of ongoing training and support can I expect?

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Building Business Skills
Continually sharpening your skill levels and developing new skills makes you a very valued employee. In addition, you can increase your earning power by staying current on new technologies and business theories, and you can develop new career opportunities as you develop new skills. The local junior colleges have a variety of online and traditional courses that will help you develop your computer or business skills for a very reasonable cost.

Check out these resources:

• Lewis Adult Education Center
• Santa Rosa Junior College
• College of Marin
• Marin Employment Connection
• Empire College
• Regional Occupational Program

Building Skills through Volunteer Work
Many employers are interested in hiring employees that have done some volunteer work. This is a way to support your community, as well as broaden your work skills. One link that can provide you with a wealth of local agencies needing volunteers is the Bay Area Volunteer Information Center at www.volunteerinfo.org. Other local agencies that would benefit from your help are: