Why Do You Need a Resume?

A resume is one of the important tools for a job search and other self-marketing campaigns. It can also serve as a reminder of your skills and accomplishments. Even if you are not looking for different work, a resume is requested for some volunteer activities, honors for which you are being considered, applications to graduate school, and some small business opportunities. If you are planning to make a career or job change, a well-written up-to-date resume is a necessity.

Your resume should give a potential employer a brief synopsis of your work history and related work experiences. It should also include the training or education you have completed and skills you possess. Your resume should provide information about the kind of work or position you are seeking, in addition to what you have to offer a potential employer. Although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life, all the information included should be accurate.

Ideally, your resume will be written in a clear and concise way so that prospective employers get an accurate picture of your background. It should also be clear about the direction you are currently pursuing. Your resume should include a number of action verbs (key words) describing your accomplishments and activities.

If you have never written a resume, it is a good idea to write on for historical purposes. In that case, you would include all the jobs you have held, all volunteer or unpaid work experiences, and training and education you have received. Having that information in one document can save time later if you decide to change career directions.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of your job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty next, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

TO contact Ms. Davis, please call (513Z) 665-4444 x3 and leaved a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.