For many people, creating a resume is a one-time thing - maybe they wrote one when they graduated and looked for work. Some people didn't really create one then and have not ever written a real resume. I encourage you to create a resume - even if you are not planning to make a job or career change in the near future. By having an up-to-date resume, you have one less task to accomplish if/when you do need to make a change. I believe it is also important to have a historical resume - one that includes your prominent accomplishments and all of your work experiences, but that will be the topic of a different blog post.
To create a resume, it usually helps to write down some specifics about your current or most recent position first. If you are currently employed, you should write down your title and major responsibilities and your accomplishments. To the extent possible, include quantifiable terms to help describe your accomplishments; e.g. the percentage of increase in productivity, sales, etc. for you or your unit; the amount of reduction in expenses, missed work, etc. You will also need to identify some action verbs to describe your work and accomplishments and include transferable skills that you demonstrated.
Depending on how long you have been in your current job, you would write a similar description of the job you had before that. Repeat the process so that you have covered the last 15 years or so of your work life. You would want to include the name and address of your employer and the name of your supervisor.
You should also think about other activities in which you have been involved over the last 15 to 18 years. This could include work and non-work related activities, such as community or church boards, significant committee work, volunteer work, etc. The idea is to identify other ways in which you have demonstrated your transferable skills, particularly those skills you would like to continue to use.
Your resume would also include information about your educational background and training. Write down specifics of your education, if you have earned a degree that is related to the kind of work you do, you may want to list the degree before the institution where you received it. Generally, you would not include your high school information if you have a college degree, unless you are a recent graduate. If you are working on a college degree (even on a part-time basis) you may want to list the degree you will receive and include the notation, "In Progress". Training that is relevant for your current career goal should also be included.
By getting these pieces of information written down, you will have that much more together if you need to prepare for a change in work. In today's world of work, change is much more frequent. You also need to know that in many cases, you need a resume if you apply for graduate school.
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 job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest 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 (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
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