5 Steps to Writing a Well-Organized and Stylish Resume

Whether you're just diving into the job pool or heading out to deeper water for a mid-career change, having a polished, professional-looking resume is important. While there are many books, software programs, and even people willing to help you out (for a price), there really isn't any reason you can't create one yourself. This article will take you step-by-step, from organizing information to submitting a finished copy.

Step 1: Gather Before you start, it helps to have all the necessary information. Jot down the names and dates for all past educational and work experience. Brainstorm a list of skills (computer, linguistic, managerial, etc.), personal activities, and awards.

Step 2: SiftThe key to writing a good resume is specificity. Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. If you're pursuing a position as a human resource manager, for instance, it's probably a good idea to mention the fact that you took a conflict management course at the community center. Conversely, you might not mention your pizza delivery job from ten years ago. Remember that a resume should not exceed a page in length - you'll have to be picky when it comes to what information to include.

Step 3: OrganizeNot all resumes are organized similarly. The key here is to emphasize (by putting toward the top of the page) your strengths while downplaying any weaknesses. If you've just graduated college and have little applicable job experience, you will probably want to put the Education section at the top of your resume. If you're applying for a technical job and know four computer programming languages, place your Skills section first.

Below are the six most commonly included sections in a resume. A few (Education and Work Experience) are staples, while others (Personal Activities, Honors/Awards) might only be applicable in certain circumstances.