How To Write a Resume

Write your name in bold at the top of the page, followed by your address, phone numbers, and email address. Then center the whole thing.

List your work history, starting with your most recent position. Include the place of employment, the dates you were employed there, and the type of job you performed.

Give a brief summary of what you did at each position.

Look closely at the description of the job you’re applying for, and adjust what you’ve written to emphasize your most relevant skills and experience.

Leave at last three spaces between job summations so your resume is easy to read—even if that means shortening some sections.

When you’re done listing former jobs, list your education, including the school you graduated from and the degree you earned there.

After your education, list any personal information—like hobbies, interests, or skills—that pertain to the job you’re seeking. But leave out the stupid stuff—if you’re applying for a job as a mortician, nobody cares if you can juggle.

Always offer to make “references available upon request” at the end of your resume. It’s classy—and if you actually have them, it’s even better.

Be sure to spell-check your work, and ask a friend to look it over before you print it out.

When your resume is letter-perfect, print it out on the special paper of your choice.