Before You Write, Prepare
Before you begin writing, it is a good idea to assemble the information you will need to write your resume. Do not be daunted by the amount of information you gather, you may need only bits and pieces from documents but it will be much easier to have it ready at your fingertips. The checklist below will help you in your preparation.
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- Last version of your resume
- Employment history (employer names, location, dates)
- Most recent performance evaluation
- Letters / Statements of recognition from employers, vendors, colleagues and/or clients
- Awards/Honors
- List of professional, social, civic affiliations
- Psychometric Assessments / Summary (i.e. DISC, Myers-Briggs)
- List of professional courses, including those offered through employer
- List of publications
- Speaking Engagements
- Patents
- List of References (5-10)
- Social Media Profiles
- Special assignments, i.e. project teams, interim assignments
It is also helpful to take some time and note:
- What do you like about your current or last job?
- What type of work environment do you desire (small, team focused, energetic)
- What things do you do well?
- What are you areas of weakness?
Spending time to prepare information in advance will not only help you organize your writing but will also prepare you for the interview process. Gathering documents and reviewing information will give you perspective on yourself as a job candidate, something we tend to never think about in our day to day duties.
The above is an excerpt from How to Write Your Own Killer Resume.
