No Resume? Where Should You Start?

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If it’s been a while since you last created a resume or this is your first time, you may feel a little overwhelmed. So where should you start?

Well, there are two areas you need to focus on.

  1. Identify what types of jobs you want to apply for
  2. Brainstorm your career information

How to Start A Resume

What Types Of Jobs Do You Want To Apply For?

Until you know this important piece of information, you can’t create an effective resume. Your resume needs to be directed toward your profession of choice, otherwise, it will end up being a document of generic information.

If you have several professions you want to target, then yes, you need more than one resume. The reasons for this is your summary, keywords and title all need to point in the same direction.

Case In Point

A client recently came to me and wanted his resume to target the following jobs:

  • Measurement while drilling (MWD) management or any MWD related field
  • Directional/Horizontal Well Planning
  • Telecommunications jobs/careers
  • Sales and marketing

He was a fully qualified Electrical Engineer, had 12 years total work history and only 2 positions – MWD Engineer and MWD Manager for an oil and gas producer.

So the first 2 job types in his list were certainly easy to craft for one resume. But the last 2 required very different resumes, summaries and keywords. 

So make sure you research and/or brainstorm the positions you want to apply for before you start writing your official resume.

Tip: It is helpful to have a master resume that you use as a framework to help put together customised resumes for specific vocations.

Brainstorm Your Career Information – In order to start putting together your resume, you need to flesh out what you have done in the past 10-15 years. Below is the base information you need to identify.

1. Contact Information – This is the easiest section to complete.

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Phone number (the best number where you can be reached)
  • E-mail address

2. Employment History – Brainstorm all positions you have held in the past 10-15 years, including relevant experiences and skills. The most recent position goes first.

You’ll need to identify the following:

  • Name of company and location
  • Your job title
  • Dates of employment
  • Key responsibilities
  • Accomplishments, contributions, achievements ie: did you increase revenue, reduce expenses

3. Educational Background – Your education can include any qualification obtained from a University, TAFE, College etc. You need to ensure to include the following:

  • Name of institution
  • Year completed
  • Degree/Course Title

4. Additional Information – The below information can be added to highlight your knowledge and strengthen your resume.

  • Are you fluent in a foreign language?
  • Are you part of any professional affiliations?
  • Have you received any awards?
  • Do you have any publications or patents?
  • Do you have any specialised computer or technical skills?
  • Continuing professional development (if applicable)
  • Licences/Tickets?
  • Do you volunteer?

5. References – Before starting your job search you will need to identify who will act as your references. You must contact them and obtain their permission along with advising them of the types of roles you will be applying for.

  • Referee’s name
  • Current job title
  • Current organisation
  • Contact details

References aren’t included on a modern resume, but you need to know who you rely on and ask them if they are happy to be a reference when the time comes.

Lisa Mahar Close Up In Office

Hi, I'm Lisa.

Known as a resume master and job search accelerator, I’m obsessed with Barefoot investing, English breakfast tea, and my local Buy Nothing group. What motivates me each day is helping YOU land your next role – all through a successful job search.

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