How To Write Resumé in English
Writing a resume in English can be very different than in your native tongue. The following how to outlines a standard resume format.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 2 hours
Here's How:
1. First, take notes on your work experience - both paid and unpaid, full time and part time. Write down your responsibilities, job title and company information. Include everything!
2. Take notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career objectives.
3. Take notes on other accomplishments. Include membership in organizations, military service and any other special accomplishments.
4. From the notes, choose which skills are transferable (skills that are similar) to the job you are applying for - these are the most important points for your resume.
5. Begin resume by writing your full name, address, telephone number, fax and email at the top of the resume.
6. Write an objective. The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain.
7. Begin work experience with your most recent job. Include the company specifics and your responsibilities - focus on the skills you have identified as transferable.
8. Continue to list all of your work experience job by job progressing backwards in time. Remember to focus on skills that are transferable.
9. Summarize your education, including important facts (degree type, specific courses studied) that are applicable to the job you are applying for.
10. Include other relevant information such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge etc. under the heading: Additional Skills.
11. Finish with the phrase: REFERENCES Available upon request .
12. Your entire resume should ideally not be any longer than one page. If you have had a number of years of experience specific to the job you are applying for, two pages are also acceptable.
13. Spacing: ADDRESS (center of page in bold) OBJECTIVE double space EXPERIENCE double space EDUCATION double space ADDITIONAL SKILLS double space REFERENCES. Left align everything except name/address.
Tips:
1. Use dynamic action verbs such as: accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.
2. Do NOT use the subject 'I', use tenses in the past. Except for your present job. Example: Conducted routine inspections of on site equipment.
Points to Consider When Writing an English Resume
The idea of an English Resume is to sell yourself: An English Resume is seen as an opportunity to sell yourself and should emphasize your skills, experiences and achievements. You should include successes and wherever possible include facts and figures to support your claims. Do NOT include information that is negative.
Spelling and Grammar Check: Correct spelling and grammar are of absolute importance in an English Resume. Employers will NOT tolerate any mistakes. It is very important that a native English speaker checks your Resume before you send it to an English-speaking employer.
CVwriting.net can provide a full spelling and grammar check and suggest any changes to the content of your Resume in line with what employers expect.
Do not include a photo: Most English employers do NOT like to see a photo on the Resume and, in fact, including one could work against you. Only include a photo if it has been specifically requested for a particular job application.
English Language skills: This is a very important aspect of your Resume and your professional career. You must explain your knowledge of the English language under the ‘Skills’ heading. Describe your level of knowledge as one of the following:
• Bilingual – You can speak English as well as your mother tongue
• Fluent – You have a complete working knowledge of the English language, both written and speaking.
• Working knowledge- you have a good practical knowledge of English for professional purposes.
• Conversational – You can converse adequately in English with good comprehension.
