Writing a Resume.

Writing a Resume

A resume is a document that contains one’s personal record of learning/education, experiences and other relevant skills which are related to a job being applied for. Just like in business, a resume is a “marketing document” and has the ability of convincing prospective employers or not depending on the quality of the resume.

Let’s deviate a little to
understand the recruitment and selection process. The aim of  recruitment is to create a large pool of people who are available and willing to work for a particular Organization, while the selection process strives to sort out or eliminate those judged unqualified to meet identified requirements as it best suits prospective employers.

In short, the selection process therefore, involves a series of activities aimed at identifying the best candidates for job positions from the list of recruits. Organizations have their selection process well laid down and must be followed, depending on whether it is a private or public/government organization.

Back to our focus. A resume, apart from containing one’s education, experience or skills, it also contains other vital information such as personal Data, Career objective, Address, email address, hobbies and at least three to four referees depending on the requirement of the Organization.

In writing a resume, there are some important tips that will guide in writing that quality and well structured resume. This includes:

1.   The email address you are to use must be a professional one and must contain your name. An example of a good email address is isaacgabriel@yahoo.com. Do not use emails like isaac4life, isaac4real, isaac4love or emails that do not contain your name because they all look unprofessional.

2.   When writing a resume, don’t write false information by trying to state education, experience or skills which you do not poses.

3.   Be sure your resume is orderly stated by writing down first things first as seen in the sample below.

4.   When typing your resume, make sure that the font size and format is consistent with al least a font of 14 and a line space of 1.5. You resume should be arranged neatly and also free from typos.

5.   Ensure that you provide information that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

6.   Do not state any salary information.

7.   For fresh graduates, your experience is your place of primary assignment under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme.

8.   Make sure that you keep updating your resume as you acquire more education, experience or skills.

A  Sample of Resume

ADEOSUN PETER AYODELE

122 Ajayi Ajimuda Road, Mafoluku, Ikeja, Lagos.

(+234) 8072386282

adeosunpeter@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE

Creating new methods of work through innovations driven by change in which technical and organizational skills can be utilized.

PERSONAL DATA

Nationality                      -        Nigerian

State                              -        Lagos

Local Government Area   -        Oshodi

Date of Birth                  -        5^th July, 1984

Marital Status                -        Single

Sex                               -        Male

Languages Spoken          -        English, Yoruba

SCHOOLS ATTENDED WITH DATE

·         University of Ilorin, Kwara State                         -        2006-2011

·         Ancient and Modern Secondary School, Ibadan      -        1999-2005

·         Ancient and Modern Primary School, Ibadan          -        1993-1999

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION WITH DATE

·         B.Sc (Hons) Electrical Engineering (CGPA: 4.2)      -        2011

·         Senior School Certificate Examination (7 credits)   -        2005

·         First School Leaving certificate                            -        1999

EXPERIENCE

Government Model School, Ikeja, Lagos                          -        2011 till date

COMPUTER TRAINING

·         Oracle Database Management (11g)                     -        2010

·         Certificate in Computer Proficiency                        -        2009

SKILLS

Electronic component repair and Maintenance, Windows 9X/NT/2000/XP/, MAC OS 9 and 10, UNIX, HTML, XML, Javascript, website design.

AWARDS

·         University of Ilorin College of Engineering Deans Dozen.

·         Committee on Student Organization.

REFEREES

Pro. O. B. Ewa

Dean, Faculty of Engineering,

University of Ilorin,

Kwara State.

08024829213

Dr. S. Kadiri

Director of Admin  and Finance,

Ministry for Local Government,

Gombe State.

08082346112

Mr. Abel Aguda

Senior Lecturer

Federal Polytechnic, Bida,

Niger State.

08073374923

Finally, a resume must be kept simple, attractive and well structured to improve your chances of being called upon for an interview. Enough said.