​Starting your resume can seem like a complicated task but it doesn't have to be. When you are creating your resume, you want to make it the most powerful statement that you can about yourself. You want your resume to highlight your strong points that make your resume stand out from the others. Remember that you can make changes to it once you get something on paper and can revise it as you see fit. Here is a list of tips for resume writing:

• First, gather the information that you'll need to begin. You can use a worksheet or just a plain sheet of paper. Be sure to assemble your key pieces of information. This includes work history (including dates), education, skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience, professional affiliations, and any special achievements or awards you have been given that relate to the job. Start with as much information as possible. As you craft your resume, you'll filter out what items you don't need. It is always best to start with as much information as possible.

• Make a list of your qualifications for this particular job. Start with a Resume Checklist. Think about why you would make a good candidate for this employer and then write that into one or two sentences. This can be put near the top of the resume. The starting section of your resume should include a compelling one- statement about what sets you apart, what you bring forth, and why you would make a good candidate. This is similar to an elevator pitch.

• When you consider what your qualifications are, make a list of all of them. Then, edit the list to include the unique qualifications that many other people wouldn't have. Start with a list of at least three and no more than 10 of your outstanding qualifications for the job. These can be experience-related or skill-related or accomplishment-related. Write simple true statements about yourself to sum up your qualifications. It's important to also quantify your ccomplishments on your resume.

• Resumes are written in backward chronological order. Always list the most recent position first. If you have many years of positions you can drop off anything older than 20 years old which can be covered in the interview. List your previous employment along with job titles and major skills for each position. 

• Next, list your educational credentials including the name of the college, the location, the degree obtained and the year. Don't list high school education unless it is the only academic achievement.

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• If you have specific technical education or courses that pertain to your position list them here. If you have won any awards or special honors you should list them as well.

• As a general rule of thumb, you can add a statement at the end of your resume that says you will provide additional information on request.

• Consider the presentation quality. Browsing through professional resume samples helps. Arrange the items in an aesthetically-pleasing format. You can use special resume template software or just use your document.

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• Consistency is important. Choose one easy-to-read font and stick to it for the entire resume.

• When it comes to document alignment, keep the content formatted to the left of the page to create an easy-to-read document. It’s ok to center the headings.

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• Use bold for the main section names as well as for your name at the top.

• Be sure to include your contact information on top, under your name. Posting your contact information on the bottom section is not a good idea.