Finding a Job for ESL Learners Writing Your Resume

Below is a guide to finding a job in an English speaking country, with a focus on resume writing. Resume Writing Tips Writing a successful resume depends on many factors. Here is a simple guide to the basics of writing a good resume: Take detailed notes on your work experience. Include both paid and unpaid, full time and part time positions. Include your main responsibilities, any other activities that were part of the job, the job title and company information including the address and dates of employment. Include everything!Take detailed notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career objectives. Remember to include any important continuing education courses you may have completed.Include a list of other non-work related accomplishments. These may include competitions won, membership in special organizations, etc.Based on your detailed notes, decide which skills are transferable (skills that will be especially useful) to the position for which you are applying.Write your full name, address, telephone number, fax and email at the top of the resume.Include an objective for the resume. The objective is a short sentence describing what t ype of work you hope to obtain.Summarize your education, including important facts that directly relate to the job for which you are applying. You can also choose to include the education section after you have listed your job employment history.List your work experience beginning with your most recent job. Include dates of employment, company specifics. List your principal responsibilities making sure to focus on transferable skills.Continue to list all of your work experience in reverse order. Always focus on skills that are transferable.Finally list information skills such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge etc. under the heading: Additional SkillsFinish your resume with the following phrase: REFERENCES Available upon request Tips Be concise and short! Your finished resume should not be more than a page.Use dynamic action verbs such as accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.Do NOT use the subject I, use tenses in the past. Except for your present job. Example: Conducted routine inspections of on-site equipment. Example of a Basic Resume Peter Townsled35 Green RoadSpokane, WA 87954Phone (503) 456 - 6781Fax (503) 456 - 6782E-mail petertnet.com Personal Information Marital status: MarriedNationality: US Objective Employment as manager in important clothing retailer. Special interest in developing computer time-management tools for in-house use. Work Experience 1998 to Present / Jackson Shoes Inc. / Spokane, WAManager Responsibilities Manage staff of 10Provide helpful service to customers concerning shoe choicesDesign and implement computer-based tools using Microsoft Access and Excel for staffMonthly bookkeepingSuggest changes in product offerings on a quarterly basis based on detailed analysis of sales patternsProvide in-house training for new employees as needed 1995 to 1998 / Smith Office Supplies / Yakima, WAAssistant Manager Responsibilities Managed warehouse operationsProgrammed Excel spreadsheet implemented to control sales strengths and weaknesses on a quarterly basisInterviewed new applicants for open positionsTraveled locally offering on-site visits to regular customersSupervised bookkeeping staff Education 1991 to 1995 / Seattle University / Seattle, WABachelor of Business Administration Four-year business administration course focusing and retail work environments​ Professional memberships Rotary Club Member, Spokane WAYoung Business Administration Club President 1993-1995, Seattle, WA Additional Skills Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite, basic HTML programming, spoken and written proficiency in French References available upon request.