4 Steps to Creating a Successful First Resume

4 Steps to Creating a Successful First Resume Writing your first resume can be a nerve-racking experience because so much of the process feels foreign. Youre not sure what the companies youre hoping will hire you are looking forâ€"and you may not be sure what message you even want to deliver to them. If you feel nervous about your first resume, dont worry. As with anything else you want to become skilled at, practice makes perfect. Of course, it helps if you have a few tips to help you get started. Lets take a look at four steps to help you create a successful resume on your first try. 1. Know Who You Are Writing For The first step is to learn who youre writing your resume for. You may have been under the impression that you can create a one-size-fits-all resume that can be shipped off to multiple employers, but this is not the best approach. Instead, you want to research each company youre applying with, determine what each one is looking for in the positions theyre offering, then provide them with details about your professional history that fall directly in line with what they want. 2. Write a Branding Statement As a newcomer to your field, its important to create a branding statement that helps to separate you from your competition. Because youre new, you may not have a lot of background to incorporate, but this doesnt mean you cant create a successful branding statement. Administrative Assistant with 2 years of experience developing filing systems, managing internal and external communications, coordinating business meetings between company executives and business clients, and managing itineraries for top executives. Once youve created the statement, position it somewhere near the top of your resume underneath your name and contact information. 3. Incorporate Relevant Education and Training If youre working on your first resume, theres a good possibility that you dont have an extensive work history. If this is the case, then its important to show that you have been trained otherwise to work in your field. Be sure to add relevant coursework, certifications, or training classes that prove you know your stuff.   Also, if youve completed professional projects that have prepared you for a career in your field, detail what they were in order to provide yourself with an edge. 4. Add Testimonials Some job seekers are taking a new approach to resume writing by adding testimonials. Testimonials are different from references; they strongly mirror product testimonials companies use to prove theyre worthy of purchase. In your case, youre the product and the people offering testimonials are attesting to your capability to excel in the position you want. Adding two or three should be sufficient in driving the point home. As you take time to create your own resume, its good to incorporate these steps to give your document more depth. The more effort you offer when writing your resume, the greater your chances are of being called in for an interview.