Resume Writing Examples

Many people are searching on the web these days for free resume writing examples, templates and samples.  Why are they doing this?  Well I can only assume that they want to get an idea of several things including the type of wording to use, what the layout or format should be, how long a resume should be and what sort of headings and content to use.

Whilst I will provide an article here with as much information as possible about this subject, the truth of the matter is that the resume should be your story, an individual document. Even if you use one of the millions of resume templates, samples or examples out there, I can guarantee this will either be completely unrelated to your situation, or it will be so general in its description that it will be meaningless.

A resume is a selling document not a dry boring descriptive document.  When speaking to clients I say to them imagine if you went off to buy a new plasma TV screen.  The salesperson hands you the manual, the dry boring description of the plasma.  What he should have given you was the glossy brochure.  Well the same applies to your resume.  Don't give employers the dry boring manual of function and duties.  Give them the glossy brochure resume telling your story of problems faced, solved and results.

If I were in your position this is what I would be doing.  Finding resume writing examples provided by professional resume writer, or writers with stats on the board.  That is, has this resume template got results?  Has it helped others gain interviews?  If you don't know this, the results you could get with this new sample or examples resume are completely unknown.

On the left hand navigation menu of this website there is a page "sample resumes"
These are copyrighted resumes written for individuals but they should give you an idea of layout, format, content and headings.

The headings I usually use are listed below.  Of course, if you have nothing to include as part of a heading, then you wouldn't include it!

Personal details at top of resume, but just list name and details, no heading for this it should be obvious
Then underneath I have a few bullet points listing the persons "hard" skills nothing too wishy-washy, and only those things which are proven through the person's achievements and actions For example: Six Sigma Certified or Management of complex projects

Then go straight into working history which I usually give a heading of "Career Highlights" or similar
Always start a bullet point with an action word for example, facilitated, assessed, compiled, processed, managed or similar

There are thousands of word that can be used so experiment with this.

Some other headings I use are:
Education (Academic)
Professional Development
Computer applications
Security Clearance (where appropriate)
Licences
Professional Memberships
References

They piece of advice I can give you is to tell your story, but in a professional way.  What do I mean by that?  Well in selling yourself, talk about problems you faced, how you sorted these out or tackled the challenges and hopefully the fantastic result.

Do this in bullet point form for each position, and you will stand out.  Start each bullet point with an action word as mentioned above.

Have a read through the samples resumes on the relevant web page, and if you need more help simply read through the tips and advice section of this website or drop me an email!