If it has been a while since you have had to use your resume writing skills, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the task. Resume writing is a job that daunts many people, which is why there is a market for professional resume writers. You don't need to hire someone to handle resume writing on your behalf. A great resume is a just a few steps away, and it won't cost you a thing.
Look over the old resume
Before you do any actual resume writing, sit down and go over what you have on your current resume. Use a highlighter to mark areas you like and want to keep, and a pen to cross off items that are outdated or no longer applicable to your career path. It will make your resume writing task a lot easier if you already have a good basic starting point, but in some cases you might just need to start from scratch. If very little on the old resume can be kept, toss it and start over. Just remember to jot down important dates for reference.
List the new information
Resume writing has a lot to do with format and style, but the content is the foundation. Start by ignoring resume structure and simply making some lists of the important information to include. Write a list of your education including recent training, one of your work experience - mainly the latest jobs that apply to the position you are seeking - and one of other skills and qualifications. Once you have all the information laid out in an easy to access form, you are ready to begin resume writing in earnest.
Choose a format
Especially if you haven't had to look for work in a while, the current format of your resume may not live up to current standards and trends. While resume writing hasn't changed all that much over the years, there are certainly some new ways to present your information. Take a look online for samples and templates that can provide new ideas and inspiration. Then choose the style you like for your resume and apply your information to it.
Bring it all together
Now that you have the format chosen, the information laid out and are ready to go, you will find the actual task of resume writing is a lot simpler than you expected. Just use your chosen structure, fill in the information from your handy lists, and before you know it you will have a new resume that is ready to go.
Resume writing doesn't have to be the complicated task that many people make it out to be. If you prepare all the information as well as choose a format before you actually write it, you will find it is done quickly and done well.
