While there is no one correct resume style, there are some general guidelines to follow to prepare a high quality resume. Plan to group information under category titles that employers will easily recognize, such as objective, work experience, and education. Follow the step-by-step outline below to write and layout your resume into a functional resume style.

1. Provide your full name, address and telephone number with area code.
2. Objective
   Write only one objective statement per resume. The objective should state what position you are applying for, and include a couple of reasons why you should be considered for the job. It is a good idea to write the objective to aim toward the employer's job duties and needs.
3. Experience and Accomplishments
   A functional resume centers on your skills and accomplishments, rather than your work history. With a functional resume you may leave out employment or volunteer experience that does not relate to the job. It is also acceptable to list skills in order of their importance to the job opening rather than by their completion date.

   Begin by listing your most important skill first -- the skill that best matches the job requirements:

   • Continue listing your skills in the order of their importance to the job.
   
   
   • Try to list three to four skills.
   • Write a short bulleted list (two to three bullets) for each skill that explains your achievements and accomplishments.
   • Remember to show growth and progress with responsibilities.
   • Provide more information for your most important skill, less information for the less important skills.
   
   

   Example:
   First Skill
   

   • List first achievement
   • List second achievement

   Second Skill
   

   • List first achievement
   • List second achievement

4. Employment History
   List your employment history, beginning with your most recent employer and working backward.
   Example:
   2000 - Present            Job Title            Employers's Name and Address
   1998 - 2000                Job Title            Employers's Name and Address
   1995 - 1998                Job Title            Employers's Name and Address
5. Education
   Under Education, start with your highest degree.
   Avoid using dates.
   Include academic honors.
   Leave out high school information if you have college education.
6. Licenses or Certificates
   List job-related special licenses or certificates that you may have, such as special class drivers license, guard card, or certified nurse assistant certificate.

(Remember the sample is provided only as a tool to get you started.
Thoughtfully plan out your resume to show off your special skills.)

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