Before you select a resume format and begin to write a first draft, carefully gather as much biographical information as possible. Virtually all placement activity is based on the effective reporting and presenting of current, accurate biographical information. Since employers are interested in what you can do, ensure that you capture in some detail your skills and knowledge.
The best approach is to identify and record this information as carefully and completely as possible at the beginning. Biographical information must be accurate. Some employers may verify your claims. You cannot afford to guess at dates of employment, the names of supervisors, and the like. It is important to take enough time to ensure that your information is complete and accurate in each detail.
Gather as much information as possible regardless of the length and format of your resume. It is easier to begin with a complete picture and then prune away unneeded content.
Both a present and permanent address are needed [if your local address is temporary]. Include full ZIP code. Use area code with phone numbers. Include an Email address that will be alive when you are no longer a student. Some application forms may ask for previous addresses, so make certain that you have those now.
Although you should NOT use include it unless asked, some application forms may request personal information. You may decide later whether or not you wish to respond to requests for personal data. Typical personal data elements include date and place of birth, social security account number, and health information related to job performance .
Education information is normally arranged in reverse chronological order. Include inclusive dates, full college or university name, major, minor, honors, and noteworthy activities. If no official minor, you may wish to use "emphasis" instead. Include all formal education, even if you only took a course or two. Also include notable training courses such as Dialog or STN if they are half day or more. Include the full name and address of your high school with inclusive dates even though this will not normally appear on your resume.
Work experience is normally arranged in reverse chronological order. Include inclusive dates for all full and part-time employment. If there is CONSIDERABLE part-time employment you may batch similar types of employment. Record full employer name and address plus that of a supervisor or contact person. List duties and responsibilities of each position, especially those tasks that involve skills likely to benefit an information professional.
Do consider a skills inventory which may also include skills learned off the job.Be able to list the skills that you were able to demonstrate in each position, including volunteer work. Examples of products created or tasks completed work well and strengthen your ability to demonstrate "can do's" in the cover letter and the resume. Related to skills are accomplishments -- the result of proper application of your skills and knowledge. Create a list of accomplishments for each position worked.
Military experience should be included here with a statement about your honorable discharge and rank upon discharge.
List in alphabetical order. Include all organizations related to information work and academic or research activity. Include other organizations where you had some notable responsibility or accomplishment. Note positions where you exercised initiative and leadership.
List alphabetically by language. Focus on reading proficiency. Employers are not usually interesting in speaking and listening competency.
List computer hardware/software competencies with some emphasis on what you have done and can do. Multi-platform experience is important. Do not list every software package you have ever used. Instead, focus on what you can do, i.e. create dynamic websites.
Likely to be useful in a few interview situations, especially for public library positions where being community centered and active can be important. List special interests, including hobbies and leisure time activities. Provide particular examples. This may come up in some interview situations. If you have developed skills relevant to information work, do include particulars.
List as many references [after you have permission] as possible so that you will have a good-sized pool to draw from later. Include references who can speak about your information skills and experience, your work behavior, your subject knowledge, and (perhaps) your character. Be certain that you have a current address for each reference with complete telephone number, address, and Email address. Each reference should have agreed to serve as a reference and should be available during the time when you seek employment.
Review your biography file to ensure that it is complete, current, and correct. Make several copies. The next step will be to develop a resume using this information. But remember that the accuracy and completeness of the information is the key to a successful resume. Don't leave anything to chance.
Last major revision: April 2008
