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Basic Resume Tutorial:

This tutorial will show you the basic steps to create a resume. We use Microsoft Word 2003 with this tutorial, but you can use this version or any other version before or after 2003 - just keep in mind that every new version brings new upgrades but the basic steps and functionalities stay the same.

Please note any resume should include four basic things:

1) Contact information
2) Work history
3) Education/training
4) Specials skills

A reference section should also be included; but, now it is customary to include the section and just state that references “are available upon request.” Better yet, leave out the mention of references, because obviously if you get interviewed you will have them with you, therefore they will be available. When you do bring in your references, you don’t have to include a whole page of actual references since most employers nowadays ask for references in the job applications and background checks are done on potential candidates.

Creating a Basic Resume Using Microsoft Word 2003:

1. Go to File>New and open up a new document. Enter the contact information at the top of the page. Include your name and last name, address, telephone number and mobile telephone number if available as seen below next to step 1. The text of the resume will be in Times New Roman font and the sections in Arial to differentiate sections and make the resume more visually appealing.

2. Next, you will enter the first main section of the resume, your work history. In bold Caps, 14 pt. Arial font, enter the title “Experience” or “Work History” – both are equally acceptable. Under this section, you will enter your work history starting with the most recent or current employment. First enter the years spent at the job, month and year. Next, enter the name of the company, its city and state, then enter the position held at that company, and finally in bullet points, enter the duties of the position – please note that when entering the responsibilities of the position, use active verbs, describe the duties in short sentences and be specific. You can also emphasize projects that you completed successfully that for example saved the company money and resources.

3. The next section is labeled “Education/Training” (type it in bold caps, 14 pt. Arial font). In this section, you should enter any degrees or training received. Include the name of the school or training school, the name of the degree or training and the date that it was completed.

4. Label this section “Skills” (type it in bold caps, 14 pt. Arial font). In this section, enter any special skills that you have; for example, fluency in another language, proficiency in computer programs, and so on.

5. The last section is the reference section and you can just indicate that your references are
“available upon request.” This step is optional.

6. Finally, go to File>Save, name your file and save it on your hard drive. We recommend you create a folder to save the resume as you will probably update it and create new versions of it. This way you can have one central place for their storage.

Tips:

• You can access numerous types of resume styles by selecting File>New>Templates, or you can also search online at www.microsoft.com. The templates can be downloaded for free.

• These templates come formatted and many of them specify where and what information to insert for that particular template. The templates vary in font sizes, colors, layouts and sections. Some provide more details than others, so you can really tailor them to your particular needs.

• If you don’t have experience in a specific industry/field, you can still prepare a resume that emphasizes other aspects, such as, education, training and skills. You can search for a template online that emphasizes these particular sections. The important thing is to point out the knowledge that you have acquired of the industry via education/training first and then later on in the resume give a quick summary of your work history. In this type of resume, you will begin with your education and special skills and the work history will be one of the last things the potential employer will read, this way you emphasize from the get go your strengths within the industry, even though, you don’t have actual work experience.

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