I am sure that I am not the only person who find preparing a resume a painful task. I hate it and this maybe the reason I have not updated mine. In this article, I will share with you the basics of preparing your resume.

A resume is a tool used to gain a competitive edge during the process of obtaining job. I say 'competitive' because you will be competing with others who want the same job you are applying for. It is a first impression that you make on a prospective employer. Therefore, it is important that your resume provide as much relevant information as possible about you. Keep in mind these points before preparing your resume:

1)A resume should be kept brief as possible usually one page on a 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper. However, as your extent of work experience increase, this may change. In this case, try to not go more than two pages.

2)Use an even margin spaces on both sides, top and bottom. A margin format of 3/4 inch should be good.

3)It should be neatly typed using single spacing.

4)Use special highlights such as underlining, capital letters, bold and italic type, and bullets or asterisks to emphasis important information.

I will now go into a more detailed of the actual preparation of the resume. Begin your resume with a heading or header. This is usually positioned at the top of the page. This heading includes your name, address, home or work telephone numbers, and email address. Age, marital status, and other personal facts is not necessary. This heading can be laid out in any way you find appealing to you as long as space allows. A resume is divided into four main sections which are career goal, work experience, educational background, extra-curriculum, and reference.

1)Career Goal: Include this section if you are looking for a specific job type or position. However, omit it if you are considering any possible job position or career. An example of this section can go like this: "CAREER GOAL: Systems engineer responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and improving plant facilities."

2)Work Experience: Most resume starts out with a chronological outline of work experience with the current or most recent experience outlined first. List the date or period of work, the job title or position. For each job listed the important duties and skills involved should be described. In some cases,relevant high school or college employment, internships, and part time work can be included, depending on how much 'real world' experience you have.

3)Educational Background: Outline your educational background in the same chronological way as the work experience section. List the date of graduation or period during school years, the name of the school or course attended, and certificate or diploma obtained. You may include a more detailed description of your higher education, depending on your extent of work experience. If you are a college student you may list your high school and any pertinent coursework or special achievement.

4)Extra-curriculum: List any work done with civic or charitable organization as well as any awards or certificates of recognition you have received. If you have no such background then leave the section out.

5)Reference: In this final section, list the name and contact information of individuals you previously worked with who can vouch that you are a worthy candidate for the position applied for. Family members or friends are normally not recommended as they will be biased. There are times when individuals may write "References Available Upon Request". This is unnecessary because anyone looking at it will assume you can provide references at hand and will ask for them.

So there it is, I have shown you the basics of preparing a resume. Following this helpful information should get you on the easy path of preparing a resume.