Help, I Need a Resume!

By Curtis E. Webster, Jr.

"Help, I have my first job interview tomorrow, and I don't have a Resume!" As owner of First Impression Business Designs, I have received many calls for help like this one. So I recently experimented with two new software programs, Resume MakerT Deluxe Edition by Individual Software, Inc. and WinWay® Resume 6.0, that can help anyone design a professional Resume.

Put Your Computer to Work

A Resume is a one- or two-page written summary of all your talents, skills, and experiences that make you qualified for a job. The software programs Resume Maker and WinWay Resume gather the information necessary to write your Resume by asking comprehensive questions that force you to fully examine yourself and your accomplishments. All you have to do is supply the answers, and the programs will supply the Resumes.

One of the first questions the computer will ask is about your objective, or why you want the job. Other questions that follow cover topics such as educational background, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. If you don't have any work experience, focus attention on your academic accomplishments. Resume Maker and WinWay Resume also help you prepare a list of references - people who will vouch for your dependability.

Get Ready for Interviews

One of the best features of both software programs is their simulated interview videos that cover almost any question an interviewer might ask and explain the best answers. To accommodate those who like to job hunt on the Internet, both programs include online capabilities. 

Resume Maker and WinWay Resume are both priced at about $39.95 and supply numerous guidelines, customizable templates, and suggested wording for Resumes. I like Resume Maker best because it is faster and prepares more professional-looking Resumes. However, WinWay Resume is my pick for the best interview preparation video.

Curtis E. Webster, Jr. is a junior at Lamar High's Magnet School of Business Administration in Houston, TX. Curtis has created Resumes for his peers, who are preparing for summer jobs and internships.

Do-It-Yourself Resumes

Step 1: Start your Resume by centering your name, address, and home phone number at the top of the page. Your name should be bold and slightly larger than the rest of the text.

Step 2: Create subheads and provide the following information:

• Education: Write a sentence stating where you go to school and when
  you will graduate.
• Work Experience: List each company you have worked for, location, dates employed, and a description of your duties. If you have never been employed, list volunteer work, odd jobs, or business enterprises you
  have operated, or positions you have held at school such as president of the student council or office assistant.
• Skills: Describe your special skills, such as typing, word processing, working with children, or speaking a foreign language.
• Activities: List after-school activities, such as sports, school newspaper staff, 4-H club, scouts, DECA, or marching band.
• Honors: Describe any special honors or awards you have received.

Step 3: Proofread your Resume and make sure it has no spelling or grammar errors and no typos. Then print it on white, ivory, or light gray stationery.