NEW! Illinois workNet Online Resume Builder
Create and save up to 20 Resumes! Individuals can now access Illinois workNet's online Resume Builder that allows them to create or copy and paste an existing resume and either download and print their resumes or email them to prospective employers.
To use this online resume tool, you must be a registered user with Illinois workNet. Start using the Illinois workNet online Resume Builder 
now!
If you are not a registered user with Illinois workNet but would like to use our enhanced career planning and job search tools, then setup a free Illinois workNet account 
and start building your professional resume today!
Understanding the Importance of a Resume
A resume informs potential employers about your employment background and education experience. Your goal is to create a resume that provides important information that potential employers can easily understand and that entices them to invite you for a job interview. While a variety of resume styles are available, each style uses short, active phrases that show accomplishments and emphasize people skills such as customer service, teamwork, and leadership. Employers also look for evidence of regular attendance, motivation, and honesty.
To help you get started in building a professional and effective resume, take a moment and review the following tutorial. It will assist you in understanding:
different types of resumes
design and presentation of resumes
essential features of resumes (required and optional parts)
different methods of delivery (mail, email, scannable, etc.)
development of cover letters
follow-up techniques and interview preparations
To learn more about the ins-and-outs of effective resume development, visit America's Career InfoNet Resume Tutorial .
Additional Assistance in Making Your Resume Stand Out from the Crowd
Even if this is the first time you have developed a resume or are updating your existing resume for a new job position, take the time to open and print this helpful resume checklist packet that also includes listings of action verbs and key words divided into specific skill and career areas:
Does your resume require further polishing due to breaks in employment, little to no work experience, or other past employment problems? If you answered yes, then take a moment to look at the helpful information provided by monster.com for addressing Resume Essentials and Potential Dilemma's in Your Resume .
Read more about what the experts from the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com are saying about effective resumes and cover letters .
Below are examples of resumes to further assist with resume development. Examples include: functional, chronological, and combination formats. Additionally, these examples cover a wide range of experience, employment history, and education.
Select the example and format you wish to use as a guideline for developing your professional resume.
Functional:
Chronological:
Combination:
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