• Go

Section Menu

 

Prepare Your Resume

Quick Tip Logo

Watch the Resume Builder Video Series to begin building your professional resume TODAY!

Resume Illinois workNet Online Resume Link opens in a new window Builder helps you create a resume to tell employers about your work and education experience.

Start using the Illinois workNet online Resume BuilderLink opens in a new window now!

InstructionsCreate and save up to 20 resumes!

To use this online resume tool, you must be a registered user with Illinois workNet. If you are not a registered user, but would like to use our enhanced career planning and job search tools, then setup a free Illinois workNet account External link opens in a new window and start building your professional resume today!

SYEP Icon Watch the Writing a Resume video - review steps to create a resume and choose which type of resume is right for you.
Video Icon

Learn Why You Need 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. 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.

Learn How to Write a Resume

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:
  • types of resumes
  • resumes formats
  • key features of resumes
  • different methods of delivery (mail, email, fax, etc.)
  • cover letters

To learn more about the ins-and-outs of effective resume development, visit America's Career InfoNet Resume Tutorial External link opens in a new window.

Follow these steps to write your resume:

Step 1 - Gather all of the information that you will be adding to your resume:

Education:

  • copies of diplomas,
  • certificates,
  • transcripts,
  • and licenses.

Experience:

  • previous job information
  • copies of awards,
  • certificates,
  • and recognitions for your work experience.

Information to customize your resume for the job:

  • job description – highlight the required skills and keywords used in the job description
  • a list of your skills – use the Personal Skills Checklist and highlight the skills that you have that match the job description
  • use action verbs and keywords – (see lists below)

Step 2 –Start writing your resume.

Decide which type of resume you will create:

  • functional - highlights skills and accomplishments (best for individuals with little work experience)
  • chronological - outlines educational and work experience in a timeline manner
  • combination - combines the elements of the functional and chronological resume, highlighting skills and experience as well as a brief job history

Customize your resume for each job:

  • Identify your skills and experience that would show you are a good match for the job.
  • Use the same key words and skills that are in the job description when possible. Do not lie about your experience or skills.
  • Use the Resume checklist to help you make a good resume:

Other things to consider:

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. External link opens in a new window

Step 3 – Proof read your resume before you apply for the job.

When you complete your resume, be sure to have it proofread and reviewed by at least 2 other people. Having multiple people review your resume increases the chance that typos and other mistakes will be noticed.

Your resume is a living document and should be updated and tailored for each position you apply for.

Any time you are preparing a resume or cover letter, you should always use a spell check. SpellChecker.net External link opens in a new window allows you to paste in your work and then run a spell check or type your work directly into the spell checker for potential corrections as you write.

FREE resume writing online course is available by:

  1. Clicking on Crafting Your Resume – FREE Online course External link opens in a new window
  2. Setting up an account by clicking Join Now!
  3. Clicking on Work Career.
  4. Clicking on Crafting Your Resume.

Additional Assistance in Making Your Resume Stand Out from the Crowd

Whether this is the first time you have developed a resume or you are updating your existing resume for a new job position, take the time to open and print these listings of action verbs and key words divided into specific skill and career areas:

Increase the odds that your resume gets noticed! Read more about writing effective resumes and cover letters External link opens in a new window.

Quick Tips

  • Be sure to use words in the proper context. You can check your usage and more with Dictionary.com External link opens in a new window
  • Vary your word usage. Take advantage of Thesaurus.com External link opens in a new window
  • If you are going to post your resume online, read these essential tips to avoid disaster.

Learn How to Effectively Update a Resume

Once you have written your resume, update your resume yearly so that it shows your talents, recent experience and potential worth to the prospective employer in the best light.

Review your resume to be sure that:
  • Information is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Action words and a positive tone are used.
  • Your technical and soft skills are listed.
  • Your resume is free from errors.
Click here External link opens in a new window to find more tips on updating your resume.

Are you submitting resumes but not getting interviews?

If you are sending out numerous resumes and do not receive any interview calls, there may be a problem with your resume. You may want to:
  • Review your resume using the resume checklist.
  • Have a person that does that job review your resume.
  • Learn more about the job to make sure your skills are qualified.
  • Call the employer to find out if they have selected applicants to interview.

If you were not selected by the employer, you can ask if they have any comments on how you can improve your resume.

Resume Examples

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.

Watch the "How to Select the Right Resume Resume Type" video to determine what time of resume you should use

Select the example and format you wish to use as a guideline for developing your professional resume.

Functional Resume:

Chronological Resume:

Combination Resume:

Youth:

Watch the "Resume Writing for People with Little Formal Work Experience" video to determine what information you should include on your resume

Use the online Reference Page Creator,External link opens in a new window to create a professional looking reference list, which may be attached to your resume.

NOTE : Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files. Get your free Adobe Acrobat Reader External link opens in a new window.

Cover Letters: Tips and Examples

Send a cover letter with your resume when you apply for job. Your cover letter is your chance to make a good impression.

Use the online Cover Letter Creator,External link opens in a new window to create a professional looking document.

A good cover letter is one page long, and includes three paragraphs.

Paragraph One: Why you are applying for the job
Includes:
  • The title of the job that you are applying for.
  • How you found out about the job (online, newspaper, etc…).
  • Why you want to work for the company.

Paragraph Two: How your skills match what is needed to do the job
Includes:

  • Two or three of your skills that are important to doing the job that you are applying for.
  • A description of how your skills and experience match what the company listed in the job posting.
  • A description how the company will benefit from employing you.

Paragraph Three: Next Steps
Includes:

  • One sentence telling them that you look forward to speaking with them about the job opening.
  • How they can contact you to schedule an interview.
  • How you plan to follow up with them about the job opening if you don’t hear from them.

Cover letter writing tips:

  • Be brief; don’t ramble on about your life and career.
  • Address your cover letter to a specific person at the company.
  • Use the word “I” sparingly.
  • Use active words (I am convinced), not passive words (I feel…).
  • Every cover letter is different and should be specific for the job you are applying for.
  • Show that you know a little about the company (go online and find out what they do).
  • Read your cover letter before sending it and check your spelling – using Spell Check might not catch everything.
  • Never use texting shortcuts in your letter (example: i am interested in the job U r hiring 4.)
  • Use letter quality paper instead of copy paper. Print your resume on the same paper.

If you are not sure how to write a cover letter, see the examples and use a cover letter outline

Examples of good cover letters External link opens in a new window

Cover letter outline External link opens in a new window

Cover letter outline for youth External link opens in a new window

External Address (Url)
Flash Animation1
To control the size of the flash movie, you can use the property window and replace the description with the width and height in parenthesis. For ex (300, 400)
  • Get Local Information

    Change zip code to view other local promos on this and other pages.

       

  • Statewide Interest

    Free Online Digital Literacy Courses
    Microsoft Digital Literacy courses are designed to teach you basic computer skills that can be used in everyday life and on the job. Click here to review or print a Microsoft Digital Literacy Online Basic Computer Concept Courses information sheet (PDF)

    The free online courses and the Digital Literacy Curriculum External link opens in a new window are available in English and 31 other languages.

    Click here to learn more about this an other options to improve your basic computer
    skills.

  • Job Corps: education and training programs for young adults.
    Job Corps Logo Welcome to Job Corps Chicago Region, dedicated to helping youth aged 16 yrs - 24 yrs find success through education and career technical training. Whether you are a student, parent, or employer we invite you to explore this site to learn more about how the Job Corps program can benefit you. The federally funded program serves the entire United States, including the 18 centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin, known as the Chicago Region. Click here to learn what can Job Corps Do for You? External link opens in a new window

  • Serve Illinois
    Serve Illinois The Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has developed the Serve Illinois website so you can easily find information about:
    • AmeriCorps,
    • Senior Corps,
    • Learn and Serve Program,
    • volunteer programs
    • resources for volunteers of all ages,
    • how to sign up for training opportunities
    • service day events in your area.

    Finding a place to serve by selecting an area of interest or by using a ZIP Code search. Click here. External link opens in a new windowYou can also call (800) 592-9896 (voice) or (888) 261-2713 (tty).


  • Spell Check Your Work Online
    SpellChecker.net SpellChecker.net External link opens in a new windowallows you to paste in your work and then run a spell check or type your work directly into the spell checker for potential corrections as you write. This tool is useful for creating resumes, proofing emails or blogs, and any other work which may be presented to a potential employer.

  • Senior Corps
    National Senior Service Corps Senior Corps is a volunteer program for adults over age 55. The program assists seniors in finding volunteer opportunities through the Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Senior Companion Program. By volunteering with Senior Corps, senior adults across the country are making a difference in their community every day. Click here External link opens in a new window to learn more about service opportunities through Senior Corps.

  • Youth Service Providers

    Workforce Investment Act programs are offered to youth between the ages of 14-21. Youth services providers offer programs to assist young people in reaching individual academic goals (high school diploma recovery or GED) and developing basic job skills as they make the transition from being older youth to young adults. All WIA services for youth are offered at no cost to the participant.

    All Local Workforce Area’s have at least one provider of services to this group of people. The statewide WIA Youth Services Providers List gives the provider’s name, contact info, city in which the provider is located, and a brief listing of the services provided. Click here to see the list of Youth Service Providers External link opens in a new window


  • Could this be YOUR LIFE?
    Could this be Your Life logo

    Ever wonder how those everyday life choices could affect your career, family life, and choosing a place to live?

    If so, then check out this online interactive game brought to you by the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support, and take the journey through Could this be YOUR LIFE.  This interactive game will teach you about the consequences of making career and life choices.

    To access this interactive game, visit the Could this be YOUR LIFE External link opens in a new windowweb site.


  • Looking for Free Online Courses to Improve your Computer Skills?
    GCF logo

    If you answered Yes to the above question, then take a look at the Goodwill Community Foundation (GCF) Global Learning website.  Sponsored by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACT), Global Learning offers free online tutorials covering the basics of computers, the Internet, Microsoft Office and life skills.  GCF Global Learning also offers free online classes covering Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

    For more information and to access this free online site, visit the Goodwill Community Foundation (GCF) Global Learning External link opens in a new windowweb site.


  • Looking for Wage Information in the State of Illinois?
    IDES Wage Information Logo

    The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides information on entry level, median, and experienced hourly and annual wages for occupations in the State of Illinois.

    Wage information is available for Illinois, Metropolitan Areas, Economic Development Areas, counties and Local Workforce Areas.  To access this information, visit the IDES Wage Information External link opens in a new windowwebsite. 


  • Visit Career Coach
    Career Coach a free online personalized career counselor for women and men.  Find the right career and make a step-by-step plan to reach your goals.  Visit the Career Coach web site to learn more External link opens in a new window.
values: no - before after

Footer

Copyright © 2006 - 2010 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Illinois workNet Centers are an equal opportunity employer/program. At Illinois workNet Centers, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 785-6055 or 711.