Apr 20, 2022 01:22 PM EDT By David Thompson, UniversityHerald Reporter

If you are a first-time job seeker, you may need to start from scratch with your resume. Even if you have a resume, you may need to update it before looking for a new job. You can pay someone to write your resume, or use online templates to make an excellent one yourself. Before writing your resume, you may need to gather some information. Make a  list of items you need to add to your resume. You may need to look up specific employment dates or reference phone numbers. Find a template that fits your needs, as well. You can simply fill in the information on most templates, making it easy to put everything in the right place. 

Do Some Research

Do some research on popular resume styles by looking at resume examples online. You can also search online to find out key attributes employers look for when hiring for your career field. If you are still in college, visit the career center on your campus to get help customizing your resume for a specific career. Take the time to read articles online about resumes to find out more about good formatting, proper grammar, and common mistakes. 

Get Organized

Before you sit down to fill in your template, gather all the information you need. You need detailed information about your education and job history. Make a list of specific addresses, phone numbers, and dates. You can also make a list of extra achievements, such as volunteer work or certifications. If you choose to add references outside of your business contacts, make sure you have up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses before adding them. 

Get a Second Opinion

Once you complete the new resume, run a grammar check and then have a friend read it. Sometimes a friend or coworker can help you recognize mistakes, inefficiencies, or awkward wording. You may also have a campus advisor or an employment center in your area with people that can help you with edits or improvements. Once you start looking for jobs, you may also get feedback from recruiters or potential employers. 

Prepare to Make Changes Often

One resume may not work for all occasions. You can use online templates to make different resumes to fit specific job applications. Update your resume regularly to make sure all recent accomplishments get noticed. If you complete a new class or learn a new computer skill, add it to your resume immediately. Even if you don't need a  new job, continue to edit your resume so you have a current version ready at all times. You may also need to make small changes to the wording on your resume each time you apply for a new job. The words in your resume need to match the job description and qualifications exactly for computer systems to notice them during the screening process. 

Take the time to gather your information before starting your resume. A large portion of your resume includes names, dates, and contact information of schools and previous employers. Some managers call to check references, so make sure contact information is current. With a little research and a good template, you can format an impressive new resume!

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