You have an idea of how a basic resume should look like, but really haven't crafted one completely on your own as of yet. Putting down your life on a single piece of paper sounds challenging--especially when you don't quite know what are the most important items to include. If you had a couple of examples, then maybe this wouldn't be so difficult.
Let's see what a typical resume should look like.

Alfred T. Cornpone
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123 S. Main St., Anytown, USA 555-0981-2134 (h) 555-8791-3215 (c) ATCornpone@estmail.com

Objective: Seeking entry level position in the field of computer science, preferably in the field of programming that has the potential for advancement.

Education: B.S. Computer Programming, Awesome State U., Metropolis, USA 00000 (9/05 - 6/09)

Experience:

Job #1

Duties

Duties

Job #2

Duties

Duties

Hobbies: Rebuild computers, assist local school district with literacy program, golf

This is a generic resume template that shows all of the things needed in a professional resume. You must adapt it to your particular circumstances. Be sure that you list all relevant skills in the Experience section including any internships or volunteer work that you have completed. This will help to demonstrate many of the applicable talents that are needed for the targeted position. You can also customize the last section to encompass any one of the following: hobbies, military experience, special skills, certifications held or whatever you want. This is personal, and is intended to make you look well-rounded. You never know what kind of connection that you will make with a hiring manager that shares the same interests.

Another approach for the more experienced worker is to use the above template, but instead of an Objective statement, use what is called a job summary or profile summary to include your most recent or notable achievement. By putting this in the first part of the resume, it is likely to be noticed and remembered by the reader. Here's an example:

Job Summary: Experienced computer programmer with ten years experience working on both mainframe and personal computer application software. Completed major overhaul of database spreadsheet at Company X including designing new GUI and updating function wizards. Have successfully managed programming group at YOU Industries with new innovations in desktop applications and company database.

See how putting the most relevant job experience first gets the attention of the reader? Don't put your most important facts somewhere down the page, lead with your best stuff. Now this is totally up to you but remember, you have 20 to 30 seconds to get your paper noticed. Now go write that resume.

If you want a better job, start with a attention grabbing resume. Point and click your way in only 30 min. You owe it to yourself and your family. http://buildyourownresume.netne.net/

Best regards,

Brian