When starting your job search it is recommended that you first research the company that you would like to apply to before sending your basic resume. By researching the company, it is possible to construct a resume geared toward how your strengths will benefit the company you have targeted. It is also recommended that time be spent reviewing the skills the company is looking for in order to highlight these skills in a job interview or cover letter.

Many job seekers fail to understand the importance of how a cover letter can add to the basic resume.. The cover letter should briefly outline any skills or achievements that you might have and explain why you are a suitable candidate for the position. This is why it is important to carefully review the skills the employer isseeking as outlined in the job description. From there, your cover letter can be written to illustrate that you possess those particular skills.

Depending on what type of job you are applying for it is necessary to consider creating a basic resume using any of the two main resume styles. Certain employers will prefer that your resume be either a chronological or functional resume.

Chronological or Functional

A chronological resume is written listing your education and employment history by the dates they occur starting with the most recent listed first. The functional resume is instead written to emphasize the skills that the applicant possesses. If you are not sure which style to use, it is better to write a chronological resume because people are more familiar with it.

In addition to researching the company, writing a proper cover letter, and choosing an appropriate resume style, it is also important that your basic resume contain key components.

Key Components of A Resume

These key components include:

- A detailed listing of your previous education:
- Chronlogical list of past employers:
- List any award and recognitions received, and
- At least three work and personal references

Follow these basic guidelines and you will soon start getting interviews and in a short time, you will have the job you desire.

Dr. J.E. Burke
http://writer.burkepublications