You may be writing your resume for the first time or wondering how you can improve an existing resume. If you’re struggling with this process, there are ample resume writing resources available, many of which are free. You don’t necessarily have to pay a professional resume writer to have a great resume that will catch an employer’s eye.
Department of Labor’s Career OneStop’s Resume Guide
This comprehensive resume guide will help you:
- Identify the key elements of a great resume.
- Header
- Headline and summary
- Skills
- Work experience
- Education
- Understand four different resume strategies and select the one that will get your resume noticed.
- Market your resume, online and in person.
- Make the most of the Internet, providing tips on how to increase your online presence and use social media to your advantage.
The resume guide also provides samples of successful resume s that you can use as models as you write your own resume. You will also find a sample resume walk-through that reviews each section of a resume, focusing on important features of each part. All in all, this is a very comprehensive guide and a “must read” if you are working on your resume!
College and University Career Centers
Most colleges and universities have career centers that provide a multitude of services for both students and alumni. Among these services are resume writing assistance and review. Services provided by college and university career centers are usually free, so take advantage of this resource by having a professional assist you with your resume. Depending upon your school’s career center, you may be able to schedule an in-person consultation or access assistance via the Web.
American Job Center Network
The American Job Center Network provides a single access point for federal programs and local resources available to job seekers. Local job centers are typically available to the general public and offer many free services. Consider searching for job centers in your community by using the American Job Center Network Locator. Just enter your zip code and the mile radius that you are willing to travel within, and you are ready to search. Many local centers have their own websites, so be sure to check out your local center’s site to determine whether resume services are provided and if an appointment is necessary. If the closest center to you does not provide resume services, you may be able to find another center within a reasonable driving distance.
Installation Employment Readiness Centers
Employment readiness centers are available at installations for all branches of the military and provide many services, including resume writing assistance. These centers offer information on how to build a resume, giving you the opportunity to work with a career counselor who can make suggestions and review your resume once complete. You might find that your installation’s center holds weekly or monthly resume writing classes. Classes may be specifically directed toward writing corporate or federal resumes. If you are interested, your employment readiness center may be able to connect you with a certified resume writer.
If you need information or personalized assistance with employment or education opportunities, visit the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities website or call 800-342-9647 to talk to a SECO education or career counselor.