5 Key Questions to Ask When Writing Your Resume

Are you in the middle of writing your resume but are having a difficult time finding the right information to include?  Well, some of it is self-explanatory (education, job history, etc.), but sometimes it’s hard to decide which skills to include as well as which accomplishments within your work history to note.

If you’re feeling stuck, it’s good to ask yourself some questions in order to get yourself moving.  Here are five to consider while writing your resume:

#1: Why Am I Applying for This Job?

One thing you should explore is why you’re applying for the job.  By looking at what you want from the company aside from money (e.g., more skills, opportunity to grow in your field), you can reference these ideas as you write.

#2: Which of Your Past Accomplishments Match the Company’s Expectations?

It’s also a good idea to look at which of your past accomplishments and skills match what the company is looking for in the position.  Don’t just list the skills they say they want; really take a look at the job description and how they hope the position can help the company as a whole.  Then think about what you’ve accomplished and how you can meet the company’s expectations.

#3: How Will Taking This Step Further My Career?

Also, take time to think about whether this job is a building block on your career path.  If you’re just making lateral moves—hopping from job to job—rather than building a career, you may want to rethink applying for this particular position and look for one that falls more in line with your interests.

#4: What Do I Want to Contribute to the Company and Position?

In addition to exploring whether your accomplishments match the company’s expectations, it’s good to think about what you can contribute outside of their expectations.  This may take a little bit of research to find out how the company wants to excel in the field—and how your position can help it get there.

#5: Am I the Best Fit for This Position?

Finally, it’s important to know whether you honestly believe you’re the best fit for the position.  If you write your resume with an attitude that you’re not a winner, it could be hard for you to include in your resume all of the great reasons why you should be hired.  It’s always a good idea to really explore the reasons you’re applying for a job as you write your resume.  This way, it’s easier to answer the questions that employers are likely asking while they are reading it.

Global resume authority Jessica Hernandez of http://www.greatresumesfast.com is a former HR Manager who partners with professional- and executive-level candidates to create authentic, branded resumes and cover letters.  An international resume columnist and resume expert for JobTalkAmerica radio, her work opens doors to lucrative positions at Fortune 500 companies.