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Commenters have been asking what they should do if they’re just breaking into the job market or lack experience, but still need to create a resume.  Starter resumes, or resumes for first time job seekers, can still highlight useful experience, education, and show a potential employer what you have to offer. Here are a few tips for designing a starter resume that rocks.

• Choose a basic format. Templates are available online, and are included in many word processing programs.
• Provide up to date contact information. Include a daytime phone number and a valid email address. If you have a cutesy email address, consider registering one consisting of only your name and/or initials to use just for resumes. This allows you to make a professional first impression.
•  Include any relevant experience you do have, such as babysitting or volunteer work. If you have completed coursework at school that is relevant to the job you’re applying for, include that as well.
• List any activities or organizations that you hold a leadership role in, such as president of the Latin club or captain of a sports team. Include a statement about how this activity has helped you to develop responsibility or leadership skills.
• Avoid padding your resume or adding fluff.

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One frequently asked interview question is “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” When practicing for your next job interview, be sure to consider this question carefully. Take time to think about what the potential employer is trying to learn about you.

There are two ways to handle this question in a positive way. The first is to list a weakness that you have as a strength. For example, “I often get impatient with coworkers who don’t give 100%.” The weakness - impatience - is overshadowed by the statement that you feel it is important to give 100% to your job. You are answering the question without making yourself appear weak, and therefore a poor fit for the job.

Another way to address this question is to use your answer as an opportunity to clear up gaps in your resume. In this case, it is ok to admit that you were undecided about a career choice, or that you took six years to get through college because you changed your major. Just be sure to wrap up your answer with a positive remark about what you learned in the process. This type of answer shows your employer that you know yourself well, and can be trusted to analyze yourself truthfully. It also gives you a chance to preemptively answer questions the interviewer may have.

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Once you’ve attended multiple interviews and decided on the job offer you’d like to accept, you’re left with the daunting task of declining the other offers you’ve received. Taking the time to decline these offers politely is important, and much better than simply cutting ties with the company completely. After all, you may want to re-apply in the future.

When declining a job offer, first make a phone call to the interviewer or human resources department, to let them know of your decision. Then follow up with a brief note, stating that you are declining the offer. This gives the potential employer a written document to place in your file, to reference in the future if necessary. Avoid putting anything negative about the employer in writing - simply stick to a polite note declining the offer of employment.

When listing the reason for declining, you can make a general statement about the job offer not being a good fit for you at this time. Take the time to thank the interviewer for his or her time, and leave it at that. You’ve conveyed the necessary information, without bogging the potential employer down with unneeded details.

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Occasionally,  you will be offered a position after a successful job interview, but will need more time than offered to make your decision. In this case, it becomes necessary to request an extension of the deadline for acceptance.

Remember that while you have the right to ask for an extension, the employer does not have to grant your request. Be sure you have a valid reason for requesting your extension. If appropriate or necessary, state this reason in  your response. However, word it as tactfully as possible. If, for example, you have another interview scheduled, be sure to state that it is important to you to honor the committment that you have made.

You should first phone the employer to request an extension. Afterward, follow up with a written or emailed request.

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When you begin the process of writing your resume, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind. Knowing what you should before you begin will help you to write a clear, focused, goal-oriented resume.

Before you begin to write, you need to know:

 What You Want

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