Writing a job-winning resume can feel overwhelming, especially if you have plenty of talent but not much professional experience. Younger job seekers, take heart. With a little bit of preparation and some focused time at your desk, you can create a professional resume in no time at all.

Formatting choices

Remember that the goal of your resume is to capture the attention of an employer and prompt that person to call you for an interview. To do this, you need to make a strong first impression and hold the reader’s interest for a second, more thorough review.

The best way to do this is to create a document that targets a specific industry or position. For example, if you want a job in sales, use a dynamic format that makes an immediate impact. Within the first 10 to 15 seconds of looking at your resume, the hiring manager should recognize your talent for selling.

On the other hand, if you would rather work for a non-profit organization, chose a template that highlights your professionalism and organization skills and offers some insight into your commitment to making a difference in the community.

Either way, select a professional, no-nonsense format with an easy-to-read font and avoid fancy headers or logos that will call attention away from your qualifications.

What to Include in your resume

Many young job seekers worry that their limited work experience will hinder their chances of landing a great position. Have no fear. Even if you never held a job, your attributes and education can be used to demonstrate the value that you can bring to a company. You may wish to include the following:

* Talents, strengths and personal characteristics,

* Relevant coursework and training programs,

* Educational achievements and awards,

* Technical and computer skills,

* Internships or summer jobs,

* Work and volunteer experience.

List the aspects of your background that are applicable to your career goals and valuable to a company. For instance, if you are seeking a position in a business setting, mention your knowledge of Microsoft Office, but leave off the fact that you starred in the school play.

More resume writing tips

Present yourself with honesty, professionalism and confidence, using plenty of verbs to showcase your achievements. Try a statement like this: “Received the highest possible grade in honors algebra, showing a strong work ethic and commitment to top performance.” Here’s another example: “Took the initiative to lead a group of four students in a school project.”

Beneath your address and phone number, insert an e-mail address that involves some variation of your first and last name. For instance, JQSmith@ yourISP.net is infinitely better than VacationQueen @yourISP.net.

Use bullet points to add visual interest to your document. A few well-paced bullets can showcase a specific accomplishment or attributes that will help you stand out from other job seekers.

Finally, be sure to read over your document carefully before sending it to an employer. Check your contact information, company names, dates and text. Aim for consistency in grammar and style, and always look for ways to increase the impact.

Develop a resume that highlights your relevant skills, attributes and accomplishments, and you’ll be on your way to opening doors in your new career.

Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.