Free Resume Template & Instructions

Save the Template to your desktop with your own file name, such as "Lastname.doc".

You will open it in Microsoft Word and it should look like this:

If the layout looks different than this, make sure you select "View" at the top of the page, and "Print Layout". Follow these easy instructions to build a resume personalized to you.

Don't forget to check out the "Build A Resume In 5 Steps" page!

Your objective statement will be a short statement that will focus the employer on the fact that you want to work for them.

OBJECTIVE: Short Order Cook at Cafe'Ole.

OBJECTIVE: A position in the Food Service Field.

The second example is very general, and it is better to make your objective as specific as possible to the employer, rather than using a general statement. This personalizes the resume for each position you apply for.

If you prefer, you can substitute a Professional Summary section in the place of the Objective. In the Professional Summary, you will use 1 - 2 sentences to focus the employer on the number of years of experience and skills you possess in your field. Be sure to include those skills you possess that the employer is looking for.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: High energy Short Order Cook with 5 years experience and outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills.

Compare the skills you possess with what the job opening states the employer is looking for. What did the employer list as important? Make sure ALL of the skills important to the employer that you possess are bulleted in the SKILL SUMMARY.

Need help with how to describe your skills? You will use O*net OnLine to compile a list of skills common to the job you are seeking. Cut and paste the skills that apply to you into the Skill Summary Section of the Template and then re-word as necessary.

This section contains your Employment History with the most recent jobs listed first. Under each employer, you will use 1 - 3 sentences to highlight the main tasks you were responsible for in that position. Try to quantify as much as possible. For instance if you were a short order cook for a medium size café, you might quantify that as, "Prepared food items such as soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and fries for 200-300 customers daily."

Read the Job Opening description again. Make sure that your Employment History section on the resume template demonstrates that you have experience in the tasks the employer listed in the ad.

Do you have any special training or certifications that may be relevant to an employer? For instance, a Short Order Cook may possess a Food Safety Certification or Vocational or College Degree. You will list these on your resume with the most recently completed first.