Creating a resume for the very first time can present many questions and challenges. There's a lot of advice available for the do-it-yourself resume writer, but much of it is targeted toward those with a little experience. If you have never written a resume before the task can seem overwhelming. Many people find themselves staring at a blank sheet of paper with only their name at the top. All the questions about what to put where and what to include or not include can be confusing.
If that is where you are in your own resume-writing venture, this article is for you! We have compiled a list of the top ten "first-time" resume writing concerns and given you some clear answers. Consider it a 101 guide for the novice who knows how important it is to get it right the time when it comes to a career search.

1. Should I include pre-secondary school information on my resume?

   In most cases, the answer is no. The exceptions apply when it is the only educational experience a job hunter may have. There are many positions that require a high school diploma only and not everyone attends secondary school. If your high school experience is relevant to the job, it should be included in the resume. The two instances that come to mind most often are when trade and vocational skills are learned in high school. Then it becomes essential to use it in a resume.

2. Should my resume include only paid experience?

   No, a resume should always include any volunteer work, internships or apprenticeships where experience was gained. If that experience directly relates to the job opening, it should be featured prominently in a resume. The point to remember is that all work experience has value – paid and unpaid.

3. I don't have much experience. What should I put on my resume?

   No one automatically starts out in a career with work experience. Everyone, at one point or another, had to have a first job. Examples of what to include in a first resume would be anything that highlights a talent or skill. It is not unusual to see a first resume with descriptions of hobbies, outside interests, volunteer work, classes, teacher recommendations or good GPA's. The trick is to tie the information into the job for which you are applying and make sure it reflects your best talent. Avoid filler and fluff just to take up space on a page. Employers will notice it right away.

4. Should the education section go first or last?

   It depends on how relevant it is to the job and a number of other circumstances. If you didnt graduate or performed poorly in school, you don’t want to emphasize it at the top of the page. Likewise, if you certificate or degree is irrelevant to a position, place is after work experience. On the other hand, it your education history includes a sought-after degree or relates directly to the job, you'll want to place it near the top of the resume.

5. How many pages should my resume be?

   The general rule is that the resume should be as long as it has to be to give an employer a good idea of your abilities, skills and education. The most common mistake people make is including too much irrelevant information. The key is to summarize each area so an employer gets a clear picture of what you will be able to do for them. It should only serve to encourage them to contact you for an interview. That said, most good resumes shouldn't be longer than one or two pages. A third page is only necessary in rare cases where the candidate has many years of credentials that cannot be omitted.

6. What essential personal information should I include?

   It is imperative to state only personal information that is either relevant to the position or gives the employer the ability to contact you. This includes your name, address, telephone numbers and email addresses. Nothing else should be included on a resume unless it directly relates to the ability to perform the position.

7. Should I send anything else with my resume?

   This is a great question and the answer is yes. You should send a very carefully written cover letter with every resume you send out. Job hunters should never send out a resume without one. Keep the cover letter limited to one page and make sure the information in it is consistent with the facts contained in your resume.

8. Should I include a list of references with my resume?

   Most professional resume writers agree that it is better to wait for an employer to ask for references. If a job posting specifically request references in the job posting, then by all means, send them at that time. Otherwise, you may want to include the "References furnished on request" statement on the last line of the resume. This statement has become somewhat optional in the resume writing business, mainly because everyone knows that you'll furnish references if asked to do so. And be prepared to follow up with a written list of references if they are requested!

9. What are the most common beginner resume mistakes?

   The top mistakes beginners make on their resumes are some of the easiest to avoid. Simple errors like not proof reading for typos and grammatical mistakes, getting too creative with font styles and sizes, and using cheap or bright coloured paper are a few of them.

10. What are the three most valuable resume writing tips for the first-time resume?

    In addition to making certain that the resume is error-free, the most important things to do are to be honest, pay attention to small details that will give your resume a professional, polished appearance and focus on your accomplishments in lieu of job experience. A section of accomplishments can demonstrate your capacity for commitment and success and no accomplishment is too small to make note of on a beginner resume. Lastly, try to be patient and remain confident in your abilities. While you're waiting for the perfect career opportunity to come along, keep telling yourself that everyone with a dream job had to start with a beginner resume!