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Edited on Fri Jun-02-06 10:41 AM by BlueIris
Once again, for strategies to quash the anxiety about completing a resume, I really recommend getting the "Expert Resumes" book, but if you can't run out to Borders today, well, here are some tips I can recommend to calm down so you can get this done:
1) Clean off the desk where you are trying to work on it. Nothing contributes to stress like a messy workspace. Also, the time you spend cleaning before you start will give your brain time to shred the initial "cold sweat" reaction to dealing with the resume, and sorta "brace itself" for the task.
2) Start slow and try not to rush yourself. Worrying about any deadlines you have will just make the time pass faster and heighten your anxiety.
3) Do the "easy parts" first--heading, contact info, the "design" of your resume. This will help you feel as if you are finally making progress, and like the desk cleaning before your work session, it will help lessen any growing nervousness you may have.
4) About the design--I'm sure you know to keep it as simple as possible. Simplicity is the essence of good style. Then again, it really helps me to use a font I like, and do something a little bit distinctive with the heading--but only a little bit. That always helps me feel more confident about finishing what I've started. Still, especially for a first draft, keep it as streamlined as you can. Nothing exacerbates stress like worrying about extraneous details and minor matters.
5) Take it line by line, but type up the information about your work history that you feel conveys your strongest qualities before you tackle any areas you perceive to be less desirable. That will help you build on the confidence you secured in steps 3 and 4, which further serves to eradicate fear.
6) Don't overdo it. This advice could apply to many parts of this process, but mainly, as I'm sure you know, it means: a resume is 1 page. 1. O-N-E. Well, alright, except for a few select folks in this world, and the 1 page rule means some different things when we're talking about scannable resumes or resumes built to exist only online. Seriously, though, don't try to cram too much information on that single page, and don't go over that limit. Also, avoid doing anything creative with the margins just to get more information on your resume--1" margins. Trying to finagle your way around these problems will only bring the stress back (plus, it can result in your resume looking over-written).
7) Take breaks. If you're doing this for more than 2 hours at a stretch, take 15 minutes or so off every 2. Do something fun in between work sessions. I recommend making it as enjoyable for you as possible, and making it something that allows you time to stretch and unwind a little. As I'm sure you're aware, another way to let stress about un-fun tasks build up is to sit in uncomfortable positions during the un-fun tasks or experiences...like crunched up in front of a computer screen. Believe it or not, though, trying to force yourself to work on a resume or anything else you're reticent to work on through solely negative reinforcement (making yourself feel guilty or weak) isn't going to help you. And in terms of resume-writing--trying to do that while feeling incompetent isn't the best idea; you don't want to exaggerate your skills or credentials, but you do want to present them with confidence (harder to do if you're actively undermining your own confidence).
8) After you finish, again, do something fun. It's over! You did it! You should reward yourself.
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