If you’re looking for a job, one of the first things you’ll need is a resume. A resume is a short document that tells an employer about you—what you’re good at, where you’ve worked or trained, and what kind of job you want. Call it a brag sheet if you must—it helps you stand out from the crowd and woo potential employers.
At Work Now Hawaii, we help people with disabilities make strong resumes that show off their best skills.
Here’s how to make your own:
🧾 Start with Your Contact Info
At the top of your resume, write your:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- The town you’re located in
Make sure everything is spelled right and easy to read.
✍️ Write a Short Summary
Your summary tells employers a little about you and what kind of job you’re looking for. Make it shine and your own so employers can briefly learn more about where you stand.
Example:
I’m a dependable worker who enjoys helping others. I’m looking for a job in customer service or cleaning.
💪 List Your Skills
Skills are things you’re good at. These can be work skills or personal strengths.
Examples of good skills to list:
- I am organized
- I follow directions
- I’m good with computers
- I work well with others
- I stay calm and focused
Pro Tip: Try to list 3 to 5 of your best skills.
🧹 Share Your Work or Volunteer Experience
Have you had a job before? Or helped out somewhere as a volunteer? Write where you worked, what your duties were, and the dates.
Example:
Office Helper – ABC Community Center
July 2023 – January 2024
- Answered phones
- Filed papers
- Greeted visitors
If you’ve done job training, that counts, too!
🎓 List Your Education or Training
Include the schools you went to and any programs you finished.
Example:
Work Now Hawaii Training Program – Completed in 2023
Farrington High School – Graduated in 2021
👀 Ask Someone to Look It Over
It’s always a good idea to have someone you trust—like a job coach, teacher, or a past coworker—look at your resume before you send it out.
📞 Add References
References are people who can talk about how good you are at working. This can be a past boss, teacher, job coach, or someone you volunteered with.
Example:
Ms. Lopez – Job Coach at Work Now Hawaii
Phone: (808) 555-1234
✅ Make sure you ask the person first before putting their name on your resume.
🎨 A Note for Creative Fields
In some industries, like design, media, photography, or fashion, employers may expect your resume to show off your creative style. These resumes often include color, graphics, and links to a personal website or portfolio of your work. If you’re applying to a creative job, it’s okay—and sometimes even encouraged—to make your resume stand out visually. Just make sure it’s still clear and easy to read.
💬 You Have Skills That Matter
Your resume should show who you are and what you’re great at. Everyone has something special to offer. And with the right tools, you can find a job that’s a good fit for you.
Need help building your resume? We’re here for you!
📩 Contact us at [Work Now Hawaii] and let’s get started.
Blurb: 📝 Looking for a job? Your resume is your first impression! Learn how to build a resume that shows off your strengths, whether you’re applying for a hands-on role or a creative job. Plus, tips just for people with disabilities from Work Now Hawaii.
