Resumes are usually arranged chronologically, but sometimes they are arranged by function or attribute. If you open just about any full function word processing program such as Word or Works, you will find templates for constructing resumes. It may be easiest to use one of these. But you will have to adjust the categories named. Here is an artificial example.

Your goal is to give a snap shot on one page of your reading profile through the years. While the goal of a resume is to get a job interview, in this case the resume writing experience enables you to get a sense of yourself as a reader.

• You might begin working out your resume by breaking down your history into periods as does the example. That's pretty conventional and might not be the best for you. Feel free to alter it.
• For each time period, sum up some of the flavor of the period by giving a vivid glimpse into your occasions for reading (or being read to). Try citing a work you recall that is typical of your experience. Keep in mind you should convey your reality--both positive and neutral and bad!
• You might want to note quantity. How much of what kinds of things were you reading in that period?
• Has your reading been self-selected in the main, or has your reading been directed by school teachers, parents, librarians, significant others, reading groups, and so on. Have you enjoyed both kinds of reading experiences? Did specific works create lasting impressions?
• Has your history as a reader changed over the years? From what to what?
• Throughout your resume try to consider how to characterize your reading history. Consider the phrases below. You might choose ones that apply to you. (Or you can make them negative--i.e. infrequent reader, would never spoil a vacation by sticking my nose in a book, and so on.) Of course, these are for ideas; you should come to your own descriptions of your history.
  • well-read
  • bookworm
  • read a broad mix of types of works
  • have been known to tackle difficult works if interested
  • can't travel without a book or two
  • always have a book going
  • read to fall asleep
  • might stay up all night to finish a good book
  • can't find the time to read what I want to read
  • keep a list of things to read
  • frequently read book reviews
  • read so many of my favorite type of book that I can't remember them all
  • happy in a book store
  • have books at home
  • have and use a library card
  • belong to one or more book discussion groups
  • read all sorts of things but not much literature (fiction, drama or poetry)

As you reflect on this exercise, try to decide, are you happy with your repertoire? Do you feel your history of reading experiences prepares you well to move on to other works? If you could revise your reading history, what would you change?