February 13, 2015

Entry task: What is a resume? Why is it important to know how to build a professional resume?

Target: Explain what a professional resume is and identify characteristics which make up a professional resume.

What does a resume look like? What information is included?

On the sheet of paper provided, create your resume!

If you do not know what that may look like or include, that’s ok, give it your best shot!

Happy Friday! :)

Please fill in your guided notes as we go! Vocabulary/Terminology are shown in BLUE

These are important! Be prepared to practice using these words both

orally and in writing!

What is a Resume?

Resume - A personal summary of one’s background, experiences and accomplishments. Tailored to the specific job you are applying

for A resume must interest the employer

enough to want to call and learn more. You want your resume to be the best and

kept at the top of the pile!

Tra

ditio

nal

Mod

ern

Is it important?

The average time a manager takes to scan a resume and determine if the applicant should be granted an interview is…

20 seconds! For this reason, the materials a person uses

to market themselves must project a professional image!

First Impression

General Guidelines

Typed Length: Limit to one page Font: Traditional - Times New Roman or Arial

Modern – may be more creative, but must be readable

Paper: 8.5” x 11”, White, or “Resume Paper” Images: Traditional – None

Modern – Limited, appropriate Easy to read and organized!

What to Include on a Resume

Typically in this order: Heading (aka Contact Info) Objective Educational background Work experience Skills Honors, awards, activities, volunteer work References

Do Some Research

For each job application and resume you prepare find out the following…

General job information Desired job qualifications and skills Key values and company information (catch phrases,

mottos)

Where can this information be found?

Heading/ CONTACT INFORMATION

Heading – a title or section at the head, or top, of the page which provides important information• NAME

– Full Legal Name (first and last)

• ADDRESS– A permanent address where you can be reached

• TELEPHONE NUMBER– Include Area Code

• E-MAIL – Appropriate and Professional

• FAX NUMBER (if available)

CONTACT INFORMATION/ HEADING - examples

OBJECTIVE

Objective – A statement describing your career GOALS and the type of job you would like to be considered for. This may need to be changed for different

types of jobs. Should contain three characteristics: the

job type, the industry and qualities desired

WRITING OBJECTIVES

Think about your career goals What type of employment or experience are

you seeking? Three characteristics:

1. Job type – Position (level, specific title) 2. Industry – Career cluster 3. Qualities desired – geographic location,

company characteristics, or qualities you have No “I” Statements

OBJECTIVE - examples

Three characteristics: Job type, industry, desired qualities

Objective:Seeking entry level retail position in the Seattle area.

EDUCATION

Education - Schooling or specified training which one has experienced Present EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

with most recent firstList the last, or current, school attended

first and then go backwards. Include NAME and LOCATION of Schools.

Education, cont.

List CURRICULUM studied (College or University).

Include DATES of attendance (2000-2003 or 2012-Present).

List DIPLOMA or DEGREE earned (High School Diploma or Bachelor of Arts in Education).

List Relevant COURSES. Include Grade Point Average (only if 3.0 or

higher).

EDUCATION - examples

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work Experience – all paid work, or unpaid work (volunteer) which relates to your objective and shows responsibility.• List most recent FIRST, reverse chronological

order• Include:

• DATES (month and year) of employment• NAMES and LOCATIONS of the companies or

organizations • JOB TITLE

Work Experience, cont.

Include at least 2 responsibilities or skills gained under each experience.

Write skills/responsibilities in past tense – Action Words

Example:

AMERICAN EAGLE Los Angeles, California

Sales Associate June 2013 – July 2014

• Assisted customers in locating items and correct sizes• Collaborated with merchandiser to create appealing displays• Responsibilities included checking customers out, utilizing cash register and

answering phones

Action Words

Action Words – Power words used to emphasize responsibilities related to work experiences. They bring life to tasks performed and

communicate those skills to potential employers.

Examples: participated, generated, implemented, organized and utilized.

WORK EXPERIENCE - example

SKILLS

Skills – strengths, abilities or qualities one holds which are useful or desired in a workplace These must be related specifically to the

desired job. May include statements that describe how

you used and developed that skill in the past. Example: Proficient with all Microsoft programs. Used daily

as an Office Assistant with ABC Law Firm

SKILLS, cont. Can include knowledge of software,

foreign languages, leadership, teamwork. Computer programs

Microsoft Office, PowerPoint Presentations, Photo Shop, etc.

Equipment Cash Register, Copy Machines, etc.

Personal work ethics Dependable, Punctual, Honest, Creative,

Organized, etc.

Skills - examples

Awards, Honors, & Volunteer Work• List any type of HONORS, ACHIEVEMENTS, or

AWARDS in School - Community – Athletics :• School Newspapers, Yearbook, National Honor

Society, Honor Roll, Eagle Scout, City/County Youth Council, placement in competition, etc.

• Any LEADERSHIP ROLES should be mentioned - these skills can be very valuable to employers.• High School Varsity Basketball Captain 2012

• Any VOLUNTEER work not listed under work experience– still shows responsibility!

Awards, Honors, & Volunteer Work, cont. May also include CERTIFICATIONS

Example: First Aid/CPR Certified, Pierce County Food Handlers Permit

Same rules apply: List most recent FIRST, and go backwards in

time Include date No abbreviations, unless common knowledge Make sure title of section matches what is listed

Awards, Honors, & Volunteer Work - examples

REFERENCES

Reference – Individuals who can attest to your skills, qualifications and abilities

Professional Reference - has supervised you in professional setting

Personal Reference – can give honest opinion of character CANNOT be family member or spouse! Why? Must know you for at least one year, adult• Ask people who know your strengths to be references:

– Former Employer, Teacher, Religious Leader, Close Friend/Neighbor, Coach, Club Leader

References, cont.

Always ask permission first! Include:

Name (First and Last) Position (Business Title) Phone Number Email Address

May use same references from job application Include 3 to 5 references May state “References available upon request”

What NOT to include?

Think- To yourself, think about what SHOULD NOT be included in a resume

Pair- With the person next to you, discuss what you thought about

Share- With a raise of hands share with the whole class what you came up with

WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE ON A RESUME

• Weight/Height• Social Security Number• Birth date• “I” Statements• Salary histories• Reasons for leaving past jobs• Hobbies, activities, and memberships that

do not relate to the sought position.• Complete dates (only Month and Year)

Exit Task

On your entry task sheet:

1. explain today’s target in your own words

AND

2. Write once sentence explaining why the target is important to learn and reach!