resume reference guide (cc) -...

Resume Reference Guide

Career Care St. Anthony On The Lake Catholic Church Human Concerns Ministry

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W280 N2101 Prospect Ave. Pewaukee, Wisconsin www.careercare.stanthony.cc

Table of Contents

Types of Resumes 2

• Chronological Resumes 3

• Functional Resumes 5

• Combination Resumes 7

Action Phrases and Power Verbs 9

Ten Resume Don’ts 12

Creating a Concise Resume 13

Parts of a Resume 15

Employment History- Gaps in Employment 15

Job Hopping 16

Responsibilities & Accomplishment Statements; Professional Development Summary 16

Memberships & Other Categories 16

Examples:

• Headings 17

• Executive Summary Statements 19

Cover Letters 20

Resume Quality

23

Know Your Resume

24



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Types of Resumes

Chronological Resume The chronological format is the most frequently used resume format. It lists work experience in reverse time sequence with an emphasis on responsibilities and accomplishments. A chronological resume provides clear information on job titles, areas of responsibility and periods of employment for each employer. Accomplishments are clearly tied to companies and time frames. The chronological format spells out your job history from the most recent job backwards, with the most recent job having the greatest emphasis.

Functional Resume The functional resume format is designed to stress the qualifications of the job seeker with less emphasis on specific employers and dates. Some functional formats found in popular books do not include a work history. The format presented here includes a work history because omitting it nearly always raises large questions about you in the reader's mind. The functional resume format is particularly suitable for individuals who want to make a significant change in fields or functional areas. The decision to use a functional resume should be carefully weighed against the reality that most employers prefer a chronological resume.

Combination Resume Combination resumes focus on the particular job you are targeting and combines the styles of both the chronological and functional resume. The functional influence of this resume allows you to relate your skills to a particular job even if the experience isn't recent, by using categories. The chronological influence includes job titles and dates of employment.

Positioning Statements Your positioning statement is an essential communications tool since it defines who you are and what you have to offer. It is your response to the request, "Tell me about yourself". Your positioning statement must concisely and vividly describe your profession, expertise, strengths and experience.



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Chronological Resume

NAME Address Address Phone Email

SUMMARY

Facilities Management Executive with expertise in operations, finance, sales and marketing, customer service, information services, and human resources. History of increasing operational efficiencies as well as identifying and seizing market opportunities. Known for creative and profitable approaches to problem solving, conducting skillful negotiations, developing strong teams, and establishing outstanding relationships with vendors and customers.

EXPERIENCE FACTOR, INC., Corporate & Facilities Division, Houston, TX 1993 -1998Senior Vice President, Facilities Services Responsible for building the customer base in state for the largest facilities management firm in the South. Established new accounts and set up all facilities operations including implementation of best practices, systems and process improvements, as well as accounting, personnel and customer service. Formulated effective policies and procedures.

• Established services at the headquarters facility of an $11 billion firm; reduced annual operating expenses by $575,000 and improved client's employee satisfaction survey ratings by 28%.

• Recruited and secured the account, and established services at the newly renovated offices of a $22 billion (annual sales) firm with operations 24 hour a day, 7 days a week.

• Hired, trained and developed a high-performing team of 3 managers and a staff of 28.

HEALTHY SYSTEMS, INC., Houston, TX 1985-1993Director of Real Estate Services Member of the Senior Corporate Management staff responsible for strategic decision-making and implementation for the Twin Cities' largest staff-model HMO. Accountable for real estate development, design and construction of clinics and office space. Managed costs and improved quality in facilities operations. Built a team of 10 professional and 10 support staff.

• Managed over $151 million of leased space in 17 facilities. Guided the cooperative design and construction of office buildings and clinics requiring specialized equipment and specifications.

• Successfully oversaw the design and construction of a large addition to a clinic while it remained operational. Finished $600,000 under budget and three months ahead of schedule.

• Directed the development and successful implementation of an $87 million strategic capital improvement program.

• Managed administrative services functions including 4 office sites, mail, duplication, and related services. Reduced operating costs by 18% through best practices and partnerships.

Name, page 2



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METROPOLITAN TRANSIT COMMISSION, Houston, TX

1972-1985Director of Operations Directed the strategic development of the transit system infrastructure. Developed compelling and workable concepts, secured and managed federal grants, and spearheaded numerous innovative projects and collaborations to improve service, cut costs, increase efficiency, and provide better service to customers. Implemented capital improvements totaling $300 million.

• Selected to serve as Acting Chief Administrator for six months during the search for a new person for the post. Managed 40 direct reports responsible for over 1,100 employees.

• Implemented Project Mobility, one of the first transit services for the mobility-restricted. Analyzed market needs to determined service levels, secured vendors to modify and build busses, developed registration and scheduling system, and created a dispatching operation.

• Designed and implemented the Information Services Department as well as a unique computerized bus scheduling system which saved $500,000 annually.

• Improved operating efficiency and reduced costs by consolidating functions, leveraging technology, capitalizing on talent, purchasing wisely, negotiating deals to meet the needs of diverse constituencies, and always striving to understand and meet the needs of the customers.

EDUCATION

B.A. in Economics

University of Tennessee, Twining, TN

Graduate Coursework University of Southern California Law School, Los Angeles, CA

Professional Program in Urban Transportation Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Consultative Selling Skills (currently enrolled)

The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People (5 day course)

Total Quality Management (TQM)

Numerous seminars in topics such as: Real Estate, Construction, Environmental and Air Quality, etc.



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Functional Resume

NAME Address Address Phone

SYSTEMS SUPPORT MANAGER Extensive management, application, and technical experience in a multi-vendor, multi-platform computer environment. Expertise in supporting numerous business systems with emphasis on finance, payroll, and human resources. Success in selecting, setting-up and administering state-of-the-art computer telecommunication networks.

SKILLS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Leadership and Management

• Established process and procedures for new computer and communication technologies. Led the team that defined, registered, tested, and installed communications for file transfers for over 50 business applications to and from over 50 facilities.

• Directed a department of seven professionals to support all multi-company payroll and human resources systems for over 25,000 employees.

• Managed many development projects interfacing with numerous corporate areas.

• Developed and controlled multi-million spending and recovery budgets for several corporations.

Operations

• Introduced the micro computer (including the proposal, purchasing, and installation of hardware and software) to a $2 billion business resulting in increased productivity.

• Developed and delivered training to multi-function PC user base utilizing internal and outside resources.

Hardware, Software, and Application Expertise

• Selected, installed, and managed systems development methodology and computerized project accounting system.

• Corporate technical coordinator for IBM, Lotus Development, and Ashton Tate.

• Designed, installed, and managed payroll system for national corporation operating in many states using combination of third party packages and custom code (Cobol).

Computer Networking

• Administrator for Novell, XCOM, HP NRJE, and MVS Softswitch and Supertracs software supporting network communication over LAN, SNA, AND X.25 networks.

• Extensive knowledge of network protocols, hardware, software, and inter-connectivity.



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Name, page 2

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

CASPER COMPANY, Reno, NV (1971-19__)

Lead Systems (Technical) Analyst (EDX Administrator)

Lead Systems Analyst (Payroll MIS Support Supervisor)

Information Center Consultant

Manager of Personal Computers and Office Systems

Manager of MIS Accounting

Manager of Systems Quality

Systems Development (Programmer to Sr. Systems Analyst)

Internal Auditor

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Mainframe Cobol, Easytrieve Plus, and JCL

Micro

Lotus 1-2-3 and Freelance, WordPerfect, Windows, Excel, Access, Harvard Graphics, Project Workbench, DOS

extensive experience setting-up users and supporting Novell LAN's.

EDUCATION

BS in Business Administration (Accounting Emphasis) graduated magna cum laude

University of Nevada, Reno, NV

CSP (Certified Systems Professional) certified through 12/31/__.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

DPMA - Director of Education; Chair of Micro Computer Special Interest Group

Served employee credit union ($25 million deposits) for 12 years (7 years as Chair of Board)

Boy Scout leader - Council Commissioner; Vice President of District Operations



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Combination Resume

NAME Address Phone (H)Address Phone (W)

FINANCIAL MANAGER

Experienced Controller who can partner with senior leadership to tackle tough business issues, develop innovative and sound strategies, and successfully lead implementation. Demonstrated success at growing revenues, streamlining costs, and creating efficiencies. Expertise in financial reporting, planning and analysis, cash flow, reengineering, systems and process implementation, and acquisitions.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Developed, implemented and managed financial reporting and control functions for a $225 million division that achieved record sales and earnings during a time of significant organizational and industry change.

• Directed and implemented cash flow strategies that resulted in annual cash flow improvements of $12 million by utilizing cross functional teams focusing on accounts receivable, deposits, invoicing and inventories.

• Installed Oracle Systems software with no disruption to the business. Installation included General Ledger, Order Entry, and Inventory modules to handle over 100,000 orders yearly, and 1200 SKU's.

• Terminated an existing partnership and renegotiated as a supplier contract, saving the company over $1 million annually. Identified the opportunity and conducted the negotiations.

• Renegotiated distributor contract with the largest distributor whose $6.5 million debt to the company was growing $1.5 million a year. Developed a solution that resulted in the collection of this large outstanding accounts receivable and a profitable ongoing relationship.

• Designed sales management compensation system that held managers accountable to measurable performance standards. This initiative successfully changed sales managers' behaviors and resulted in $1 million sales improvements in the first year.

• Consolidated financial departments for two major divisions, implementing best practices and reducing staff by 50%. Also integrated accounting departments and processes of two major acquisitions, enhancing financial services provided to senior management while reducing costs.

• Created territory financial planning system for managing sales representatives' overdraft accounts for an independent sales force of over 900. Designed a strategic human resources plan that lowered selling costs by $2.5 million while maintaining sales growth objectives.



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Name, page two

GADGETMAKER INC., Phoenix, NM 1981 - 19__ Manufacturer and distributor of recognition and motivation products and services, with $700 million in annual sales, 15 manufacturing facilities, 1000 independent sales representatives, and 6500 employees. Director, Re-engineering, Corporate Headquarters (October 1996 - 19__) Identified opportunities and developed strategic and tactical plans to reduce costs and increase revenues in partnership with the General Managers of Gadgetmaker. Controller, Printing and Publishing Division (1994 - 1996) Responsible for financial control and reporting, financial analysis, forecasting, cash flow, annual and long-range planning, and product line pricing. Reviewed and approved all capital expenditures. Performed due diligence on all division acquisitions. Implemented cost accounting processes in six manufacturing facilities. Directed implementation of Oracle software within the division. Built and developed a strong and motivated team of 15 professional and support staff. Director of Special Projects, School Products Division (1993) Worked closely with the General Managers, providing them with a complete financial review and strategic plan for business operations in selected markets. Renegotiated a complex contract with the company's largest distributor. Sales Controller, School Products Division (1990 - 1992) Provided the sales organization with financial expertise and services including annual and long-range sales and contribution plans, strategic human resource plans, and the development and enforcement of financial policies and procedures. Sales Recruiting and Planning Manager, Printing and Publishing Division (1989) Sales and Marketing Controller, Printing and Publishing Division (1986 - 1988) Accountant / Financial Analyst, Printing and Publishing Division (1981 - 1985)

EDUCATION Mini-MBA Program University of St. Mary, Phoenix, AZ Coursework in MBA program University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ B.A. in Finance and Economics (with Honors) University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA



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Action Phrases and Power Verbs Describing your work experience isn't easy. To help you, we've compiled a list of action phrases and power verbs. The purpose of using them is to show employers that you know how to get results. Begin your job descriptions with a power verb or phrase: enlisted the support..., formed a committee..., sold, budgeted, improved, increased, maintained the client relationship.

Action Phrases

CHRONO RESUME Design, develop and deliver Conduct needs analysis Write course design documents Manage development Consult with clients Facilitate problem-solving meetings Implement solutions Develop and implement formatting Developed and delivered Revamped product training Assessed employee and client training needs Analyzed evaluation data Designed and implemented

EDUCATION EMPHASIS Followed special task force Assisted special task force Proctored and scored Facilitated discussion

SCANNABLE RESUME Reduced manufacturing plant's burden Reduced material costs

BLUE CHIP RESUME managed an eleven-person team negotiated over $tk coordinated strategic five-year plan created and implemented innovative approach developed new product



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Power Verbs

A-B accelerated acclimated accompanied accomplished achieved acquired acted activated actuated adapted added addressed adhered adjusted administered admitted adopted advanced advertised advised advocated aided aired affected allocated altered amended amplified analyzed answered anticipated appointed appraised approached approved arbitrated arranged ascertained asked assembled assigned assumed assessed assisted attained attracted audited augmented authored authorized automated awarded avail balanced bargained borrowed bought broadened budgeted built

C calculated canvassed capitalized captured carried out cast cataloged centralized challenged chaired changed channeled charted checked chose circulated clarified classified cleared closed co-authored cold called collaborated collected combined commissioned committed communicated compared compiled complied completed composed computed conceived conceptualized concluded condensed conducted conferred consolidated constructed consulted contracted contrasted contributed contrived controlled converted convinced coordinated corrected corresponded counseled counted created critiqued cultivated cut

D debugged decided decentralized decreased deferred defined delegated delivered demonstrated depreciated described designated designed determined developed devised devoted diagrammed directed disclosed discounted discovered dispatched displayed dissembled distinguished distributed diversified divested documented doubled drafted

E earned eased edited effected elected eliminated employed enabled encouraged endorsed enforced engaged engineered enhanced enlarged enriched entered entertained established estimated evaluated examined exceeded exchanged executed exempted exercised expanded expedited explained exposed extended extracted extrapolated

F-H facilitated familiarized fashioned fielded figured financed fit focused forecasted formalized formed formulated fortified found founded framed fulfilled functioned furnished gained gathered gauged gave generated governed graded granted greeted grouped guided handled headed hired hosted

I identified illustrated illuminated implemented improved improvised inaugurated indoctrinated increased incurred induced influenced informed initiated innovated inquired inspected inspired installed instigated instilled instituted instructed insured interfaced interpreted interviewed introduced invented inventoried invested investigated invited involved isolated issued

J-M joined judged launched lectured led lightened liquidated litigated lobbied localized located maintained managed mapped marketed maximized measured mediated merchandised merged met minimized modeled moderated modernized modified monitored motivated moved multiplied

N-O named narrated negotiated noticed nurtured observed obtained offered offset opened operated operationalized orchestrated ordered organized oriented originated overhauled oversaw

P paid participated passed patterned penalized perceived performed permitted persuaded phased out pinpointed pioneered placed planned polled prepared presented preserved presided prevented priced printed prioritized probed processed procured produced profiled programmed projected promoted promoted prompted proposed proved provided publicized published purchased pursued

Q-R



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quantified quoted raised ranked rated reacted read received recommended reconciled recorded recovered recruited rectified redesigned reduced referred refined regained regulated rehabilitated reinforced reinstated rejected related remedied remodeled renegotiated reorganized replaced repaired reported represented requested researched resolved responded restored restructured resulted retained retrieved revamped revealed reversed reviewed revised revitalized rewarded routed

S safeguarded salvaged saved scheduled screened secured segmented selected sent separated served serviced settled shaped shortened showed shrank signed simplified sold solved spearheaded specified speculated spoke spread stabilized staffed staged standardized steered stimulated strategized streamlined strengthened stressed structured studied submitted substantiated substituted suggested summarized superseded supervised supplied supported surpassed surveyed synchronized synthesized systematized

T-W tabulated tailored targeted taught terminated tested testified tightened took traced traded trained transacted transferred transformed translated transported traveled treated tripled uncovered undertook unified united updated upgraded used utilized validated valued verified viewed visited weighed welcomed widened witnessed won worked wrote

Ten Resume "Don'ts" by Peter Newfield



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Resumes are a necessity for almost every job on the planet -- accountant, teacher, CEO or municipal employee. But unless you carefully and objectively examine your resume before sending it out, recycling bins across America may be filling up with those ill-planned documents. Before mailing your next resume, check the ten resume "don'ts" below: 1. Appearances Count -- Don't try to save money by printing your resume on cheap copy paper instead of good

quality stock. Check for typos, grammatical errors and coffee stains. Use the spell check feature on your word processor and ask a friend to review the resume to find mistakes you might have missed. 2. Does Size Matter? -- If your career warrants a two-page resume, then go ahead and create a document that reflects the full range of your experience and accomplishments. Don't reduce the type size to such a degree that your resume becomes difficult to read.

3. Truth or Consequences -- Don't fudge over dates or titles on your resume to hide the fact that you have been unemployed, that you switched jobs too frequently or that you held low-level positions. If a prospective employer conducts a background check and discovers that you lied, you can kiss the job good-bye. 4. State Your Case -- If you are seeking a job in a field in which you have no prior experience, don't use the chronological format for your resume. By using a functional or skills-oriented format, you can present your

relevant experience and skills up front. 5. Put Your Best Foot Forward -- Don't simply copy the job description jargon from your company's HR manual. To show that you are more qualified than the competition for the positions you are seeking, you need to do more than simply list your job responsibilities. Present specific accomplishments and achievements: percentages increased, accounts expanded, awards won, etc.

6. No Excuses -- Don't include the reasons you are no longer working at each job listed on your resume. The phrases "Company sold," "Boss was an idiot" and "Left to make more money" have no place on your resume. 7. What Have You Done Lately? -- While it is certainly acceptable to have a two-page resume, don't list every single job you've ever held. Personnel managers are most interested in your experience from the last 10 years, so focus on your most recent and most relevant career experience.

8. Target Your Audience -- Don't mail out your resume to every ad in the Sunday newspaper. If you are not even remotely qualified for a position, don't apply. Read the ads, determine if you have the right credentials and save the wear and tear on your printer. 9. No Extra Papers, Please -- When you send out your resume, don't include copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation or awards, unless you are specifically asked to do so. If you are called in for an interview, you

may bring these extra materials along in your briefcase for show-and-tell. 10. Don't Get Personal -- Personal information does not belong on a resume in the United States. Don't include information on your marital status, age, race, family or hobbies.

Creating a Concise Resume By: Kim Isaacs



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• How long should my resume be?

• How can I fit all my experience on one page?

• What can I eliminate, and what should be highlighted? Use common sense: If you have more than five years experience and a track record of accomplishments, you will need at least two pages to tell your story. If you have fewer than five years of work experience or are contemplating a career change, a one-page resume will suffice. Don’t confuse telling your story with creating your autobiography. Employers are inundated with resume submissions and are faced with weeding out the good from the bad. Your resume needs to pass the skim test:

• Can the hiring manager see my main credentials within 10-15 seconds?

• Does critical information jump off the page?

• Do I effectively sell myself on the top quarter of the first page? The Sales Pitch Because resumes are quickly skimmed during the first pass, it is crucial your resume gets right to work selling your credentials. Your key selling points need to be prominently displayed at the top of the first page. An effective way to showcase your key qualifications is to include a Career Summary statement at the top of the first page. Editor’s Eye Resumes should only include the information that will help you land an interview; they should not contain every detail.

Eight Tips to Keep Your Resume Concise By: Kim Isaacs



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1. Avoid Repeating Information.

Did you perform the same or similar job tasks for more than one employer? Instead of repeating job duties, focus on your accomplishments in each position.

2. Eliminate Old Experience.

Employers are most interested in what you did recently. If you have a long career history, focus on the last 10 to 15 years. If your early career is important to your current goal, briefly mention the experience without going into details.

3. Don’t Include Irrelevant Information.

Avoid listing hobbies and personal information such as date of birth or marital status. Also eliminate outdated technical or business skills.

4. Cut Down on Job Duties.

Many job seekers can trim the fat off their resumes simply by removing long descriptions of job duties or responsibilities. Instead, create a paragraph that briefly highlights the scope of your responsibility and then provide a bulleted list of your most impressive accomplishments.

5. Remove “References Available Upon Request.”

Many job seekers waste the valuable last line of the resume on an obvious statement.

6. Use a Telegraphic Writing Style

Eliminate personal pronouns and minimize the use of articles when preparing your resume.

7. Edit Unnecessary Words.

Review your resume for unnecessary phrases such as “responsible for” or “duties include.”

8. Customize Your Resume for Your Job Target.

Only include information relevant to your goal. This is particularly important for career changers who need to focus on transferable skills and de-emphasize unrelated accomplishments.

Parts of A Resume By: Kim Isaacs



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Heading

Include the following information at the top of your resume: Name (First & Last) Address Telephone Numbers (Numbers were you can be reached or where a message can be left) E-Mail Address Format: Depending on the length of you resume, choose one of the styles in example attached (reference A).

Summary Statement

The summary should demonstrate the skill level and experiences directly related to the position being sought. Your research should identify what the hiring firm needs. You must connect your accomplishments and capabilities to their needs. You will craft a resume tailored for each employer's needs. Remember, you need to track where you distribute each version. See attached examples (reference B).

Employment History

The following information should be listed: Name of the company Dates Employed Job Title City & State

Gaps in Employment History

Carefully present your experience to avoid being seen as unstable. If you have less than two months of unemployment back 10 years ago, your job search will probably not be affected. However, if you are dealing with recent periods of unemployment extending for months or even years, you will need to start strategizing.

• Short gaps might not be apparent if you eliminate months from your traditional resume. Use the objective statement to summarize your goal as well as your top qualifications.

• If you have been out of work because you raised a family, continued your education, cared for a sick family member or recovered from an injury, be sure your tone is not apologetic.

• If you’re returning to the workforce after an extended absence, show how you’ve kept up-to-date with changes in your industry.

• You should think about other activities you can use to fill that time period. Volunteer activities, community involvement, special projects, consulting engagements and continuing education can be used in the experience section.

Job Hopping

You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever held. Short-term positions that don’t do anything for you can certainly be omitted. Keep in mind: A resume is a marketing piece, but you will need to provide complete work history if you are asked to fill out a job application, which is a signed legal document. Employers might be leery of hiring candidates with a history of job-hopping due to recruiting and training expenses. Use your cover letter to explain your work history and put a positive spin on your circumstances. Also, indicate you interest in a long-term position.

Responsibilities Statements

Summarize information selected from your job description, special assignments, and general duties that a potential employer might find of interest. Be sure to use the same tense throughout the resume.

Example: Hire, train and developed a high performing team of 11 supervisors Hired, trained and developed a high performing team of 11 supervisors



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Accomplishment Statements – The basis for all successful job searches

Do not use personal pronouns such as “I” or “me”. Limit the use of articles (a, an, & the). Example: I developed a new product that added $2 million in sales and increased the market segment’s gross margin by 12 percent.

Should be changed to: Developed new product that added $2 million in sales and increased market segment’s gross margin by 12 percent.

Present specific accomplishments and achievements: percentages increased, accounts expanded, awards won, etc. Do not simply copy the job description jargon from your company’s HR manual. Numbers are powerful resume tools that will help you draw to your accomplishments the attention they deserve from prospective employers. Examples:

• Recruited 25 members for a new student environmental organization.

• Trained five new employees on restaurant operations procedures.

• Wrote prospect letter that has brought in more than $25,000 in donations so far.

Think time! Companies and organizations are constantly looking for ways to save time and do things more efficiently. Whatever you can do on your resume to show that you can save time, make time or manage time will grab your reader’s immediate attention.

Examples:

• Assisted with twice-monthly payroll activities, ensuring that employees were paid as expected and on time.

• Suggested procedures that decreased average order processing time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes.

The more you focus on money, time and amounts in relation to your accomplishments, the better you’ll present your successes and highlight your potential.

Education

Summarize your educational background in reverse chronological order including your highest degree and University.

Professional Development and Training

List any Professional Development Courses or Specialized Training classes that you have taken that are related to the position you are applying for. Do not use acronyms that are unfamiliar such as: Attended MTE training (Managing Telephone Excellence) or Certification Course in ADP (Automatic Data Processing)

Memberships

Include memberships and offices held in professional associations, boards and community activities that support your objective.

Awards Other Categories

If relevant to your objective, list languages, licenses, certifications, military experience and technical skills

Reference A

Headings:



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Example 1: John A. Smith 1234 Red Hickory Lane Marietta, GA 30066 770-555-1212 email: [email protected] Example 2: John A. Smith 1234 Red Hickory Lane 770-555-1212 Marietta, GA 30066 [email protected]

Reference A

Headings: Example 3:



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John A. Smith 1234 Red Hickory Lane, Marietta, GA 30066 [email protected] (770-555-1212) Example 4: John A. Smith 1234 Red Hickory Lane * Marietta, GA 30066 * 770-555-1212 * [email protected]

Reference B

Summary Statements

IT Director

Aggressive, dynamic information technology professional with proven track



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record of accomplishment in companies of all sizes. Visionary, manager of change and excellent interpersonal skills.

Sales Manager

Senior-level Marketing and Sales professional with strong leadership skills and ten years of expanding corporate responsibility. Experienced in directing the development and introduction of new products, consistently increasing sales, improving productivity and enhancing profits in a highly competitive industry. Effectiveness demonstrated in start-up, turnaround and controlled growth situations.

Accounting Manager

Successful administrator with an extensive background in budgeting, forecasting and quantitative analysis. Comprehensive knowledge of general accounting principals, consolidations and financial reporting, Certified Public Accountant. Diversified financial experience with a start up automobile finance company, a progressive life insurance company and mortgage division of a leading financial institution.

Customer Service Representative

A versatile and highly motivated professional with over six years experience in customer service. Effective communicator who works well with all levels of management and staff. Experienced in providing a high standard of quality service while exceeding expected call volumes.

Collection Coordinator

Professional customer-focused representative responsible for contacting over 100 customers daily, who are 30-59 days past due. Proven negotiation skills in obtaining payment arrangements. Experience locating customers who have skipped on their accounts. Consistently achieved daily and monthly set goals.

Administrative Assistant

Highly motivated and organized individual with excellent written and oral communication skills. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products and computer graphics. Experience in coordinating supply orders for all departments, resolving facility problems and managing temporary help staff.

Cover Letter Refresher Course 10 Tips for Crafting Eye-Catching Cover Letters

by Peter Newfield

Your cover letter presents your intentions, qualifications and availability to a prospective employer in a succinct and appealing format. As your first chance to



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make a great impression, a personalized letter indicates you are serious about your job search. Your

resume can give the nitty-gritty of dates, places of employment and education, but your cover letter must entice the reader to consider you amidst hundreds, or even thousands, of candidates for any one job opening.

1. Do You Really Need a Cover Letter? You bet! Just as you would never show up unannounced at a prospective employer's door, your resume should never just appear solo on a decision maker's desk. Your cover letter is your first

opportunity to introduce yourself, present your qualifications and show the search committee you are a potential candidate for the advertised position.

2. Personalize It to the Company.

Anyone can reproduce a "canned" cover letter and hope for the best. Instead, take a few minutes to personalize your letter to show a company you are serious about working there. State the reason for your interest in the company. Show that you have done your homework by mentioning company

specifics such as a department, a new project or a recent acquisition. Address the cover letter to a specific individual whenever possible.

3. Why are You Sending Your Resume and Cover Letter?

Cover letters should be clear and to the point. Include the specific job title, two to three reasons why your experience makes a good fit and a brief outline of your career highlights.

4. Highlight Your Strengths. You may be a great person and never call in sick, but prospective employers really want to know why they should consider you for this position. Brag a little! Give a few facts, list relevant skills and state accomplishments on recent jobs that will be impressive.

Examples: • Increased overseas sales by 93 percent. • Negotiated new financial leases or loans. • Implemented new training programs that reduced staff turnover by 15 percent.

5. State Your Intentions and Qualifications Right up Front. Don't expect a senior personnel manager or recruiter to wade through a mishmash of information on

your cover letter before understanding why you are sending your resume.

6. What Makes You Different? Emphasize your skills, talents and experiences to show how you would be a valuable addition to the

team. If you have relevant volunteer or professional experience, mention it briefly in your cover letter. For example, if you are an accountant who serves as volunteer treasurer for a nonprofit community health organization, include that information. Or if you are an international sales rep who has lived in

Europe and Asia and speaks several languages, add that to your letter.

7. No Negative Information. Never include personality conflicts with previous employers, pending litigation suits or sarcastic

remarks in your cover letter. If you are bad-mouthing your present place of employment, interviewers may fear a repeat performance if they hire you.

8. When Should You Include Salary and/or Relocation Information? The rule of thumb is to always include salary requirements and/or salary history in the cover letter if a

prospective employer requests it. For example, you could write: "My salary requirements are $60,000-$75,000 (negotiable)." Or you might write: "My

current salary is $53,000 at XYZ corporation." Eliminating this information



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from your cover letter may justify your resume getting tossed out. Never include salary and relocation

information on your resume.

9. Take Action Steps.

Take a proactive approach in your cover letter. State the fact that you are available for a personal interview; give your home, work, email and/or cell phone numbers where you can be reached; note that you will follow up by phone (whenever possible) to provide any additional information required.

10. Be Direct! A professionally written cover letter and resume can open the door to your next position on the corporate ladder or to a new career in a different field. A clean, error-free presentation, combined with strong phrasing and solid facts, will encourage the reader to review the attached resume and call you

in for an interview.

CAREER CARE MINISTRY – COVER LETTERS

• Cover Letter Purpose

• Introduce you and your resume.



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• Identify specific skills/qualification for that particular job.

• Content

• First paragraph

• Introduction

• Where you heard/saw the position

• Second paragraph

• 3 to 4 sentences about your qualifications/skills for that position

• Be specific and expand on information in resume as pertains to that position.

• Third paragraph

• Closing paragraph

• Short and to the point. No more than 2 to 3 sentences.

• Entire Cover letter should be no more than half to ¾ of a page.

Resume Quality



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Appearance:

Print your resume on good quality stock paper. White or manila is the best color to use.

Faxing your resume:

Print your resume on white paper to fax. Colored copies that are faxed to employers are sometimes difficult to read. Include a cover letter that references the open position.

E-mailing your resume:

� Do not type your resume on email; instead attach it as a document. � Always test the file. Send a friend a copy of your email and the attachment; make sure that they can

open it and that the appearance hasn’t changed. � Use a personal email address to use for sending out your resumes. Do not use one associated with your

current office. Pick a name that sounds professional. � Follow the instructions provided by the employer for emailing a resume. If no instructions are given,

enter the recipient’s address and write a subject line that sells your value and references the position opening.

� Review your documents to ensure perfection and then send your message.

Know Your Resume

Expectations



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There is a high expectation on the part of a prospective employer that your resume is a true, accurate, chronological record of your employment history, professional background, experience and major accomplishments.

Preparation

The next step in the resume process is to make absolutely sure that you know and understand all that you have included within its context. You must be able to answer any question, which may be asked regarding your career. Your answers should be well thought out in advance and should be limited into a response of 25 words or less.

Methodology

Review your resume carefully Prepare a list of questions regarding the material that you have included within your resume. Also prepare a list of the standard interview questions that are usually asked: � Strengths and weaknesses � Short term and long term career goals � Major accomplishments � How would your immediate supervisor describe you today? � Issues with your current employer (think this one through carefully making sure you accentuate the

positive and steer clear of any criticism, no matter what the circumstances) � Addressing a problem that your prospective employer may be having (don’t attempt to solve the

problem but have a response that clearly demonstrates your methodology for finding a solution. Remember, the interviewer may have caused the problem and you don’t want to alienate them),

� Gaps in your education or employment history, etc. Purchase a set of 3” by 5” cards. Write out one question per card. Craft a response for every issue or questions- keep your response to 25 words or less. Review and edit the response cards until you are satisfied that the answer will be clearly understood and well received by the interviewer. Practice! Practice! Practice! Your delivery of the response should not appear canned. However, it should convey to the interviewer that you understand and can support your resume, that you are capable and that you are very confident in your abilities.

On to the Interview

If you have done all of the preceding, you must now prepare to be interviewed.

resume reference guide (cc) -...

Documents