Résumé Writing Cheryl Bonner

Director, Alumni Career ServicesPenn State

Job Searching Tips

Have résumés that get results Keywords (buzzwords) that highlight skills Action verbs Personalize your resume to match each position

Be willing to network – A LOT! Get off the computer Everyone you meet, including other unemployed friends and colleagues, is a potential connection

What is the Purpose of a Résumé? To get an interview To grab the reader’s attention

Most employers only look at each résumé for about 15-30 seconds

To present your qualifications Emphasize what has happened in your professional life, what actions you took to make those things happen, and what supportive personal characteristics you bring/brought to the job

Tailoring for Your Audience

A tailored résumé shines light on those qualifications a particular employer most wants to see. To tailor your résumé, you'll need to research specific companies and positions. Write with two kinds of readers in mind:  Skimmers: Give your resume the 15-second test: What information stands out? What information gets lost in the rush?

Skeptics: Do you provide evidence and details for the careful reader? How can you make your résumé look convincing "under the microscope"?

Qualifications Summary

One or two short paragraphs or a few bulleted statements condensing your experience, major areas of strength, and relevant highlights

Other words used: Profile Summary Qualifications Career Summary

Adapted from Gallery of Best Resumes

Qualifications Summary ExampleManagement professional with expertise in human resources systems, operations, and programs encompassing information technology/Web-based tools, mergers/acquisitions, compensation, benefits, records, reporting, and other related functions. Proven record in creating and managing high-quality, cost-efficient, domestic and global HR initiatives responsive to organizational needs and the achievement of business objectives. Strategic/tactical planning and leadership strengths combine with technical project management skills.

Qualifications Summary ExampleCertified professional with eight-plus years of field experience. Expert in project management, design, development, migration and implementation of enterprise networking technology. Diverse technical expertise derived from rapid learning and effective application of cutting-edge technology. Highly communicative team leader who motivates and mentors people at all levels of technical expertise. Facilitate problem-solving teams that accurately assess technical challenges and successfully transform ideas into appropriate workable solutions.

Qualifications Summary Example Medical marketing manager with eight-year history of using strengths in strategic planning to increase sales and improve market share. Track record of finding and converting new prospects;

Special talent for building successful relationships with customers and prospects;

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and direct-reports.

Responsibilities and Accomplishments Responsibilities describe the nature and scope of your

duties and the stakes, risks, and outcomes of the position.

Accomplishments, which should always be described in the past tense, are examples of what you have done. They are proof of your performance.

The higher you rise in an organization, the fewer responsibilities you need to provide. You'll never see this on a resume: "Job Title: President and CEO. Responsibilities: Ran the place, with accountability for everything.“

Adapted from CareerJournal.com

Experience

List most important information first If position is more important than the company, list position first

Position, Name of Organization, City, State, Date Keep order consistent Use action verbs

ex: Managed, Organized, Prepared, Developed Accomplishments

Qualify/Quantify Recognitions

Five bullet points recommended maximum No more than two lines per bullet point

Education

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.Master of Business Administration, May 2002

• Research Assistant • Teaching Assistant

Bachelor of Science, Marketing, May 1998 • Schreyer Honors College

Skills

Optional Examples:

Computer Languages, programs, etc.

Foreign languages Fluent, Conversational, Knowledgeable, etc.

Be prepared to prove it in the interview! Other

Interpersonal, communication, etc.

References

Optional List on a separate sheet of paper Generally 2-5 references

Supervisors, professors, other faculty, etc.

Ask references FIRST and send a thank you note

Layout

One page versus two pages Margins Font PDF/.doc/.html file?

No more than two different types Size — between 10 and 12 point For emphasis:

Recommended: bold, ALL CAPS Not Recommended: italics, underlined

Developing Content

You have. They need. Exercise: Create two columns on a blank piece of paper. In one column list your general qualifications, skills, or experiences. In the other column, write down the qualifications most desired by the company that interests you.

Think it through: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

The Hybrid Résumé

The hybrid resume combines the chronological and functional résumés' approaches.

Pros:

explains when and where successes occurred; allows you to highlight key successes; compensates for some of the functional résumé's deficiencies.

Cons: many people won't read it all the way through because it begins with a functional approach.

The Chronological Résumé

The chronological résumé presents work experience in reverse chronological order, so your current or most recent employer is listed first.

Pros: top choice of almost all recruiters, hiring managers, and

HR pros because it's easy to read; automatically showcases progressive growth; effective if your current or latest position indicates

you have outstanding qualifications for the job you seek. Cons:

poor choice if your most recent position isn't related to the job you seek.

The Functional Résumé

Functional résumés discuss work experience according to your functional strengths, not the employers for which you have worked. The emphasis is on what you have done, not where and when the work was done.

Pros: highlights your talents and accomplishments conceals liabilities that the chronological format

automatically showcases Cons:

many executive recruiters and employers won't read this type of resume because they want to see a chronological work history

many employers and recruiters are aware that applicants who use functional resumes are trying to hide gaps in employment and experience

Samples of Good Résumés

See examples on Angel

Cover Letter Writing

What is the Purpose of the Cover Letter?

introduces you and your resume to an employer explains why you are writing or applying for the job demonstrates your abilities and helps to establish your

credibility draws your readers' attention to specific qualifications provides a sample of your written communications skills highlights the qualifications related to the position as

laid out in the job criteria proves that you align well with the organization and

that you meet the job requirements provides contact information and a plan for future

contact.

Preparing to Write the Cover Letter

Tailoring for Your Audience

Begin by identifying key words you found during your audience analysis:

Words that signal what an employer considers important or essential in hiring for a position.

Words that give you insight into the skills, accomplishments, personality traits, and levels of education and experience your employer desires.

Consider this example: A company posts the following job description. Can you

identify the key words? "Looking for a highly motivated, customer oriented

individual to work full-time at the customer service desk."

What Information to Include

Position Requirements Your Qualifications

Educational requirement

Years of experience

Software expertise

Rank in order of importanceBe sure to give proof or examples of your qualifications

What Else Can You Offer?

Leadership qualities Ability to complete multiple tasks at the same time

("multi-tasking") Teamwork skills / interpersonal skills Ability to meet deadlines Initiative to complete projects without supervision

("ability to work independently") Written & Verbal communication skills Computer skills

Be specific and show examples!

Writing the Cover Letter

HeadingsCraig M. Leroix - name2987 W. Taylor Dr. - addressPortland, OR 45720890-372-1262 - numbercmleroix@anywhere.com -email

February 2, 2005 - date

Amy Kincaid, Human Resource Director – employer’s name, titleWestern Electric, Inc. - company387 Collier Lane - addressAtlanta, Georgia 30051

Dear Ms. Kincaid:

Introduction State the university you attend, your major, and what

position you are applying for (if you are a student). Mention where you heard about the job. Mention the name of a professor or other contact who

has a positive connection with the company. Bring up any previous conversations you have had with

your reader (i.e., at a job fair).

As a Pennsylvania State University graduate in Electrical Engineering, I would like to fill the position of Engineering Assistant advertised on General Electric's website. Professor Gene Smith speaks highly of Western Electric, and he urged me to write directly to you. I have been thinking about our conversation at Purdue's Career Fair on January 26. I agree that a team spirit and strong work ethic are vital for success, and I believe I can bring these qualities to your company.

Body ParagraphsRefer back to your table:

How can I show I am qualified for this position and that I am a good match for the organization?

What have I done that illustrates these qualifications?

My communication skills in the workplace have grown because of my internships. When I was an intern at Newberry & Jones, I wrote memos and letters to customers and colleagues on a daily basis. This experience taught me to write professionally and to-the-point.

Use class projects, awards, organizations as tools.

Do You Meet the Requirements?

Apply to positions within reason.You are looking for a good match for yourself as well.

February 1, 2013

 Dear Hiring Manager, 

As an accomplished Social Servicer and Educational professional committed to growth and change, I offer you a 20+ year record of unbeatable performance, and the highest level of integrity and business ethics.  My most recent position is the Intake Case Manager and Outreach Coordinator for the Catholic Social Services of Chester County.

 My career spans several cross-functional positions in Education, Community Outreach, Social Services, Fundraising and Philanthropy with Grades K through 8, and Community Social Services.

 Strong Business Acumen in Social Services – Motivated, resourceful, and compassionate Social Services worker with a keen interest in people’s overall health and well being. Strong commitment to serve the public needs of disadvantaged youth, adults, homeless, and the special-needs population. Accomplished career highlighted by a wealth of experience in client service provisioning to help families in crisis management. Promoted client well being through assessment, liaison, intervention, counseling, and advocacy.

Thought Leadership and Effective Fundraising Skills - Proven leader with strong team building skills, and a demonstrated mastery of logistics planning and fundraising coordination. Developed budgets, and managed expenses for gift and donor programs. Achieved fund raising targets, and solicited donations for events and initiatives.

Compassionate and dedicated Kindergarten through Grade 8 Teacher - Dedicated teacher committed to helping children identify and enhance their unique potential for academic and personal achievement. Blended innovative and traditional teaching methods to produce a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging and praising accomplishments. Combined challenge and fun to create stimulating learning environments. Proven success overcoming challenges with limited resources and financial constraints to design high-quality educational programs. Promoted the concept of equality, regardless of racial, cultural, or economic

At this point in my career, I am excited about pursuing a new career challenge. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about any potential openings in your company to demonstrate that along with my credentials, I have the personal capabilities to exceed your expectations and make a difference in your organization. 

 Sincerely, Joe Smith

Researching Careers and Jobs

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07

Edition http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm O*NET OnLine http://online.onetcenter.org/ WEDDLE's Job Seeker Newsletter

http://www.weddles.com/seekernews/index.cfm

Weddles Association List http://www.weddles.com/associations/index.cfm

CareerJournal (Wall Street Journal)http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/resumes/

Questions and

Discussion