RESUME WRITINGCreating An Effective Resume

WHAT IS A RESUME?

One page summary of your skills, education, and experience. Advertisement for yourself Be creative with the formats Be sure to proofread for spelling and grammatical

errors

This is the key to a good job

HOW LONG DO EMPLOYERS TYPICALLY LOOK AT A RESUME?

A. 30 seconds

B. 3 minutes

C. 1 minute

Employers often receive hundreds of resumes for a single position. They do not have the time to pour every word on each one. This increases the importance of making it eye-catching and cleaning up the smallest details.

A. 30 seconds

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON A RESUME?

Necessary elements: Heading

Essential personal information Formal name (not nickname) Complete address Best phone number to reach you E-mail address if you have one

Objective A one sentence explanation of the type of job you are

seeking. Try to make it specific to the job for which you are applying If you are unsure about the specific job, then list your career

goals

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON A RESUME?

Education Do not include information about Jr. High or Middle

School. Specify dates of attendance and/or graduation

(expected graduation date) If your education is relevant to the job, then include the

courses/training which apply to it

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON A RESUME?

Experience Include present and previous employers List in reverse chronological order starting with most

recent first and then going backwards Include descriptions of what your job duties were for

each position Be sure to use action verbs (See handout)

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON A RESUME?

Activities Employers like to see people who are involved with

their schools or communities Include years you participated

Skills Be sure to include special skills or talents relevant to

the job Type 60 wpm Fluent in French etc

HOW DO I SET UP A RESUME?

Divide into distinct sections Stand out as boldface, larger text

Employers have certain headings that interest them Make it easy for them to find what they are looking for

HOW DO I SET UP A RESUME?

Arrangement Chronological Format

Ideal for most young people Follows work history backwards from current job List employers, dates, and job responsibilities Use if you are new to the workforce and have limited

experience

Functional Format Created without employment dates or company names Concentrates on skills and responsibilities Highlights accomplishments Used after you have developed your career skills

HOW DO I SET UP A RESUME?

Arrangement Most high school and college students include the

Education section directly after the objective If you have experience that relates directly to the job,

you should place Experience section above Education

Sentences or Phrases Use action phrases instead of complete sentences Leave out unnecessary words Try to match skills and experience with the employer’s

needs

DOES THE LOOK OF A RESUME MATTER?

Absolutely! Use white or off-white professional weight paper Use black ink Avoid using colored paper or fancy graphics

Unless applying for career where graphics might set you apart Art Graphic Design Advertising Etc.

Use a quality laser printer

RESUME TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

1. Make it a concise, factual, and positive listing of your education, employment history, and accomplishments

2. Perfect!Proofread!!!!! Proofread!!!!! Proofread!!!!!!It only takes one mistake, spelling/grammatical errorAsk others to proofread for you

3. Limit to one pageOne inch margins around the pageLeave blank lines between sectionsUse 10 pt font sizeAvoid underlining

RESUME TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

4. Lack of work experienceEmphasize accomplishments in and out of the classroomDiscuss volunteer activities, hobbies, sports, honor roll, and

student organizations that help define who you are

List only recent honors and awards

5. ObjectivePresent in a manner that relates both to the company and

the job description

6. HonestTell the truth on your resumeNo little “white lies”Employers will pick up on it during the interview

RESUME TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

7. Choose your words carefullySound positive and confident - Not aggressive or

overly confidentAvoid using the word “I”Begin descriptions with a verb

8. Sell Yourself!This is your first impressionBe sure to emphasize skills and abilities appropriate

to the positionMake sure you stand out from everyone else