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RESUME WRITING TIPS

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Page 1: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

RESUME WRITING TIPS

Page 2: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Topics

Resume ObjectivesElements of an Effective Resume

Resume TypesResume Do’s and Don’tsResume Myths

Page 3: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Why is a Resume So Important?

“In today’s job market, your resume has only about eight

seconds to catch an employer’s attention. Make your resume

look inviting and quick to read.”

Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Resume, 2nd Edition – Susan Ireland

Page 4: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Resume Objectives

To get you an interview.

To market skills, abilities, and competencies.

To provide a factual representation of your background.

Should be written for the employer, not for you.

Page 5: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Resume Red Flags

Unorganized Structure Lack of Qualifications or Applicable Skills No Relevant or Progressive Work History Outdated Resume Information Gaps in Job History Inconsistencies between Applications &

Resumes Spelling/Grammar Errors Lack of requested documents Inappropriate personal information

Page 6: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Elements of a Good Resume

Contact Information Summary of Qualifications Education Professional Experience Optional Sections – Volunteer

Activities, Professional Associations, Professional Development / Training

Computer Skills Listing of References (separate page)

Page 7: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Contact Information

Full Name

Correct Address

Phone Number – Cell / Home / Work Review all of your voicemail messages

for professional appropriateness Email Address

Make sure your email address is professional

Page 8: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Summary of Qualifications

Replaces the Objective statement.

List of 3-5 bullet points summarizing qualifications.

Emphasize skills you possess that aren’t obvious from your past work experiences.

Page 9: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Education

Emphasizes your educational background and formal training.

What to include: Schools you have attended, including universities, community colleges, technical schools, etc. Date of graduation, actual or anticipated Degree(s) earned or pursued Grade Point Average (GPA) if recent

Extra information about your degree (major or minor, funding sources, honors, etc.).

Page 10: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Placement of the Education Section

Depends on what you consider to be your strongest asset – your education or professional experience?

The strongest, most relevant section should be placed towards the top of the page.

Page 11: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Professional Experience

Emphasize your past and present employment and/or your participation in relevant activities.

Provide information and details necessary to persuade prospective employers that your experiences qualify you for the position.

Address gaps in work history (if able).

Include both paid and unpaid experience if relevant to job.

Use action verbs and try to quantify information when possible.

Page 12: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Use Action Verbs

Before: Distributed publications.

After: Independently streamlined distribution

of publications for this fast paced department that generates annual, quarterly, and monthly publications with individual circulation of up to 120,000.

Page 13: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Example

Before: Facilitated the electronic network

process.

After: Devised electronic network that

facilitates immediate written communication with over 200 remote locations.

Page 14: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Example

Before: Answered phone. Wiped tables.

After: Acted as liaison between clients and legal staff

by answering telephones and directing inquiries. Created healthy environment for customers and

maintained positive public image by ensuring cleanliness of facility.

Page 15: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Highlighting Job Responsibilities

Select content that supports your qualifications and matches job description.

Consider organizing by order of importance.

Use professional wording, integrating job-specific terms.

Page 16: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Example

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE GENERAL ELECTRIC, INC., St. Louis, MO 1988-Present

Administrative Secretary to Director, Corporate Communications, 1993-Present

Independently streamlined this fast paced department that generates annual, quarterly, and monthly publications with individual circulation of up to 120,000.

Devised electronic network that facilitates immediate written communication with over 200 remote locations.

Managed budgets totaling $1 million. Prepared estimates and proposals for new publications.

Secretary to Vice President, Merchandising, Office Products, 1991-1993

Set up and managed office procedures for the Merchandising Department, which produced a national wholesale office products catalog.

Provided office support for 13 managers.

Page 17: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Additional Sections To Consider

Emphasize your participation in relevant activities, honors received, or special skills acquired.

Highlight Professional Development / Training.

Other Considerations: Awards, Memberships, Volunteer Activities, Special Honors, Military Accomplishments, Professional Associations.

Computer Skills - Highly Recommended!

Page 18: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Additional Sections

Provides additional evidence of your qualifications & commitment to your profession.

Gives employers a sense of who you are outside of school and work.

Shows support to the overall mission of Notre Dame.

Page 19: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

References

In general, do not include the names and addresses of your references on your resume.

Create a separate reference page to bring with you to the interview.

Do include both professional and personal references.

Trend: Writing “References Available Upon Request” at the bottom of the resume is unnecessary.

Page 20: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Organization / Formatting

Organize your resume to highlight your unique skills and strengths.

Tailor your information to the specific position you want, emphasizing accomplishments that fit.

Use whatever combination of organizational styles you think best highlights your individual qualifications.

Page 21: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Designing Layout for the Reader

Consider using the following for emphasis:

o Subheadings o Indentingo Bold Face Typeo CAPITALIZATIONo (Parentheses)o Bulleted lists

Be consistent from section to section.

Include name on second page.

Page 22: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Resume Types

Chronological – Highlights dates of employment, places of employment, & job titles.

Functional – Presents accomplishments under skill headings.

Hybrid – mix of functional and chronological styles.

Page 23: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Chronological vs. Functional Format

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Chronological 1988-Present Company

Title– Independently streamlined this fast paced department that

generates annual, Devised electronic network that facilitates immediate written.

– Managed budgets totaling $1 million. Prepared estimates and proposals.

Title– Set up and managed office procedures for the Merchandising

Department.– Provided office support for 13 managers.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Functional Major Skill

Independently streamlined this fast paced department that generates annual, Devised electronic network that facilitates immediate written.

Managed budgets totaling $1 million. Prepared estimates and proposals for the department.

Major Skill Set up and managed office procedures for the

Merchandising Department. Provided office support for 13 managers.

WORK HISTORY 1988 – Present Job Title Company

Name

Page 24: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Which Resume Format is Best for You?

Chronological Anyone who is on a long-term career path and shows

a logical progression from one job to the next, and wants to stay on it.

No major gaps in work history. Most preferred type of resume.

Functional Career changers. Someone with a work history that includes a variety

of jobs/skills. Parents reentering the workforce or those with gaps. Students just out of school.

Page 25: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Resume Do’s

Use short phrases, not long and complex sentences. Write in the active voice and avoid using “I,” “me,” “my,” or “we.” Use strong action verbs and words. (See Action Verbs handout) Use a visually appealing format; white space is important. Avoid cluttered,

overcrowded appearance. Be consistent in all matters of style, punctuation, grammar, and format. Use bullets, underlining, bold face, capitalization, etc., to create visual

interest. Edit, proofread; edit, proofread; edit, proofread, etc. Do it yourself and get

others to help. Show verifiable accomplishments in terms of numbers, percentages, or

dollars. Use facts and figures. Be absolutely accurate. Keep in mind the reader of your resume; is it “skimmable,” readable, and

interesting? Include an e-mail address - it makes communication faster. Use key words, “Microsoft Word” instead of “word processing.” This is

beneficial for businesses that utilize scanning software.

Page 26: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Resume Don’ts

Include personal information such as; height, weight, eyes, hair color, health, etc.

Include discriminatory information such as; race, religion, married, children, disabled, etc.

Include any misrepresentations or any statements that cannot be proven. Use flowery language or self-congratulatory puffery. Use odd size or brightly colored paper. Attach photograph. Use fancy binders or folders. Mention salary information. Show gaps in employment history. Use months; instead, use years only. Use abbreviations, acronyms, or buzz-words where misunderstanding may

result. Include anything not considered absolutely essential. Overcrowd the page; leave white space.

Page 27: RESUME WRITING TIPS. Topics  Resume Objectives  Elements of an Effective Resume  Resume Types  Resume Do’s and Don’ts  Resume Myths

Resume Myths

Myth #1 - Your resume must be only one page.

Myth #2 - Employers don’t read cover letters.

Myth #3 - Resumes should include and describe your entire work history.

Myth #4 - It’s okay to fib on your resume.

Myth #5 - Including “References available upon request” is standard resume protocol.