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Spice Up Your ResumeSpice Up Your Resume

ExploreExploreTake time to reflect on and list your

accomplishments both in and out of the classroom

Answer these questions

What have I done in my life, academic or otherwise that would make me valuable to this company?

What qualifications do I have that would be of value?

How am I special?

Speak The Speak The LanguageLanguageReview the job description

Research company

Look at the company web site

Read recent press releases

Do an internet search on the company

Incorporate the “LINGO” used with all of these into your resume

The BasicsThe BasicsNO typos, spelling errors

or use of poor grammarDon’t use templatesYour resume = You

Neat resume = neatOrganized resume =

organizedError-free resume =

carefulProfessional resume =

competentKeep it relevant to the

positionBe concise and clear

Be consistentOne page is preferred Balance the info, equal

marginsNo personal pronounsUse strong action verbsBulletsAvoid parenthesesPrint on high-quality white

or off-white bond paperNever fold, staple or use

paper clips

Choose a StyleChoose a StyleChronological

Presents your Education and Work experience in a straightforward, REVERSE chronological order. Effective if your work is relevant to your objective.

Functional

Concentrates on your qualifications that relate to the skills necessary to perform the desired job. This style is effective if your work experience is NOT closely related to your objective.

Combination

Uses Both styles. The skills or qualifications section identifies your skills in relation to your job or career objective. This format grabs the reader’s attention early.

HeadingHeadingName- stand out

Address- 1 or 2; state

Telephone Number- 1 or 2; area code

Email address- appropriate

Be Creative with your heading.

Make your resume stand out from others.

ObjectiveObjectiveSets the course for the resumeBe specific to the individual position, field or

industryMay include the company, industry, or

organizationDo not add plans for advancement

Objective Real Estate Agent

Objective High School Agricultural Teacher

Area of Interest Banking Industry

Summary of Summary of QualificationsQualifications3 to 5 bullets

List years of experience in area you are applying for

List personal traits that make you stand out

List skills relevant to your objective

Be specific and descriptive

EducationEducationInclude degree

Major, minor, emphasis

College or university with location

Expected date of graduation

GPA or major GPA if 3.0 or above

Optional- Part of the Texas A&M University System

ExperienceExperienceJob Title

Name of Employer

Location

Dates of Employment

Description (Under Related only)

Having relevant experience will make you stand out from other applicants.

Types of Types of ExperienceExperienceWork

Internships- paid or unpaid

Class assignments

Group projects

Volunteer work

Campus organizations

Job Shadow

Selling YourselfSelling YourselfInsert bullets

Start each bullet with an action verb

Use the correct tense

Rank order the information by importance to objective

Showcase your accomplishments, skills, and abilities

Keep your descriptions specific and concise

Emphasize leadership, problem-solving, organization, communication, ingenuity, teamwork, and promotions

Use numbers, percentages and details

Other CategoriesOther CategoriesRelated CoursesComputer or Specialized SkillsForeign LanguagesHonors and AchievementsScholarships and AwardsVolunteer ExperienceLeadership ExperienceCampus or Community ActivitiesCertificates, Licenses, and Additional

Training

ChecklistChecklistSpell check and proofread

Formatting—Does it make a good first impression?

Is it relevant?

Does it showcase my skills?

Make appointment with Career Services

Post resume in the Tarleton Connection Database

Then add the following information…

Cover LetterCover LetterYour street addressCity, State Zip

Today’s Date

Ms. Elizabeth FordAssistant DirectorMeadows Corporation7439 Western AvenueChicago, IL 60610

Dear Ms. Ford:The opening paragraph should arouse the interest of the employer. State why you are writing and give information to show

your interest in this specific organization. If it is a letter of application, name the position for which you are applying and how you heard of it.

The middle paragraph(s) should create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the job description or requirements.

Refer the reader to the general qualifications on your enclosed resume. Highlight important points, but do not repeat your entire resume. Also highlight points that will be of particular interest to the organization.

The closing paragraph should pave the way for the interview by asking for an appointment, by offering to call the employer in the near future or by making some similar suggestion to facilitate an immediate and favorable reply.

Sincerely,(sign here in black ink)Jennifer S. Lane

Enclosure (You are noting that you have enclosed your resume or other documents as requested by the employer.)

ReferencesReferencesSeparate pageUse resume paperCopy & paste your resume heading3-6 references

Ask each person 1st

Provide each person with a copy of your resume

Professional rather than personal if possibleInclude

NamePositionPlace of EmploymentContact Info

InterviewInterviewPractice interview questions Mock

Interview

Dress professionally

Plan driving route & parking

Make copies of resume & references

Prepare questions for the interviewer

Arrive 10-15 minutes early

Be courteous & professional to everyone there

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Thank You!

Brittany

TSC, 218968-9078

www.tarleton.edu/~careers