Supercharging Your ResumeSupercharging Your ResumePresented to the St. Irenaeus Career Path Network

771 Old Perch RoadRochester Hills

February 2, 2010By: Lesia Mahon, MSMIC, PMP

Contact InformationContact Information• Lesia Mahon, PMP (Lesia.Mahon@gmail.com)– Adjunct assistant professor at Walsh College

• Business Information Technology Program• Take Charge Program

– Total Quality Systems Software, Inc. – Advisory Board– Project Management Professional (PMP)– Delphi Automotive – Manager, retired

– Walsh College• MS - Information Management and Communications • BBA - Computer Information Systems

AGENDAAGENDA• Introduction

• Resume purpose

• Resume communication skills

• Resume Types

• Design

• History

– Experience

– Accomplishments

– Power Words

– Competencies

– Education

• Suggested sites for help

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION• Resumes are generally scanned

– They are read only if there is an interest in one• Make the first part of your resume stand out• Writing a good resume can be tedious

– What qualifications and experience should you include?– How should you best express yourself to potential employers?

• The resume should – Introduce you to a potential employer– Include your name and contact information– Showcase your skills, abilities and accomplishments

• Relating to the job being applied for – Clearly and concisely

Resume PurposeResume Purpose• Tool to “GET AN INTERVIEW”• Marketing tool to sell “YOURSELF”• Convince an employer to contact “YOU”• Summary of :

– Abilities, Skills, Competencies, Training, Education

• As an employer– What does the employer really want?– What special talents would the person hired have?– What sets this person aside from the other candidates?

• Brainstorm– Write down everything that shows why you are a perfect

match for the position

Resume Communication SkillsResume Communication Skills• Ability to convey meaning that can be understood by others• Ability to interpret intended meaning of an employer• Includes

– Evaluation of your listener or reader– Thoughtful and considerate response

• Create an image that matches the position and salary– Language in a resume for an $7 hour job is different than

a $25 hour position• Know

– Which words to use and which words to avoid• Avoid: 24/7, and/or, as to whether, a lot, believe,

cutting edge, due to the fact, feel, etc.– How to use power words– How to tailor your resume for specific employers

Resume TypesResume Types• Chronological

– Traditional– Jobs described in chronological order

• Good for job seekers with a strong solid work history• Good for staying in the same profession

• Functional– Focus on new direction or new position– Highlights major skills and accomplishments

• Combination• Targeted

– Customized to highlights experience and skills for the job• Takes more work to write

Resume Types: ChronologicalResume Types: Chronological• Employment history in chronological order

– Recent employer first– Last 15 years – Each job is described in some detail– Recommendation

• Objective or Summary on the first page– Advantages

• Appeals to older, traditional reader• Easy to understand

– Disadvantages• Difficult to highlight what you do best

Resume Types: FunctionalResume Types: Functional• Showcases skills, experience and accomplishments• Used for

– Changing careers – Gaps in employment– Showing off your transferable skills

• Advantages– Employers can see what you can do for the company– Assists in achieving a new career

• Disadvantages– Hard for an employer to know what you did in each job

Resume Types: CombinationResume Types: Combination• Highlights skills, accomplishments and dates

– Both chronological and functional– Highlights skills relevant to the job applying for– May be preceded with a skills and accomplishments

section• Advantages

– Maximizes the good parts of both kinds of resumes• Disadvantages

– Liable to be longer– Can be repetitious

Resume Types: TargetedResume Types: Targeted• Tweak your resume to address specific skills of each

employer• Review the job description• Write down the key words

– Tweak• Titles / Headings• Summary of qualifications at the top• Action verbs• Experience, credential and education

– Order of accomplishments– Takes about 20 minutes each time

Design - FontDesign - Font• Plain and simple font and color –

– 11 – 12 point Times New Roman – No more than two font type styles– No italics, graphics or pictures– No hyphens– Use white space effectively– Do not justify – produces jagged white spaces

• White or light paper• Make sure the resume can be reproduced

If you jazz it up does not mean they will read it!!!

Distribute fancy resumes at the interview or create a web resume and a portfolio!!!

Design – General GuidelinesDesign – General Guidelines• Make sure contact information is correct and complete• Use a descriptive name - MahonResume2010Feb02.doc• Do not password protect• Print on one side only

– Reviewers scan quickly and could miss the back side• Be honest

– Don’t get caught in an unintentional lie or discrepancy– Make sure you know what is in your resume– Make sure you’re ready for a resume pop quiz

Design – Grammar, Punctuation, etc.Design – Grammar, Punctuation, etc.• No grammar, punctuation or typing errors

– It’s – its– Your – you’re– There – their– Insure – ensure

• Headings– No - Employment or Work History – Yes - Professional History, Experience

• Use consistent phrasing and parallel structure– Use the same pattern of words to show that two or more

ideas have the same level of importance– No - Joe likes eating, sleeping and to develop

resumes.– Yes - Joe likes eating, sleeping and writing resumes.

Design – Grammar, Punctuation, etc.Design – Grammar, Punctuation, etc.• Be specific and concrete - do not use vague words

– Get rid of qualifiers• Most, very soon, a few, enough, it, very, extremely, really

• Avoid words that may create a disagreeable mental image– Businessman

• Do not use jargon or slang– Stuff– Fuddy-duddy– The jury is still out

• Do not use acronyms– PDP– IT

Design – Grammar, Punctuation, etc.Design – Grammar, Punctuation, etc.• Do not use clichés

– Brain dump– The bottom fell out

• Do not use two words when one will do the job– Concerning the matter of About– Prior to Before

• Use consistent verb tense (past)– Managed– Facilitated– Documented

• Be concise• Be professional

Update OftenRevise, Revise, Revise

Design – Personal InformationDesign – Personal Information• Do not include every number you have• Do not list personal interests, hobbies, or activities, ethnic

or religious affiliations – Unless they are relevant to the position

• Do not list every skill or application you have touched• Ensure dates of employment are correct, consistent and

easy to find• Do not include contacts or references

– Employers know you have references

Design – Personal InformationDesign – Personal Information• Non-gender names

– You may or may not want your employer to know gender – Include a middle name if it is gender specific

• Pat Black: Patricia Black, Pat John Black, Pat Susan Black

• If no middle name - start with Mr. or Mrs. – Consider this last – awkward and seldom used – Unusual names should be prefaced this way

• Refer to yourself the way you want to be referred to– Elizabeth may want to be Beth

• Be honest• Be professional

Update OftenRevise, Revise, Revise

Design – Employment HistoryDesign – Employment History• Many employers

– List only the last 10 -15 years • One employer

– List each job separately to show progression

• Fragmented history– Minimize job hopper image– Use functional approach and combine jobs

• 2004 – 2008 – Administrative Assistant– Awrey Bakery, Old Village Bakery, MicroCenter

• No experience– Get some– Volunteer to fill in gaps

Design – HeaderDesign – Header• Header

– Name (Gender specific or not?)– Credentials

• May be smaller in font than name• Contact Information

– Permanent address• Street names over PO

– Phone number with area code– Professional email address

• Do not use a company email• Consider a horizontal line below the header• Header on every page - name and page number

Design – Title or HeadingDesign – Title or Heading• Use titles or headings that match the job your want

– Captures attention in the first few seconds– Markets you and your position

• Departmental Administration / Recordkeeping• Coaching / Mentoring• Education / Training• Business Process Reengineering• Business Analyst• Product Engineer

Design – Qualification SummaryDesign – Qualification Summary• Most compelling qualities of why they should hire you• Grab their attention

– This may be your only chance• This may be the only place to include characteristics

– Extremely energetic– Highly motivate– Exceptional interpersonal skills– Committed to excellence

• Focus on your targeted goal

Design – Qualification SummaryDesign – Qualification Summary• Objective statement is outdated• Focus on your qualities and abilities• Showcase what you have to offer in 40 – 50 words• Most compelling qualities of why they should hire you

– Self-directed instructor, leader, and project manager with decision-making, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. Proficient in training development. Expert in analyzing, redesigning, documenting and modeling business processes. Highly skilled facilitator with the ability to develop productive self-directed global project teams.

Design – Qualification Summary ExamplesDesign – Qualification Summary ExamplesHighly motivated, creative and versatile real estate executive with seven years of experience in property acquisition, development and construction, as well as the management of large apartment complexes. Especially skilled at building effective, productive working relationships with clients and staff. Excellent management, negotiation and public relations skills. Seeking a challenging management position in the real estate field that offers extensive contact with the public.

Over 10 years as an organizational catalyst/training design consultant with a track record of producing extraordinary results for more than 20 national and community based organizations. A commitment to human development and community service. Energetic self-starter with excellent analytical, organizational, and creative skills. • http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resume_02.html

Design – Qualification Summary ExamplesDesign – Qualification Summary ExamplesFinancial Management Executive with ten years of experience in banking and international trade, finance, investments and economic policy. Innovative in structuring credit enhancement for corporate and municipal financing. Skilled negotiator with strong management, sales and marketing background.

Health Care Professional experienced in management, program development and policy making in the United States as well as in several developing countries. Expertise in emergency medical services. A talent for analyzing problems, developing and simplifying procedures, and finding innovative solutions. Proven ability to motivate and work effectively with persons from other cultures and all walks of life. Skilled in working within a foreign environment with limited resources.

http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resume_02.html

Design – Qualification Summary ExamplesDesign – Qualification Summary ExamplesPerforming artist with a rich baritone voice and unusual range, specializing in classical, spiritual, gospel and rap music. Featured soloist for two nationally televised events. Accomplished pianist. Extensive performance experience includes television, concert tours and club acts. Available for commercial recording and live performances.

http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resume_02.html

Design – AccomplishmentsDesign – Accomplishments• Let them know the results of what you did• Bring out the most important highlights in your career

– 15 yrs experience in project management activities (facilitating, coordinating and leading global cross-functional teams in business process transformation/development)

– 15 yrs experience in negotiating with a variety functions including suppliers, plant operations, General Motors, various unions, legal, purchasing, finance, information technology, human resources, health and safety, marketing, manufacturing, publishing, etc.

– 15 yrs experience in instructional design (curriculum development, training and evaluating outcomes at the corporate and college level)

Design – What are AccomplishmentsDesign – What are Accomplishments• Things that you have finished successfully• An effect you have had on something

– Quantify accomplishments by placing a dollar figure, percentage or time period

– Using numbers to describe achievements and responsibilities

• Can expand your image• Creates vivid images in our mind

– The more specific you can be in describing your duties the better

Design –Accomplishment - ExamplesDesign –Accomplishment - Examples• Increasing the company’s bottom line

– Increased revenue by 200%– Exceeded goals by 20%

• Streamlining procedures– Substantially improved . . .by 40%

• Promotions• Special projects completed on time and on budget

– Exceeded expectations• Decreasing costs

– Decreased costs by $1 million• Company or industry awards

– Consistently ranked number one• Certification and licenses

Design – What Are Not AccomplishmentsDesign – What Are Not Accomplishments

• Daily responsibilities• Regular work attendance• Getting along with co-workers• Working full time while going to college• Volunteer or community service

– Unless they have a bearing on your job

Power, Action, Key WordsPower, Action, Key Words• Words that employers, resume screeners and scanners,

and HR personnel are looking for– Match the level of position you are seeking– Strengthens your image

• Analyze ads and job descriptions to identify key words

• Typical Verbs– No - Gave work assignments to staff– Yes - Directed workflow, supervised and trained

accounting staff– No - Used PowerPoint– Yes - Created PowerPoint presentations for

executive staff.

Design – Core Competencies (Skills)Design – Core Competencies (Skills)• Knowledge, key ability, or expertise in a specific subject area or

skill set that provides a competitive advantage. A PMP has a core competency in Project Management.

• The five or six things that you do exceptionally well targeted toward your career goal– Instructional Design / Training – Team Development– Communication – Project Management– Facilitation– Problem Solving– Collaboration– Process Reengineering / Modeling– Negotiation

Design – Professional ExperienceDesign – Professional Experience• The words you choose show

• Your level of understanding of language that pertains to the specific career field or industry

• How well you might be able to “fit in” at the company• Use statements that sell

– No - Maintained records for accounting– Yes - Managed over 1,000 accounts receivable and

payable records– No - Type 80 words per minute– Yes - Achieved production volume with accuracy and

speed of typing at 80 words per minute

Design – Professional ExperienceDesign – Professional Experience• Employer Dates

Title

Brief Job Description 

Accomplishments

Walsh College 6/00 to Present Adjunct Instructor, Business Information Technology Program

Analyzed curriculum needs, developed and delivered lectures at graduate and undergraduate levels. Evaluated class work, assignments, papers and selected materials and textbooks. Kept abreast of developments in the Information Technology field by reading literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in conferences.

• Planned, evaluated, and revised curriculum, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction for courses such as

Design – TrainingDesign – TrainingInclude specialized training that is transferrable to your potential position

TRAINING• Project Management – New Horizons• Trade Study Methodology – GM• Six Sigma – Green Belt – Delphi • Lean Principles – Delphi • Problem Solving – Delphi• Diversity – Delphi• Quality Function Deployment – GM• Design of Experiments – GM• Specification Writing – GM• Web Design – New Horizons• Synchronous Principles – GM

Design – Technical EnvironmentDesign – Technical EnvironmentInclude the technical environment that is transferrable to your potential position • MsOffice, MsProject, Access, DreamWeaver, iRise,

eLearning SW, Captivate, SmartBoards, Educator, Audacity, FrontPage, Captivate, SharePoint, PhotoShop, Visio, Outlook, PresentOnLine, NetMeeting, PageMaker, FrameMaker, RAD/JAD, eLearning SW, SmartBoards, QuickPlace, LotusNotes, electronic survey tools, FrameMaker, PageMaker

Design – EducationDesign – Education• Name and dates of degrees in reverse chronological order

with the name of the degree granting institutions– Specify major and minor fields of study and courses

relevant to job – Special achievements and honors may be listed– A GPA over 3.50 can be listed

• Listing a degree from a different country– Degree equivalent to US Bachelor’s Degree in Economics

– Tehran, Iran

• Make sure the reader knows if you have attained your degree

Design – EducationDesign – EducationEDUCATION• Master of Science in Information Management and

Communication, Walsh College – 12//99 – Magna Cum Laude

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems, Walsh College – 12/96 – Cum Laude

Design – ReferencesDesign – References• Standard close

– References available upon request• If used – at the bottom of the resume and italicized

• Generally not used today• Assumed that you have them

Suggested Sites for Resume HelpSuggested Sites for Resume HelpResume Resource by Purdue University

– http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/719/1/

Online Technical Writing: Business Correspondence—Resumes– http://www.io.com/~hcexres/textbook/resume.html

Resume Help– http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resume_02.html

Vague Terms– http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/word_choice.

html

Build an Online Resume– www.ceevee.com

Targeted Resumes– http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumes/a/target.htm