The Basics Choosing a Format Parts of a Resume Experience Statements P.A.R. Cover Letters Other Resources

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1 By Juanita Ledesma

2 The Basics Choosing a Format Parts of a Resume Experience Statements P.A.R. Cover Letters Other Resources

3 Purpose: to get an interview and to network Customize for every position Focus on relevant information Fonts 10-12, Times New Roman, Calibri

4 Don t use too much Bold (titles, sections) No sentence structure use statements Organize using titles and bullets Two primary formats to choose from

5 No accomplishments (78%) Poor or no cover letter (40%) Format problems (32%) Irrelevant data (29%) Time gaps unexplained (10%) Resume too long (10%)

6 Lie or exaggerate Show salary or offer explanations List references, or personal information Keep repeating phrases or words Use I statements

7 Emphasize your accomplishments Use active verbs to show your skills i.e. assisted, created, assessed, advised Use key words from job description Proofread for errors, misspellings

8 Chronological Functional Hybrid Chronological is the most traditional lists current job, previous, etc. Functional combines skills and chronology Hybrid Combines chronological and functional

9 Lists work experience in reverse Includes years of work experience Include position title, name of organization, location and dates of employment Best for anyone on a career path that has been building over time and shows a logical progression

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11 Presents skills according to their relevance to job target Focus first on the transferable skills and functions i.e., management, customer service. (from the job description) Minimize less relevant work and employment gaps by listing work history, without details, at the bottom

12 Functional format is best if you: Are making a significant career change Have gaps of employment Have many different jobs in a short time Are a recent graduate with no experience

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14 Header Objective (optional) Summary Statement Work Experience Education and Training Volunteer (optional) Military (optional)

15 Name - largest; no more than 16 font Voic - clear, courteous make sure it is professional (use first and last name) Information accurate Name and page number on 2 nd page JOHNNY DEPP 1234 Easy St. San Diego, CA jdepp@gmail.com JOHNNY DEPP 1234 Easy St., San Diego, CA jdepp@gmail.com

16 Be specific, or NONE Everything in the resume to support your objective Job description has the words you need

17 Sample of a weak objective: A challenging position that will allow me to contribute to the growth of the organization while offering an opportunity for advancement. Sample of a strong objective: To obtain a position as a cook with the Hilton Bayfront hotel

18 Number of years of experience Credentials, education or training Key accomplishments At least 5 key strengths, skills or characteristics for the position (hard and soft/essential skills) Bilingual skills Match key words from job description Titles: Summary, Profile, Qualifications, Summary of Qualifications

19 An administrative individual with a certification in accounting and 3 years of experience. Dependable, detail oriented, strong organizational skills, and a team player. Effective time management with the ability to multi-task Excellent at customer problem resolution Fast learner with a strong work ethic Solid leadership experience Superior networking skills

20 HARD SKILLS - Examples of hard skills: Computer programming Web design Typing Accounting Finance Writing Mathematics Legal Other skills that are in the requirements for a job

21 SOFT SKILLS Examples of soft skills: Communication Critical thinking Problem solving Team player Flexibility Dependable Professionalism Ethics

22 Place before or after Work Experience? List where, what, when (dates are preferred) While in school say in progress Include relevant on-the-job training, workshops, conferences, volunteer,etc.

23 Accomplishments are best described using the PAR formula: P = Problem (a problem you encountered) A = Action (the action you took) R = Results (%$#+-)

24 Instead of... Responsible for office filing system. Use... Reviewed and reorganized outdated file system that cut record searches down to less than 5 minutes a 50% savings in time. Develop a Brag File Review past job descriptions Look for any action you took that Resulted in...

25 Practice writing P.A.R. statements: THINK OF SOMETHING SPECIAL YOU DID!! Accurate Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. Scheduling of 20 employees for optimum coverage of department. Provided excellent customer service with resolution of customer conflicts. Ordered supplies for $500,000. budget monthly.

26 Use numbers, statistics, percentages, names, titles, etc. where possible Did you increase sales? (by 20%?) Improve efficiency Create a new process Reduce costs, save money (by 10%?) Develop new strategy Lead a team (how many?) Exceed your goals

27 Job Description: Arranges schedules, meetings, travel, distributes information, prepares reports and presentations, and performs other administrative tasks to ensure an efficient working environment as well as carries out special projects. Create documents, spreadsheets and presentations as directed in a timely and accurate fashion. Coordinate and organize meetings, training, team functions including meeting room set up, material preparation, food ordering, preparing agendas, transcription and distribution of minutes and action items if necessary.

28 Begin your bullet statements with action verbs: Achieved, advised, analyzed, approved Calculated, completed, communicated Evaluated, examined, delivered, maintained Produced, obtained, repaired, solved, Tracked, trained

29 Proofread- (get new eyes to have a look) Save a copy of each version you send out to employers (i.e., CostcoResume.doc, KaiserResume.doc) Update your resume every few months, even when you are on the job Don t overly rely on your resume to develop job leads for you! NETWORK, use social media

30 Customize for each job Pre-sell your resume or snail mail Address to a real person when possible If you can, make a personal link to someone Express enthusiasm and interest

31 Use their words in the job description to show what you can do Show that you know something about the organization or industry by reviewing their website Take the initiative One page exactly the same letterhead, paper and font as your resume Proofread (your letter must be perfect)

32 COVER LETTER SAMPLE March 10, 2013 Karen Garcia 5434 Long Beach Ave San Diego, CA San Diego Union Tribune 5467 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA Dear Human Resources Manager: This letter is in response to your ad on Indeed.com for an Administrative Assistant. I was excited to see this opportunity since I think highly of the Union Tribune. I have the qualifications that you are seeking. I completed an Administrative Assistant Certificate program at San Diego Continuing Education a few months ago. In addition, I have worked as an office assistant at Target for the past year. I have excellent customer service skills and interpersonal communications and I am also a team player. I believe that will be an asset to your organization. Please review my attached resume so that we can meet to discuss this opportunity. I can be reached at I look forward to hearing from you. Best Regards, Karen Garcia

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34 WelcomeBackCenter.ORG (Medical field) NACES (transcript evaluations for equivalency) Upwardly Global Skilled Immigrants

35 Resume templates and additional resources and information:

36 LIST TWO ACTIONS YOU WILL TAKE: 1. After your first draft of a resume, please bring to career services for a critique 2.??

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