Overview: Resumes... Page 1. Resume Language... Page 1. Sample Action Verbs... Page 2. Transferable Skills and Character Traits...

Transcription

1 INDEX: RESUMES Overview: Resumes... Page 1 Resume Language... Page 1 Sample Action Verbs... Page 2 Transferable Skills and Character Traits... Page 3 Resume Do s and Don ts... Page 4 Relevant Resumes Types... Page 5 Chronological Resume Sample... Page 6 Functional Resume Sample... Page 7 Combination Resume Sample... Page 8 General Resume Format... Page 9 Evaluation Questions... Page 10 Online Resources... Page 10

2 OVERVIEW: RESUMES Much preparation goes into an excellent resume. You do not simply begin by writing. First establish clear goals for your job search. Then, identify your skills that match your goals. You need to gather supporting materials and summarize your past employment-related experiences. Finally, you will write, rewrite and edit until the resume is perfect. Always have someone proofread your resume. Continuously work at keeping your perfect resume up-to-date. As your experiences grow, your resume should grow with them its development should mirror your personal and professional development. The hardest part about writing an effective resume is not deciding what to put in; rather it is deciding what to leave out. Do not overwhelm employers by providing more information than necessary. You do not need to be everything to everyone. An attention-getting resume is focused, to the point and clearly identifies your qualifications. RESUME LANGUAGE Resumes must be skills-based and clearly target your objectives and the needs of employers. Beyond this, there are many ways to present these skills. The goal of your resume is to set you apart from other applicants by showcasing impact and flair. What you say is important, but how you say it is even more important. To highlight your skills and qualifications, use action verbs like shown below: Mastered three word processing programs WordPerfect, Microsoft Word and AmiPro Increased regional sales by 1.2 million Organized an event which helped to raise $500,000 for corporate philanthropy Achieved 100 percent job attendance in 2008 Notice the use of numbers to strengthen statements of accomplishment. Also notice how action verbs like "mastered" make the statements stand out. It is one thing to say that you have a particular skill it is another to proclaim that you have excelled in its performance. For more ideas to strengthen your resume language, see the list of Sample Action Verbs on the next page. In addition to this, resumes are not literary they are promotional. The rules of grammar are modified from formal writing. Complete sentences are not necessary. Avoid the use of "I," as the subject of the resume is assumed to be the person named in the heading of the resume. Also, avoid long narratives remember that your resume may be one of the dozens or even hundreds that are submitted to an employer. On the last page in this packet you will find a list of Evaluations Questions you can ask yourself to make sure that your resume is as effective as possible. Remember, the resume is like a preview of coming attractions the goal is to win an interview. A statement with an action verb and a specific accomplishment prompt an employer to find out more about you.

3 SAMPLE ACTION VERBS accelerate conclude facilitate order scan accomplish contract formulate organize schedule achieve contribute founded originate schooled acquire control function as outsell screen act coordinate gather overhaul select adapt correct generate oversee sold address correspond grade participate serve as adjust counsel guide perform serve on administer create handle persuade service advance critique head up plan set advise cut hire prepare set up allocate deal with identify present shape analyze decide illustrate preside simplify apply decrease implement prioritize skilled appraise define improve process sell approve delegate increase produce solidify arrange deliver indoctrinate program solve assemble demonstrate influence project specify assess design inform promote stimulate assign determine initiate propose streamline assist develop innovate prove strengthen attain devise inspect provide structure audit diagnose install publicize suggest author direct instruct publish summarize balance dispatch insure purchase supervise begin distinguish integrate revise survey bring distribute interpret recommend systemize budget diversify interview reconcile tabulate built document introduce record teach calculate draft invent recruit test canceled edit investigate reduce train catalogue educate keep refer translate change eliminate launch regulate travel channel enable lecture rehabilitate trim clarify encourage lead relate type coach engineer make remodel update collaborate enlist maintain reorganize upgrade collect ensure manage repair validate communicate establish manufacture report work compare estimate market represent write compile evaluate maximize research complete examine mediate responsible compose execute meet with review computerize expand operate revise conceive expedite optimize revitalize conceptualize extract orchestrate save

4 TRANSFERABLE SKILLS AND CHARACTER TRAITS

5 RESUME DO S & DON TS Do Lead with your strongest qualities that are related to the job or goal Emphasize your skills Keep it brief (1 page only; 2 pages if absolutely necessary) Use standard size paper (8 1/2" x 11") Correct all typographical, grammatical and spelling errors Include your employment-related accomplishments Target your qualifications Clearly communicate your purpose and what value you add to the employer Maintain a visually appealing format (evaluate your use of white-space ) Use the best format to showcase your skills Appear neat, well-organized and professional Be creative and make your resume relevant to the job Always include a cover letter when mailing your resume To enhance your qualifications, use measurable outcomes, values and percentages (hard numbers) Don't Don't use abbreviations (exceptions include middle initial, degree earned and directions such as N for North) Don't use personal pronouns such as "I" to refer to yourself Don t use contractions (don t=do not) Don't mention salary expectations or wage history Don't use a fancy typeset, binders or exotic paper Don't send a photograph of yourself Don't make statements that you cannot prove Don't include personal information (age, height, weight, family status, picture, religious or political affiliation) Don t use more than one tense for verbs Don't include references on the resume (make a separate reference sheet) Don't include hobbies or social interests unless they contribute to your objective Don't staple or fold your resume (use a paper clip if necessary) Don't use repetitious statements

6 RESUMES TYPES Resumes are marketing tools that make employers aware of your skills and qualifications for employment. No two people have the same work experiences therefore every resume will be slightly different in appearance. The key to composing an effective resume is to select a format that works best for you. The following two resume types are recommended for your use: Chronological The emphasis for this format is on a chronological listing of employment and employment-related experiences. The format highlights the recent employment, while deemphasizing experiences further back in time. The Chronological resume is for those with a consistent employment history, no gaps in employment and whose past employment experiences are directly related to their current employment goals. You would begin by listing your most recent employment experiences and working backward. This may NOT be the best format for individuals with job gaps, new graduates or a person changing careers. When listing your experience, chronicle five to ten years of employment history. If you have valuable experience beyond ten years, there are ways to present it other than chronologically. Functional The Functional resume highlights skills, experiences and accomplishments without identifying specific dates, names and places. In this format, information is organized by functions or skills, advertising the specific qualifications needed for the occupation. This format works very well for people changing careers. It is also effective for first-time job seekers, those reentering the workforce after a gap in employment and people who want to emphasize experience that may be viewed as outdated. In a true Functional resume there is no chronological listing of employment. Consequently, many employers do not like this format it creates suspicion that the person may be trying to hide something. As a result of this, it is always recommended that dates are included on resumes. See the Combination resume description below for a better alternative. Combination If a Chronological or Functional resume is not right for you, you can create a Combination resume that utilizes both Chronological and Functional resume writing techniques. The Combination resume is the most widely used resume type because it displays a chronological listing of employment while at the same time highlighting skills, accomplishments and experiences. This format is best for individuals who are new graduates or changing careers.

7 CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME SAMPLE Jane Job Seeker 5555 Lakewood Road Somewhere, WA (555) SUMMARY Highly motivated professional with experience managing large corporate owned restaurants. Proven ability to manage diverse individuals, initiate appropriate action and carry out tasks in an efficient manner. Dedicated leader with effective interpersonal communication skills and a positive attitude. WORK HISTORY Night Manager 10/2006-Present The Cheesecake Factory, Seattle, WA Compile and balance cash receipts at the end of the day Analyze operational problems, such as theft and wastage, and establish procedures to alleviate these problems Day Manager 10/ /2006 PF Chang s China Bistro, Seattle, WA Assign duties, responsibilities, and work stations to employees in accordance with work requirements Observe and evaluate workers and work procedures in order to ensure quality standards and service Server 08/ /2004 Provide excellent customer service by ensuring guest satisfaction Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a busy, fast paced environment Bookkeeper 06/ /2002 Red Robin International Inc., Seattle, WA Validate employee tills and reconcile discrepancies as appropriate Balance restaurant accounts and responsible for distributing payroll EDUCATION AAS, Business Information Technology 2006 Certificate, Supervision and Management 2005 South Seattle Community College, Seattle, WA AAS, Accounting 2000 Shoreline Community College, Shoreline, WA

8 FUNCTIONAL RESUME SAMPLE Willie B. Hired 5555 Main Street Somewhere, Seattle (555) OBJECTIVE Office Assistant SUMMARY OF SKILLS Over six years customer service experience Safely operate general office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, scanners and printers Professional business documents, including letters, memos, and reports Alphanumeric filing, data storage and management Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007 applications including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook Typing (35wpm) and ten-key by touch RELATED EXPERIENCE Customer Service Able to communicate well with customers and employees Ensure timely response to requests made Properly answer telephones, transfer calls and take messages Office Skills Compile, copy, sort, and file records using a variety of record management systems Knowledge of operating procedures for office equipment such as photocopiers, scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems and personal computers Accurately compute, record, and proofread data and other information Effective researching skills to obtain information necessary for processing requests EDUCATION Certificate, Office Occupations South Seattle Community College, Seattle, WA Diploma South Seattle High School, Seattle, WA

9 COMBINATION RESUME SAMPLE Red E. Jobhunter th Ave N Somewhere, Washington (555) redejobhunter@yahoo.com OBJECTIVE Seeking an entry-level position in Web Design SUMMARY OF SKILLS Excellent oral and written communication skills Extensive experience working with Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop as well as knowledge of xhtml, JavaScript and PHP Able to work well under tight deadlines WORK EXPERIENCE IT Support 10/2006-Present YMCA, Seattle, WA Oversee the daily performance of computer Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support Front Desk Clerk 02/ /2005 Hotel Monaco, Seattle, WA Keep records of room availability and guests' accounts using computers Compute bills, collect payments, and make change for guests Retail Sales Specialist 05/ /2002 Macy s, Seattle, WA Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices Compute sales prices, total purchases and receive and process cash or credit payment EDUCATION AAS, Computer Technology 2010 South Seattle Community College, Seattle, WA AAS, Marketing and Selling 2000 Highline Community College, Des Moines, WA

10 GENERAL RESUME LAYOUT Your Name 123 Main Street Seattle, WA OBJECTIVE (short statement which clearly outlines your objective/employment goals) EDUCATION North Seattle Community College Seattle, Washington Degree/Certificate, Program of Study Name of Institution City, State Degree/Certificate, Program of Study Graduation Month/Year Graduation Month/Year SUMMARY OF SKILLS Summary of skills Should list skills That are relevant To the job that you Hard Skills In your resume WORK EXPERIENCE Job Title Company Name City, State Month/Year-Month/Year Job Title Company Name City, State Month/Year-Month/Year Job Title Company Name City, State Month/Year-Month/Year

11 Career Development Services EVALUATION QUESTIONS When you have finished assembling your resume, take a moment to ask yourself each of the following questions. If you are able to answer these questions without hesitation, you are ready to start the application process. 1. Does the appearance of my resume look professional without reading it? 2. Did I use the best possible resume type to highlight my skills and experiences? 3. How many specific skills do I present in my resume? 4. Are keywords and phrases easy to identify? 5. Does the content of my resume match with my employment objective? 6. Can I easily read my resume by scanning over it? 7. Has my resume been checked carefully for grammar, spelling, and typing errors? 8. Is my resume a reasonable length? Does it comfortably fit onto one page? 9. Is my resume an honest presentation of my best qualities? 10. Will the content of my resume capture the employer s interest? ONLINE RESOURCES SAMPLE RESUMES: