Resumes that get Recognized

Transcription

1 Resumes that get Recognized

2 The Plan Reason for resumes Things to keep in mind Specific parts and pieces of the resumes Refer to handout examples

3 Real Reasons for Resumes Focus employers on your skills & accomplishments Most important marketing tool Forms first impression Everyone has an opinion Not a history piece

4 Start off Strong Most relevant information first second rule Grab readers attention Clear, strong verbs Quantify information

5 Research Your Audience Research employer/job announcements What is the mission, vision, and values of organization? Use Contacts Culture of the organization

6 Utilize Job Announcement Job Announcement is your answer sheet Read job descriptions & requirements Utilize language from job announcement Provides information for you to emphasize How do your qualifications/skills match the needs of the employer?

7 Job Titles May Fool You Don t rely on job titles alone to present your skills to the employer. Why? Titles give very little information about extent of work accomplished Different meanings-depending on organization

8 Visual Format Use what format works for you Written in 3 rd person No I statements One to two pages Use name and page number for consecutive pages Adjust paper margins and font sizes accordingly Be consistent with the format Examples

9 Contact Information Contact information Name Address Telephone Number Virtual portfolio site: VisualCV

10 Objective Similar to your professional goal Specific and concise Focused and targeted to the employer/job, not you Position or type of work being sought Field of work Skills to be used on job Remainder of resume should support your objective

11 Objective Examples Speak directly to the needs of each recipient. Don t try to be all things to all people. What not to do: Seeking a challenging position that offers professional growth. Somewhat improved: A challenging entry-level accounting position. Best: A challenging entry-level accounting position that requires proven skills in data analysis to increase revenue.

12 More Objective Examples Position as a marketing assistant with xyz company. Agency position advising adolescents and their families. Internship which will allow utilization and expansion of accounting skills. Position as a school nurse Management position incorporating skills in customer relations.

13 Qualification Summary (Optional) Synopsis of experience, skills & education 3 5 phrases Synthesis of resume Remainder of resume should support the summary second Can replace objective if focused on your occupational interests

14 Qualification Summary Example SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Effective decision-maker with a focus on the accounting aspects of business Self motivated and resourceful, demonstrating strong communication skills, sound judgment, and ability to complete tasks in a highly professional manner Multilingual skills include fluent Vietnamese Experienced in auditing financial statements and accounting information systems

15 Education Reverse chronological order Degree, concentration, major, focus City, state, graduation date or projected graduation date GPA (optional), academic awards, honors, scholarships Relevant coursework/classes/projects (Keep all course syllabi) If current college student, high school information is not necessary to include

16 Education Example EDUCATION University of Washington Tacoma Pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - June 2011 Concentration in Accounting GPA 3.7 CPA Candidate Test scheduled May 2011 Green River Community College Associate in Business - June 2009

17 Relevant Coursework Formal titles of courses Group/individual projects Research projects Example

18 Work & Experience Convey relevant accomplishments & results rather than responsibilities/duties Focus on those 3-5 skills most relevant to job seeking (objective) in order of importance Start with verbs Make sure your skills are transferrable Be brief and action oriented

19 Work & Experience Cont. Stress results - Quantify: Increase sales, reduce costs, improve productivity, implement a new program/procedure, develop a new idea Elaborate contributions to past employers Verb + What you did or are doing + result/accomplishment = bullet point Example: Assigned increasingly challenging projects based on performance, initiative, teamwork and professionalism.

20 Talk about Your Experiences Use a coach Talk about your experiences in classes, work, volunteer, other relevant information through prompted questions

21 Questions to Get You Started Ask the questions: Were you selected for any significant projects? Did you extend your knowledge beyond your normal responsibilities? Did you develop forms/processes that improved efficiency? Do you have a strong record for on-time project completions? Did you improve customer relations? How have you demonstrated your leadership skills? Have you worked while completing your degree? Have you held leadership responsibilities in activities or student orgs? Did you study abroad? Were you recruited to resolve a major problem? Did you bring new ideas or vision to the organization? How would your colleagues/classmates describe you?

22 Convey Experiences in Writing Write/brainstorm Spend time writing about past experiences, skills, accomplishments & achievements for each job, internship & class. Support with examples Highlight relevant experiences

23 Experience & Accomplishment Examples Organized filing system that resulted in 50% faster retrieval time Coordinated weekend retreat enhancing leadership & communication skills Conducted research of existing software program to help staff determine new applications Wrote and designed new company brochure

24 Experiences to Consider Internships Summer jobs Volunteer work Class projects Extracurricular activities Leadership positions

25 Other Sections Worth Including Special Skills Computer Technical Foreign Language Professional Memberships Name of organization Offices held Dates

26 References Include on a separate document Have ready for interview ASK references FIRST & send reminder when applying for jobs Three or four total references: Career-related Supervisors jobs or internships Work peers Professors

27 Reference Example Heather Galloni (Adviser) Student Services Specialist Career Development & Education University of Washington Tacoma Box Tacoma, WA

28 What Not To Do Stating reason for leaving previous jobs Best discussed at interview Personal data Race, age, sex, religion, marital status Picture Salary information Unless specifically requested Avoid repeating yourself If unemployed: make this as small as possible Use self-employed or freelancing if appropriate

29 Polished Resume Write, rewrite, and polish Proofread; read aloud Present tense: current experience, activities Past tense: previous experience, activities Cover letter when mailing Check with others: does it clearly sell you?

30 Questions?