Resume Writing Resume Basics:

Transcription

1 Resume Quick Guide

2 Resume Writing A resume is often the first impression a candidate can make with a potential employer. Statistics indicate that an average recruiter or hiring manager will spend only 20 seconds reading a resume. Tailored resumes include a highlight of professional experiences, educational background and additional information and keywords relevant to the position. Within the past few years, many companies have started using some form of an online applicant tracking system (ATS) to handle job applications and manage resume data. Often the ATS will provide an employer with an initial online screen of a candidate by searching for keywords in the resume and matching job requirements to advance to a recruiter or hiring manager. This Resume Guide will outline common sections of a resume, describe how to best highlight professional experiences and accomplishments, as well as provide resume examples and sample resume templates to use. Resume Basics: Length of a resume: For professionals with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is sufficient. 10+ years of experience should limit the resume to two pages with either all experiences or selected experiences. o For professionals applying to academic or specialized professions, a curriculum vitae (CV) may be required. A CV includes additional information such as publications and presentations and may be up to 20 pages long. Resume should be easy to read, point font. Ensure consistent formatting (font and font size). Leave adequate margins and white space throughout the document. General resume don ts: text color, graphics or photos, age, birth date and marital status Objectives, References or References furnished upon request are not needed on a resume Various ways to save the document for online applications: o.doc [Microsoft Word Document] Most online application systems will ask a candidate to upload a document, Microsoft Word is a common software system to use o.txt [Plain Text] Ideal for copying and pasting resume content into an online application system o.pdf [Portable Document Format] Some applicant tracking systems experience difficultly when scanning keywords in a PDF document, however, this format would be recommended for resume submission as most cannot edit a PDF document 2

3 Resume Grammar tips: Use a variety of action verbs to begin bullet point statements (see attached list) Sentence fragments are acceptable, complete sentences are not required in resume writing. Write in third person I, our, my, our and we should not be used in a resume Check action verb tenses for all positions. Current position should be in present tense while previously held positions should be in past tense Check your spelling and grammar! PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD AND PROOFREAD!! BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE RESUME: The heading includes personal information: your entire first name and last name, address, and a phone number and an address. The heading can be placed in the header section of Microsoft Word o Select Insert and then choose Header. Select Edit Header to add in a personal header o OR Double click the cursor near the top of the page to edit the Header Use a professional voic greeting on the phone number listed List a professional address such as: nancy.smith@gmail.com or nsmith@yahoo.com. Cuyahoga County Public Library offers technology courses to assist individuals in creating accounts. Sample: NANCY SMITH 5225 Library Lane Road, Maple Heights, OH / / nancy.smith@ .address 3

4 Resume Styles 1. Chronological (most commonly used) a. In using this format, the main body of the document focuses on the Professional Experience section, starting from the most recent experience and going chronologically backwards with bullet point statements. b. This format illustrates career growth over time and filling all gaps in a career path. 2. Functional a. Ideal format for the job seeker with employment gaps and/or those making a career transition. b. This format directly highlights specific professional competencies and skills by including summary statements about capabilities from past experiences to enable the reader to identify qualifications quickly. 3. Combination a. This format is a combination of both chronological and functional styles, leading with a functional list of job skills, followed by a chronological list of employers with bullet point statements. b. The combination style has a tendency to repeat itself and is therefore less widely used than the chorological or functional resume styles. A professional summary or summary of qualifications may be included beneath the resume heading to provide the reader with a quick glance of your career and academic highlights. This section is optional. Professional Summary Sample: PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Healthcare professional with 5+ years of experience in research, clinical experience and administrative background in a medical environment. Active State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) license with experience in a long-term care facility and hospitals. Proven strengths include superior communication skills, dependable and compassion for assisting others in a nursing capacity. Summary of Qualifications Sample: SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS: Administrative professional with 10+ years of experience in an office setting, supporting internal team members, senior leaders, and customers Experience in organizing new hire orientation and on boarding new staff members Designed and implemented a filing system to ensure security and confidentiality of data Technical skills include: Microsoft Office and proficient with computer and Internet skills 4

5 Resume Writing Tips: Always begin bullet point or summary statements with a strong action verb (see attached list of action words and synonyms). Describe accomplishments or achievements, showing where value was added to the department, organization and/or community. Use numbers and characters to draw the eye, instead of writing out words. For example, 6 instead of six, $ instead of dollars, % instead of percent Incorporate profession or industry keywords where applicable; refer to the job description Generates word clouds from text provided by the user. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently. Copy and paste the job description to view a specific word cloud. Example below from a customer service job description 5

6 The professional experience section includes professional work experiences applicable to career goals. For the chronological format, list experiences in reverse chronological order back to your educational experiences. For the functional style format, list key competencies and skills with summary statements and then briefly list your professional experiences beneath. List the company as well as the city, state, and dates of employment. Chronological Resume Sample: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1998-Present TRW America Cleveland, OH Benefits Analyst, Corporate Human Resources (2000-Present) Design and conduct seminars on handling domestic relations proceedings for companywide Human Resources Representatives, which resulted in improved employee relations and efficient handling of sensitive issues. Evaluate, select and implement software package for government filings, which simplified process between Accounting and Human Resources for savings of approximately $6,000 per year. Served as a key member of Communications Task Force, resulting in moral improvement for the department. Benefits Coordinator, Corporate Human Resources ( ) Created system for tracking and reporting domestic relations orders, which reduced time and provided data reports for all business groups. Functional Resume Sample: Writing/Editing Designed radio spots, television spots, and newspaper copy. Created public relations materials: brochures, press releases and newspaper articles. Co-wrote office procedure, training and user reference manuals. Wrote and edited sales proposals and technical documentation. Research/Campaign Development Developed and implemented marketing campaign for mental health facility. Planned promotional campaign for radio station including special contests, new radio format and public relations ideas. Conceptualized media campaign for small, rural hospital. Developed research surveys, analyzed data and presented findings. Interpersonal Communications Communicated effectively with 27 client businesses, colleagues, sales force and management on a daily basis. Trained 5 client organizations and 20 internal employees. Maintained confidential relations with clientele. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Sales Associate Wear it Now, North Royalton, OH 2005-Present Technical Trainer BKG Companies, Cleveland, OH Intern Lavanti Media, Lorain, OH 1/1995-5/1995 6

7 The education section includes education history and achieved degree programs and/or certifications. Recent graduates may choose to list this section first on the resume, followed by project and/or professional experience. Otherwise, this section is placed towards the end of the resume. List completed degrees in reverse chronological order to include school name, location, degree and dates (this is optional for those professionals who do not want to disclose the year of completion on the resume; however the year of completion is typically required when submitting an employment application). Sample: EDUCATION 2014 Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH Master of Business Administration Operations Emphasis 3.65/4.0 GPA Human Resources Certificate, (Optional) Baldwin-Wallace University Berea, OH Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, Psychology Minor Student Representative, Cleveland Society of Human Resource Management Dean s List and graduated cum laude Study Abroad England, France and Germany With completion of a bachelor s degree, a high school diploma may not be necessary to list on the resume. The project section is intended for recent graduates with limited professional experience to expand upon academic projects that are relevant to the career field of interest. Follow guidelines for the professional experience section to emphasize transferable skills to demonstrate alignment with preferred positions. Sample: PROJECT EXPERIENCE Fall 2012 COMPANY NAME or ACADEMIC PROJECT TITLE Cleveland, OH Part of a team managing a Million Dollar online Trading Fund as part of investment management MBA course. Role involved working as an Equity Analyst and performing sector analysis and preparing financial reports. 7

8 The additional section is a catch-all for additional, important and job relevant information in the resume. Experiences may include: Additional training or certifications, year(s) completed Community and volunteer experiences, year(s) completed Awards and other honors Military background, training, year(s) completed Language skills and fluency level (basic, conversational, fluent) Computer or technical skills Sample: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Volunteer, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 2008 Present Bilingual in English and Spanish Technical Skills: Microsoft Office, SAP, Adobe Dreamweaver, and QuickBooks 8

9 Employment Trend: Many job seekers and professionals are building an online presence through LinkedIn by importing information from a resume, connecting to past and previous colleagues, joining groups, and more! LinkedIn is the world s largest professional networking with over 175 million members and growing rapidly. Watch this short video for an overview of what LinkedIn is and how it can help you. 9

10 Action Verb List Accomplished Edited Led Promoted Served Achieved Educated Made Proofed Set up Acted Effected Maintained Proposed Shaped Activated Eliminated Manipulated Protected Shared Adjusted Empowered Marketed Proved Showed Administered Enforced Mastered Publicized Simplified Advertised Enlarged Matched Purchased Sketched Advocated Established Measured Pursued Sold Aided Evaluated Mediated Qualified Solicited Analyzed Examined Merchandised Quantified Solved Approved Executed Met Raised Sorted Arranged Expanded Modeled Read Sparked Assembled Expedited Moderated Realized Spearheaded Assisted Experimented Modernized Reasoned Staff Balanced Explained Modified Received Standardized Budgeted Facilitated Monitored Recognized Stimulated Built Familiarized Motivated Recommended Streamlined Calculated Filed Multiplied Reconciled Strengthened Centralized Financed Navigated Reconstructed Studied Chaired Forecasted Observed Redesigned Structured Classified Founded Obtained Reordered Submitted Coded Gathered Offered Recruited Succeeded Collaborated Generated Operated Reduced Summarized Collected Governed Ordered Referred Supervised Communicated Guided Organized Refined Supplemented Complied Handled Originated Regulated Supported Composed Headed Outlined Rehabilitated Surpassed Computed Helped Overcame Reinforced Surveyed Conducted Hired Overhauled Related Symbolized Constructed Identified Oversaw Renewed Synthesized Consulted Implemented Painted Reorganized Systemized Contracted Improved Participated Repaired Tabulated Controlled Improvised Performed Reported Targeted Cooperated Increased Persuaded Represented Tailored Corrected Indexed Photographed Researched Taught Created Influenced Piloted Resolved Tended Decided Informed Pioneered Restored Trained Defined Initiated Predicted Restructured Transacted Delegated Inspected Prepared Retrieved Transcribed Delivered Installed Presided Revamped Transformed Demonstrated Instituted Presented Reviewed Translated Designed Instructed Prevented Revised Tutored Determined Interpreted Printed Revitalized Uncovered Developed Interviewed Prioritized Salvaged Updated Devised Introduced Problem-solved Scanned Upgraded Diagnosed Invented Processed Scheduled Utilized 10

11 Discovered Investigated Procured Screened Verbalized Distributed Joined Produced Secured Verified Drafted Judged Programmed Selected Worked Earned Launched Projected Separated Wrote 11

12 Resume Sample 1 The chronological resume is the most common style of resume writing to include action-oriented or accomplishments within professional experiences. Nancy Smith 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights, OH Telephone: nancy.smith@ .address SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS: Self-starter with 9 years of analytical, leadership, communication and creative experience with: Training Sessions Task Forces Succession Planning Policies and Procedures Government Audits and Inquiries Presentations Microsoft Office Member of the Cleveland Society for Human Resource Management PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 1998-Present TRW America Cleveland, OH Benefits Analyst, Corporate Human Resources (2000-Present) Design and conduct seminars on handling domestic relations proceedings for company-wide Human Resources Representatives, which resulted in improved employee relations and efficient handling of sensitive issues. Evaluate, select and implement software package for government filings, which simplified process between Accounting and Human Resources for savings of approximately $6,000 per year. Serve as a key member of Communications Task Force, resulting in moral improvement for the department. Benefits Coordinator, Corporate Human Resources ( ) Created system for tracking and reporting domestic relations orders, which reduced time and provided data reports for all business groups University Hospitals Cleveland, OH Succession Planning Coordinator, Human Resources Initiated and organized succession planning process including the implementation of monthly quality control. Assumed responsibilities of supervisor during 10 month vacancy in addition to existing responsibilities. Conducted survey and cost benefit analysis, to recommend changes in succession planning computer system, which enhanced report capabilities Lubrizol Cleveland, OH Administrative Support, Human Resources Started project to clean-up management profiles and improve upon accuracy of company-wide organization charts. Resulted in an improved relations with U.S. management and Europe Involved with organization review, salary and appraisal information and maintenance of succession planning system. Organized and prepared management profiles, succession development charts and company-wide organization charts. EDUCATION: 1994 (Optional) Baldwin-Wallace University Berea, OH B.A., Business Administration, Psychology Minor Student Representative, Cleveland Society of Human Resource Management Dean s List and graduated cum laude 12

13 Resume Sample 2 A functional resume is best suited for career transitioning, concealing employment gaps, and highlighting key skills or competencies. Nancy Smith 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights, OH nancy.smith@ .address Summary Professional Experience Research and Campaign Development experience Strong writing and editing communication skills B.S.B.A. in Marketing Writing/Editing Designed radio spots, television spots, and newspaper copy. Created public relations materials: brochures, press releases and newspaper articles. Co-wrote office procedure, training and user reference manuals. Wrote and edited sales proposals and technical documentation. Research/Campaign Development Developed and implemented marketing campaign for mental health facility. Planned promotional campaign for radio station including special contests, new radio format and public relations ideas. Conceptualized media campaign for small, rural hospital. Developed research surveys, analyzed data and presented findings. Interpersonal Communications Communicated effectively with 27 client businesses, colleagues, sales force and management on a daily basis. Trained 5 client organizations and 20 internal employees. Maintained confidential relations with clientele. Work History Sales Associate Wear it Now, North Royalton, OH 1991-Present Technical Trainer BKG Companies, Cleveland, OH Intern Lavanti Media, Lorain, OH 3/88-5/88 Kitchen Supervisor Morgan Hotel, Oakland MI 6/88-9/88 Education B.S., B.A Ohio University, Athens, OH 1989 (optional) Marketing Major, Art and Communications Concentrations and Spanish Minor Additional Volunteer, The Gathering Place, 2010-Present Member, The American Marketing Association and the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Languages: Spanish Intermediate

14 Resume Sample 3 A combination or hybrid resume highlights key skills and/or abilities and includes chronological employment history with action-oriented statements. Nancy Smith 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights, OH nancy.smith@ .address Summary of Qualifications 10+ years of professional experience in customer service, teaching and training. Experience utilizing motivational techniques to promote increased participation in social, cultural and recreational environments. Reduced customer complaints by 25% in 90 days for Corleon Catering as tracked by the Guest Services Department. Provided a broad range of personal service to Jacobs Field Suite Owners and guests and served as a liaison to the ballpark support staff. Professional Experience 2005-Present Elyria Board of Education Elyria, OH Substitute Teacher Coordinate activities and promote communication between 175 to 200 students, parents and mental health professionals. Successfully tutored 6 underachievers in remedial math, increasing scores from bottom of the class to upper 20% Corleon Catering Cleveland, OH Suite Attendant, Jacobs Field Organized group tours and conventions for over 100 individuals. Efficiently delivered perishable items to customers. Negotiated and resolved client billing/payment concerns while efficiently maintaining excellent customer service relations. Education 1994 (Optional) Kent State University Kent, OH Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies 14