Resume Writing Made Easy

Transcription

1 Resume Writing Made Easy Why Write a Resume The purpose of the resume is to acquire an interview. Like an advertisement, the resume should attract attention, interest, describe accomplishments, and provoke action. The resume tells the prospective employer what you can do and have done, who you are, and what you know, it also indicates the type of job you are seeking. Writing a well-constructed resume requires that you complete your research before compiling the resume. You need to keep in mind the type of employer and position as well as the general job requirements in order to tailor your resume to the specific requirements and personality of the employer. Parts of a Resume A resume must contain a certain amount of information. This information may vary from person to person depending on experience and qualifications. Categories that could be included are: Your name, address, city, state, and phone number(s) where you can be reached and your address An objective statement that clearly describes the types of position you hope to obtain A summary of your qualifications A record of your employment history A record of your education Professional training Technological skills Professional affiliations Licenses and accreditations Knowledge of a foreign language Publication Special accomplishments or other related facts Few people will elect to use all these categories. When determining what information to include, consider what is relevant to the position for which you are applying. Styles of Resumes The Chronological Resume In this type of resume you present your work experience and education in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. The chronological form may be considered most appropriate for people with two or more relevant job experiences. It is less appropriate for individuals who are recent graduates or for individual returning to the workforce. Advantages

2 - Is easy to write - Emphasizes career longevity - Emphasizes growth and continuity in specific job categories Disadvantages - Can be boring - Emphasizes the most recent employment, even if it is not the most important - Enables detection of gaps in employment - Makes it difficult to redirect your career The Functional Resume Many employers consider the functional resume the most useful type. The functional, or skills, resume allows you to be more flexible and creative in selling yourself to your prospective employer. The functional resume may be useful if you have had limited work experience or if you have had a long break in your working experience. Advantages - Provides flexibility to emphasize strengths and areas of accomplishment - Allows you to be selective in the capabilities you want to use in your new career direction - Enables a prospective employer to place you in a position where your greatest assets can be utilized - Conceals gaps in your work history Disadvantages - Takes time and effort and is difficult to write - Employers may view negatively the omission of history The Combination Resume The combination resume can be considered a cross between the functional and the chronological resumes. This is similar to the functional resume except that company names and dates are included. The format allows an applicant to emphasize the preferred and most relevant skills and at the same time it satisfies the employer s desire for names and dates. The Electronic Resume Submit your resume to a large company today, and chances are it will be electronically scanned into a computer database where employers can quickly search for candidates that match company needs. Optical scanners are picky readers, consider these guidelines: - Do not use colored paper - Use words within the job announcement to describe your past experience - Use an easy-to-read typeface - Avoid underlines, boxes, columns, italics, and shading - Use boldface type and bullets to emphasize works or phrases - Never fold an electronic resume Matching Your Skills to the Job Specification

3 Do a Personal Inventory The most successful job seekers are those who do the necessary homework beforehand. This homework involves taking an inventory of you. The Resume/Portfolio Review sheet in this packet will help you recollect past experiences and organize your resume in the various sections. Action Verbs Here are some examples of action words that could be used in your resume: Accomplished Evaluated Negotiated Achieved Expanded Organized Analyzed Facilitated Oriented Arranged Guided Planned Built Implemented Processed Controlled Improved Produced Created Increased Proved Demonstrated Initiated Raised Profits Designed Inspired Reduced Costs Developed Interpreted Researched Directed Invented Sold Effected Led Supervised Encouraged Managed Supported Established Motivated Wrote Using the Right Key Phrases The following are guidelines for selecting your power phrases: - Choose short, clear phrases - Keep your complete sentences concise and direct. - Use the acceptable jargon of the work for which you are applying. - Avoid general comments such as My duties were or I worked for Begin with action words that concisely describe what your tasks were, for example: Implemented a new filing system Developed a more effective interviewing procedure Evaluated the training program for new employees - List the results of your activities, for example: Reduced office filing by 25 percent Developed interview evaluation summary form Increased efficiency in delivering services - Don t dilute your action words with too many extraneous activities. Be selective and sell your best experiences. - Target your words to the employer s needs Putting it all Together

4 You will want to consider formatting your resume to look professional and interesting. Various word processors have templates for basic resume styles. Choose the one that appeals to you and seems appropriate for your resume. Remember to keep the side, top, and bottom margins no less than 1 and to keep your resume to two pages minimum. Resume Do s and Don ts Do Don t - Focus your job objectives to illustrate specific skills and responsibilities. - Interest your reader with significant employment, education, accomplishments, and skills. - Present yourself positively, honestly, and assertively. - Keep the resume to no more than two pages. - Use an attractive and readable layout, including top-quality paper, for professional appearance. - Have your resume carefully proofread prior to its final printing. - Be too wordy or use buzzwords and unnecessary verbiage. - Provide personal data like your age, race, marital status, religion, or other private matters. - Suggest abilities or objectives beyond your reach or qualifications. - Make references to a desired salary or income. - State reason for leaving previous job. - Provide names of references in the resume. - Provide any references to your health and/or physical description unless appearance is directly related to the job

5 Writing a Cover Letter A cover letter announces your availability and introduces the resume. It is also one of the most important self-advertisements you will write. The cover letter should indicate you have researched the organization and are clearly interested in a position there. Many times an employer will offer an interview based on an outstanding cover letter. On the other hand, a cover letter that contains poor grammar or typographical errors may cause the employer to eliminate the applicant from consideration. The opening paragraph should be designed to create attention. Some openings designed to create attention are: summary, name, request, and question. The middle paragraph should create desire. This can be done in several ways: education, work experience, ability to work with others, interest in your field, interest in the company, and responsibilities on precious assignments. You may also want to reemphasize certain points given in the resume or bring out additional facts not previously covered. The closing paragraph calls for action. Just like a sales letter, the last paragraph should close the sale. After you have built up desire you should make it easy for the employer to buy. Taken and adapted by Maral Hyeler from Resume Writing Made Easy by Lola M. Coxford & The Career Fitness Program: Exercising Your Options by Diana Sukiennik, William Bendat, and Lisa Raufman.