Career Transfer Center. Think Transfer Discover Career!

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1 Resume Writing Career Transfer Center. Think Transfer Discover Career! Student Center, 2nd Floor Rm. 216A. (408) Where to Start What is a resume? A resume can be described as your personal advertisement. It describes where you have been, what you have done, and where you are currently directing your career that is DIRECTLY RELATED to the job skills, experience, education, and desired qualifications the employer has stated. The goal of a resume is to obtain an interview from a prospective employer. Why is resume writing so difficult? Resume writing asks you to write for three goals: 1) Job Description: Address the Duties, Qualifications, Preferences listed in the Job Description 2) Your Qualifications: Connect your experience, education, and Transferable Skills to the position 3) Resume Style: Monitor the Style of your resume so that it is clear, easy to read, substantive, and proofread! Resume writing process These are the 4 steps we are going to use in writing a 1 st draft of your resume. Step 1. Gather 3-5 Well Written Job Descriptions to Study Step 2. Use resume worksheet to list your qualifications that are RELEVANT to the Job Description Step 3. Write your 1 st draft without formatting & review for the writing only Step 4. Format resume for the Style. Keep it simple, clear, & professional 2. Job Description One Job Goal at a Time Imagine you are getting in your car to go somewhere, you turn on the engine, you release the break, and then have no idea which direction to go it. That is what happens when one begins a resume without a goal in mind. How can you know what to put in or leave out? In truth each person contains several bodies of experience, skills, and qualifications for a variety of roles. A common pitfall in resume writing is try and put every one of these into a resume because that does not develop a profile for an employer. If an employer is hiring someone that is great in sales and has strong interpersonal skills, it will not be relevant if the applicant has volunteered in Forestry or provided after school tutoring. However, if the applicant raised $3,000 for a club by doing direct sales pitching to local businesses, that is going to speak directly to the set of skills and demonstrated experience that is required for this new role. Why start with the Job Description Before you start writing your resume, it s important to know what you are writing your resume for and who will be reading it. Since a resume is limited in space and scanned before it is read, it is key that everything you list in your resume is RELEVANT to the position you are applying for. The job description is the perfect place to start. Employers spend a good deal of time and energy to clarify what this position will entail, what set of skills and qualifications they are looking for, and what possible preferences they have. When a resume speaks directly to what the employer has shared, it will stand out in the mist of more general, generic resumes. A great site to use when looking for employment opportunities and available job descriptions is:

2 3. Resume Formats The outward appearance of your resume is as important as the content. The length depends upon your experience. Most students and recent graduates should be able to incorporate this information on one full page. The Chronological Resume - A chronological resume presents your education and work experience in a straightforward, reverse chronological order (most recent first). If the majority of your work experience is related to your stated job objective, this style can be effective. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: ABC Company George, CO June 2006 to January 2008 Sales Supervisor Directed the activities of the Customer Service Associates to ensure customer satisfaction and company profitability Resolved problems and mediated staff disputes Recruited, trained, and supervised all sales associates Developed and incorporated policies and procedures for the department Managed sales accounts XYZ Company Fargo, ND April 1995 to June 2006 Customer Service Associate Expedited completion of customer orders and resolved customer complaints Assisted Account Executives and Regional Representatives with daily account activity Received letter of commendation for improving customer retention by 20% over the previous year Mentored new customer service associates The Functional Resume - A functional resume differs from a chronological resume by concentrating on your skills that relate to your stated objective rather than on the jobs you have had. A functional resume is particularly effective if your work experience has not been closely related to your job objective, if you are changing careers or if you are seeking a promotion. In this format you elaborate on the skills necessary to perform the desired job and how you have demonstrated those same skills in a different type of job. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS Management Administration Special Skills Coordinated operations, managed and assisted in sales at Pat s Shop Managed small children s center at Keeping Your Eyes Open, Inc. Coordinated number of surveys Prepared all invoices Customer Service Type 70 wpm; experience with PowerPoint and familiar with excel WORK HISTORY 2007 Manager at Pat s Gift Shop; Tifton, GA 2005 Manager at Keeping Your Eyes Open, Inc.; Tifton, GA 2003 Volunteer at Girls Club, Tifton, GA

3 4. Resume Heading: Your Contact Info The heading information on a resume is used by an employer to contact you. List your name at the top of the page (either centered or pulled out to the margin) and make it stand out through bolding and capitalization. The heading should be slightly larger than the text of your resume. List your full address, zip code, address, and telephone number with area code. Heading Example: 5. Objective Susan Sample Rochester, NY @address.com An objective conveys a sense of direction: it is a "theme" statement that will help you organize the supporting information in your resume. The objective should be written from the perspective of what you have to offer rather than what you want from an employer or a position/job. To develop a strong, targeted objective, think about the following questions: What is the job title/position to which you are applying? Where (type of organization or work environment)? What level of responsibility (entry, intern, management, etc.)? What skill(s) do you possess that is directly related to this position? What special conditions/contributions? Objective Example: An entry-level sales position in the Travel and Tourism field with opportunity to contribute effective customer service skills and increase profits. 6. Education Include the complete title of your Associate degree followed by the program name; do not abbreviate. After this, include the month and year of your anticipated graduation date. Place the name of the college that you received your degree from directly below your degree information; include the city and state of the college (avoid including street address). If you hold more than one degree, list the most current related degree first and the remainder in chronological order from most current to least current. If you lack experience when applying for your first professional job, consider a Related Courses section listing those courses that relate to your career objective. Include your cumulative GPA if it is 3.0 or above. Education Example: Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, May 2011 State University of New York at Brockport, Brockport, NY Associate in Applied Science, Computer Technology, May 2009 Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY Overall GPA: 3.59 Related Courses Example: Digital Computers & Information Processing AC/DC Circuit Analysis Introduction to Networks Intro to UNIX Operating Systems & Peripherals COBOL Communications & Networking Web Site Design

4 7. Honors & Accomplishments Your accomplishments and extracurricular activities tell an employer about your interests, motivations, and skills. Always include the year. You may include special recognitions and any of the following: Honors Example: Scholarships Dean s List Honorary Societies Athletic Team Community Awards Club/Campus Activity Committee Member Awards Member, Dean s List, San Jose City College, Recipient, Radiologic Technology Award, Monroe Community College, Skills Almost every resume should include a skills section. The heading might simply read "Skills," and include a list of various skills, including computer skills, laboratory skills, foreign language skills, etc. Use action verbs to describe your skills in a more compelling way and to show your strength in a specific skill area. Additional skill areas may include: management, computer, communication, interpersonal, customer service, creative, leadership, helping, professionalism, mechanical, analytical, organizational, instruction/training, language/cultural, finance/business, etc. Customer Service Skills Example: Demonstrate consistently high levels of professionalism and courtesy with customers Welcome customers/guests with a smile, make them feel at home Remain aware of customer/guests needs and travel related issues Effectively responds to customer/guests requests by placing special orders Consistently provide quick, well-timed and professional service Interface with appropriate departments for prompt and accurate service

5 9. COVER LETTER WRITING What is a cover letter? An effective cover letter inspires an employer to read your resume. The cover letter demonstrates familiarity with the organization and emphasizes how your experience meets the needs of the organization. Communication skills, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and style are all demonstrated through a well-written letter. A cover letter should not re-state the information on your resume, but should rather show relationships between your skills and the position you are applying for. Where do I begin? To start your cover letter, begin by thinking about the following questions: What unique skills/abilities do you have that match the position requirements? Why should they interview/hire you? Why do you want to work for that particular employer? How can the employer benefit from your education, experience, etc.? 10. COVER LETTER TIPS Limit your cover letter to 3-4 brief paragraphs, aim for a total length of one-half to three-quarters of a page. Be specific when describing abilities, skills, honors, activities and experience; use examples. Fill in the blanks your resume leaves out; your cover letter provides the employer with additional information with who you are and what you ve done. Avoid using slang terms, jargon or exaggerating when writing your cover letter. A cover letter should indicate that you have a clear understanding of your career goals and job objectives (put some thought and research into this process). Margin your cover letter to the left, no indentations. Single-space your paragraphs. Leave three or four blank spaces in which to sign your name. Avoid using the pronoun I when beginning every sentence. Tailor a new cover letter for each employer, revise paragraphs for every letter. Make sure your envelope matches the same professional look of your cover letter and resume, avoid handwriting your envelope. Print out a clean, fresh, copy to send. Make a copy of the cover letter you send for your files.

6 11. COVER LETTER STRATEGIES Addressing your cover letter What if there is no contact name in the job advertisement? Who do you send your cover letter to? Find one! This will take some research, either via telephone or the Internet. You may want to call the target employer and get an actual name of a recipient for your cover letter. This will set you apart from most applicants. If you are unable to address your letter to a specific individual with his or her correct title, you may want to write Dear Employer or Dear Human Resources. Begin with a strong hook Catch an employers attention immediately by advertising your strengths and unique skills. Provide the reader with evidence as to why you are the best candidate for the position. Example: Dear Mr. Jones, Having broken sales records and exceeded sales quotas in all my previous positions, and a recently completed Associate s degree in Business from San Jose Community College, I am an ideal candidate for the Sales Manager position at Paychex. Emphasize how you will contribute to the organization/employer Avoid using the pronouns I, me, and my consistently throughout your cover letter. It is a common mistake. Redirect the emphasis from yourself to the employer and inform them how they can benefit from you. Your letter should be employer centered, not self centered. Ask yourself How can I be of service to this employer? Pronoun Overuse Example: I am enclosing my resume for your review because I am very interested in obtaining a full-time position at Ace Financial to further my experience and skills in banking. I am well qualified for this position. In addition to the strong quantitative and analytical skills I have developed as a business major and in my work experience, I have a proven ability to stay focused for long hours under pressure. Revised Example: I am applying for the Investment Banking Analyst position where my combination of economics training and high-tech experience will add value to your operations. Please consider the following: You will gain from my strong financial background, which includes a recent Associate in Science degree in Business Administration, coupled with experience researching and trading securities as an investment intern, resulting in returns of 200%. Cover Letter Essentials Typed (use the same font as your resume) Written on the same paper that matches your resume and envelope Original (avoid mailing the same exact letter to multiple employers) Positive, professional, confident and enthusiastic sounding Error free (have someone proofread it) Brief and to the point (usually one page) Use an outline system to organize your thoughts before writing Reference job code or # if mentioned in the ad Provide additional information and details which are not on your resume or expand on your main selling points

7 Cover Letter Format Your Street Address City, State Zip Code Telephone Number Today s Date Name of Person Title Company/Organization Street Address City, State Zip Code Dear Ms./Mr.: FIRST PARAGRAPH - INTRODUCTION: State the reason for writing this cover letter. Name the specific job title or type of work for which you are applying. Indicate where you learned of the opening (newspaper, Job Connection/Internet, MCC Career and Transfer Center, Job Fair, friend, etc.). State that you believe that you possess/have a background that deserves consideration for the position. SECOND PARAGRAPH - BODY: Explain why you are interested in the position and field of work or why you are interested in working for that em-ployer. Explain your qualifications and achievements (this may include your academic background, work experience and or skills). Try not to repeat exact information found in your resume, however make reference to the enclosed re-sume. State how you could be successful in this position, why you are qualified and how you match the requirements of the job description. Mention specific accomplishments that directly relate to the field of work for which you are applying and why you enjoy that work (you may want to cite a specific experience on the job, project, committee, or task that you worked on). THIRD PARAGRAPH - CLOSING: Indicate that you are interested in meeting with the employer to further discuss the position and that you welcome an interview. Refer to your address and telephone number above should they require any additional information or should they request an interview of you. Indicate times/dates that you will be available, if necessary. Thank the read-er/employer for reading your resume and cover letter and their thoughtful consideration of you for the position. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Typed Enclosure(s)

8 Sample Cover Letter 1234 Resume Boulevard Rochester, NY May 5, 2004 Ms. Mary Employer Director of Human Resources XYZ Corporation 1234 Cover Letter Avenue Rochester, NY Dear Ms. Employer, I am expressing my interest in the Senior Interior Designer position at Paychex, which is posted on your website. My professional experience and my interest in corporate facilities design are an excellent fit for this position, and I am enthusiastic about joining the professional staff at Paychex. My resume is enclosed for your consideration. Through my education at San Jose Community College and my co-op experience at ABC Employer, I have enjoyed designing and planning attractive and useful interiors for local businesses. This includes 4+ years of experience in retail and office furnishings sales. In addition, my experiences and expertise in interior design include the following: Experienced in coordinating and implementing all aspects of project design, space planning, fabric selection, drawings, furniture specification, accessories, and design presentation. Specific attention to detail and set up of jobs within allotted time and budget constraints. Excellent interpersonal and team building skills with direct experience of being a liaison between departments. General knowledge of AutoCAD and Haworth Furniture systems. I am especially interested in this position because I have a direct interest in managing and designing costeffective commercial offices. As a result, I am confident that I would enhance the function and quality of interior space at Paychex. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you in person to discuss my qualifications further. Please contact me at to schedule an interview, or if you are in need of additional information. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Typed