*Airman and Family Readiness Center

Transcription

1 *Airman and Family Readiness Center

2 Resume Basics -+ Resume is a key marketing tool in job search Remember the primary purpose of resume Make it easy for reader to find important information Package and present your qualifications in most effective way No one right way to write a resume Only 2 absolutes Error free (spelling and grammar) Truthful don t exaggerate! 3-6

3 Chronological Emphasizes employment history Lists positions, employers in reverse chronological order Describes activities and accomplishments in each job Used by people changing jobs, advancing within a career field Preferred by defense contractors 10

4 Functional Emphasizes skills, de-emphasizes job history Presents skills, experiences grouped by specific functions Can be used by people with little or no employment history 10

5 Combination Emphasizes job-related skills and presents employment history Presents skills, experiences grouped by functions Follows with reverse chronological listing of employers, jobs Used by career changers and people reentering job market 11

6 Heading Name, address, phone number, , web site Local and permanent address Objective Gives focus Mandatory for resume databases Concise statement indicating: Industry, career field, or type of job sought Specific strengths you will bring to the job 15-19

7 Summary of Qualifications Highlight your strengths relative to job Write from perspective of employer s needs Include job-related personal qualities Present in short, bulleted list 20

8 Formal Education List college or university degrees completed Start with most recent degree List degree, major, month and year graduated Provide name of university, city and state Include GPA if 3.0 or better Possible subheadings: *Relevant Coursework *Honors & Awards * *Accomplishments * Include high school information if do not have a college degree 22

9 Professional Training Present relevant military training, trade schools List current certificates, licenses with month and year awarded Experience Provide job title, months and years of employment List company/agency name, city and state or country Describe activities and accomplishments *Use bulleted list *Start with action words *Highlight achievements *Quantify where possible 22

10 * Skills & Abilities *Identify skill categories related to the type of job sought *List activities that provide evidence to support each skill category *Show accomplishments in terms of results *Quantify, quantify, quantify! (measurable saving $ or time, etc.) 23-24

11 * *Computer Skills *Foreign Languages, Travel *Professional Associations *Community Involvement *Leadership *Publications *Licenses & Certificates 25

12 DO NOT write on resume references available upon request Get references OK before listing them List on separate sheet with same heading as resume * Names, addresses, phone numbers, * Relationship to you * Do include supervisors, instructors, coworkers * Don t include relatives 25

13 Provide them a current copy of your resume Tell them your career goal, job objective Give them a heads-up regarding when to expect a call Provide a copy of advertisement or job description

14 Web based tools available Wordle.net Write it yourself if you hire someone be sure you have read and corrected any misconceptions Resume is summary, not autobiography Use phrases, not complete sentences Start with verbs to describe experiences Write from the employer s perspective *Include only information that adds value *Civilianize job titles, military jargon and terms *Spell out acronyms 27

15 Less Experienced Start with Objective Follow with Education Highlight job activities Try to keep to 1 page More Experienced Start with Summary of Qualifications Follow with Experience Highlight accomplishments Continue to second page

16 Use a word processing program Word document, not a template Universal, easy-to-read font style and size Avoid underlining and italics Use bold selectively highlight key items Make your name bold, one font size larger Bold main section headings, in all caps Be consistent across sections Dates in same style, position on page Months written out or numerical State spelled out or Two-letter abbreviation

17 Use spell-check then proofread times 3 Content Spelling, grammar, typo s Visual impact *White space *Bolding *Bullets Select quality, conservative paper Print to laser printer, if possible

18 ing Resumes Send resume as attachment De-format *Remove bolding, italics *Substitute asterisks for bullets *Align text to left margin *Be sure headings are in all caps *In word processor, Save As and change File Type to text only Cut and paste into body of below cover letter Or Save As a PDF document

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20 Introduce yourself and state position for which you are applying Draw connection between employer s needs and your skills, abilities Convince reader of your value as prospective employee 54

21 3-4 concise paragraphs 1 st Paragraph Introduction Start with interest-grabbing sentence * What can a former airman bring to.... * Ms. Judy Doe of your organization suggested I contact you regarding.... Show knowledge of employer and their needs * I read with great interest the recent article about your.. * Your recent acquisition of.... Indicate position you are seeking and why Your opening for a computer programmer is a perfect match for my skills and career goals.

22 2 nd Paragraph The Bridge Connect your strengths to requirements for position My expertise in database conversions and classroom teaching experience combine to form a perfect match for the qualifications you are seeking in an information technology trainer. Describe unique contributions you can make Highlight relevant points not contained in resume Break into two paragraphs if lengthy

23 3rd Paragraph The Close Refer to enclosed resume * I have enclosed a resume outlining my qualifications in greater detail. Restate your interest in position Thank employer Refer to next step * I look forward to hearing from you soon. * I will call you next week to discuss the position and to answer any questions you may have.

24 Address letter to specific individual, correct title Write clearly and simply avoid jargon Vary sentence structure and length Use active voice and action verbs (Analyzed / Planned / Supervised) Organize paragraphs with logical flow

25 Plan, draft, and re-work your letter Continue to refine until perfect Keep a copy for quick reference when employer calls Modify and recycle best letters You never get a second chance to make that first impression!

26 Visit our Discovery Resource Center Resume how to books Visit O Net Online ( Employer listings Job postings *Microsoft Office Templates Home Page