Writing The Effective Resume/Cover Letter THE FIRST STEP TOWARD LANDING YOUR NEXT JOB

Transcription

1 Writing The Effective Resume/Cover Letter THE FIRST STEP TOWARD LANDING YOUR NEXT JOB

2 Writing An Effective Resume What information should be in a resume? Characteristics of a successful resume. Functional or Chronological. Scannable resume.

3 What Information Should Be in a Resume? Identify Yourself Education Continuing Education Work or Professional Experience Volunteer Experience Activities Computer Skills Professional Associations Optional Sections Objective Special Skills and Abilities References

4 HEADING Full name (middle or middle initial). Accurate address Phone number (with area code). address-appropriate and one you check often!

5 SAMPLE HEADING JOHN T. SMITH East Penwall Street New York, New York (578)

6 Job Objective List what position you are seeking-be specific. Not in complete sentences. Change objective for different positions. Example: A position as an administrative assistant in a business office.

7 Education Most important in your resume at this time. Name of school / accurate address. Graduation date / special courses. School activities, clubs / job related skills GPA (only if favorable)

8 Sample Education Section Sept Present William Ford High School Sorto Street Clearwater, Florida GPA: 3.0/4.0 Diploma: June 2017 Classes: Spanish III, Advanced Marketing, Advanced Geometry, Technical Drawing III Skills: Microsoft Powerpoint, Advanced Solidworks, Quickbooks PRO Extracurricular Activities: Volleyball (3 years), Marching Band (2 years), Extreme Science Club (1 year), President of Key Club (1 year)

9 Experience-professional/volunteer Name of organization / organization information. Employment dates (be accurate) / reverse chronological order. Job title/job duties. Use active verbs (past or present tense)

10 ACTIVE VERBS achieved handled performed served analyzed helped planned scheduled arranged improved prepared sold assembled installed presented solved assisted learned processed sorted built maintained produced studied coordinated managed provided

11 Sample Experience Section October 2010-Present CVS Pharmacy 6895 Fort Street Lincoln Park, Michigan Cashier / Clerk, part-time working with customers helping customers solve problems stocking shelves doing inventory April 2009-June 2010 Taco Bell Telegraph Road Taylor, Michigan Cashier / Customer Service Representative worked with customers helped customers solve problems trained new employees

12 Reference Page List your complete heading at the top List references on this page only (separate from resume) Reference information must be complete: Full name, title, address, phone number, List how long you have known the individual

13 Reference Example References for: JOHN T. SMITH East Penwall Street New York, New York (578) Holly B. Worner Registered Nurse Oakwood Health Systems Oakwood Boulevard Dearborn, Michigan (313) Known for 8 years (personal reference)

14 Characteristics Of A Successful Resume Focuses on skills. Uses action words to define the responsibilities of your job-related experience. Easy to read and understand. Visually powerful and free of gimmicks. One page, (2 pages an exception).

15 Characteristics Of A Successful Resume Language is grammatically PERFECT. Spelling has been checked. Formal Style

16 Resume Faux Pax Typos and Grammar Slips Great attention to detail. Proven ability to track down and correct erors. Am a perfectionist and rarely if ever forget etails. Accomplishments: Completed 11 years of high school. Don t use I or me

17 Characteristics Of A Successful Resume Must always be 100% truthful. Contains no inappropriate personal information. Produced on a computer. Data presented in chronological order (unless functional).

18 Functional Resumes Doesn t go in chronological order. Based upon competencies or skills. Used for career changers or those with unconventional work histories (or executives). Might say Sales Experience then list it. Typically brief with a simple list of positions held, etc. De-emphasizes importance of specific jobs. Drawbacks to this system (not as popular).

19 Scannable Resume Watch bullet points (don t always scan). How about a dash -? Use labels or keywords. Less is more. Keep the design simple. Minimize use of abbreviations.

20 Basic Checklist No spelling or grammar errors. Neat, clean, and professional looking. Length should be 1-2 pages. Consistent margins at sides and bottom. Layout makes reading easy. Use of white space is effective.

21 Basic Checklist Important titles should be emphasized. Experiment with fonts & styles; bold, italic, and underlines. No more than 2 or 3 different sizes. Information is logically recorded. Use Action Verbs for accomplishments & results. Information is PARALLEL

22 Basic Checklist Bullet points when possible for accomplishments. Quantify your results whenever you can. Format - chronological Any questions??????

23 Writing An Effective Cover Letter

24 How To Write A Cover Letter - Rules Give enough information to interest the reader, don t overwhelm. Research the company. Address the letter to a specific person. Answer an ad if you have 50% of the skills or background that the ad requires. Mention the person who referred you if appropriate.

25 How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents Your address, city, state, zip, and telephone number. Date Name, title, company, address, city, state, and zip of person you re writing to. Greeting, followed by a colon.

26 How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents Paragraph 1: What position are you applying for and how did you hear about it? How you know about the organization. Paragraph 2: Concise overview of work history and skills that will help you perform the job. Mention enclosure of your resume.

27 How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents Paragraph 3: State confidence in your ability. Give information on how you can be contacted Express appreciation Closing, signature, and typed name