Job Acquisition Module 1-1

Resumes 1-2

Overview Gather information for a resume Create a resume demonstrating the skills required for a job Identify information for a cover letter Prepare a cover letter for a job Identify examples of well-written resumes 1-3

Types of Resumes Chronological Functional Combination 1-4

Chronological Resume Job history, job titles and employers are emphasized. Most recent job is listed first Easy to read Highlights career growth 1-5

Chronological Resume Good to use when… Bad to use when... Recent employers are impressive Job history shows progress Staying in same career field Bad to use when... Changed employers frequently Have gaps in work history Changing career field 1-6

Functional Resume Skills and accomplishments are highlighted Skills developed in other areas can be focused on Lack of experience or gaps in work history de-emphasized 1-7

Functional Resume Good to use when… Bad to use when… Focus is on skills, not work experience There is a variety of unrelated experience Re-entering the work force Bad to use when… Emphasizing promotions and growth 1-8

Combination Resume Combines elements of both types Presents patterns of accomplishments and skills in categorical sections Includes a brief work history and education summary 1-9

Combination Resume Good to use when… Bad to use when… Desire to change to a job in a related career field Desire to promote the most marketable skills Desire to acknowledge skills that are complimentary but not necessarily required (i.e. leadership coursework through military, etc.) Bad to use when… Trying to circumvent specific job requirements as outlined on job advertisements (i.e. requirement for unbroken work history, etc.) 1-10

Self Assessment Wants Interests Skills 1-11

Resume Content Areas Contact Information Objective Education Work Experience Additional Information References 1-12

Contact Information What should you include in this section? Name Address Phone Numbers E-Mail Address 1-13

Objective Include in this section Type of position wanted Level of responsibility desired Should be specific and employer centered Should include how you can “add value” in the company 1-14

Education What should be included in this section? Degrees and GPA Name of institutions attended Dates attended/graduated Special workshops/seminars attended 1-15

Work Experience What should be emphasized in this section? Responsibilities Achievements Name of organization Title Dates 1-16

Additional Information What things could be listed here? Interests Computer skills Recent civic activities Hobbies Awards/Honors (most global listed first) 1-17

References What must you do before listing a reference? Ask the person’s permission Get their contact information Where can you find references? Friends/Family Neighbors Teachers Professional contacts 1-18

Resume Guidelines What would you look for in a resume if you were an employer? Professional appearance Easy to read Uses action verbs No errors in spelling Proper grammar 1-19

Do’s and Don’ts of Resumes Let’s brainstorm things to do and not to do when writing a resume. 1-20

Writing Tips What do you think are the most important writing rules for writing resumes? Spelling Grammar Punctuation 1-21

Cover Letters Cover letters introduce your resume and should always be used. Three main topics: Why you are interested in the company Why the employer should be interested in you The possibility of meeting to discuss 1-22

Resume Writing Exercise First draft Second draft Final copy 1-23

Cover Letter Writing Exercise First Draft Second Draft Final Draft

Summary Do not be bashful or embarrassed about selling yourself. Prepare specific resumes, each focused on a specific job or field. Remember that employers use resumes to screen applicants, make yours the best! Cover letters are essential components that grab the attention of the resume rater. 1-24