Resumes

When you think of writing a Resume…

First…What even is a resume? Personal information Name, email address, phone number, etc… Objective What are you trying to get? Education “Academic Achievement” or “Relevant Courses” Work experience If you don’t have any, that’s OKAY! Use volunteer work. Skills Not actions: example “Inventory and merchandizing” rather than “Stocked and inventoried supplies” Volunteer Work / Community Service If you haven’t done any, now is the time to get started! Awards and Recognition Academic, Sports, or Church Activities and Interests What are you involved in?

Why do you need one? Market yourself Get you an interview This is awkward…welcome to adulthood. Get you an interview But it’s the interview that gets you the job. Apply for jobs Apply to colleges/clubs/organizations/scholarships Assist you in filling out applications Having a resume with your application makes you stand out from other applicants Network with other people Assist your references Resumes can validate what your references say about you. Give teachers/counselors information about you when writing letters of recommendation Shows you will be involved in the community you’re applying

Tips on Formatting Use standard 8.5” x 11” paper Any bigger or smaller is weird Avoid fancy type or difficult-to-read styles You’re trying to get something (job), make sure they can actually read about you! Bold, underline, or capitalize headings Make the separate categories on the paper obvious. Double space between sections Don’t try to cram everything together, you want it to be easy to read! Single space within sections You want it easy to read, you DON’T want to go overboard though. Copy or print on quality resume paper This is going to be the only thing representing you, make sure it looks good!

Tips on Content Keep it simple and clean. Limit your resume to one page. Use action verbs. Stress your skills and accomplishments. Be honest and don’t exaggerate! They will find out the truth! Be specific and accurate. Put information in order of interest to your targeted reader. Is this for a job? Put job history or volunteer work first. Is this to get into a school? Put previous education first. Be positive and enthusiastic. Have someone proofread and critique your resume.

Tips on Education Bobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport, TN Anticipated Graduation Date: May, (whatever year you graduate) List GPA if 3.0 and up. Grades are important guys…. Can add “Academic Achievement” or “Relevant Courses” section if relevant. If you applying to a college or academic program, this is important to add.

Things to Avoid Don’t use “I,” “he/she,” “we,” “us,” etc. Don’t write in sentences. This is one time where bullet points are acceptable. Don’t list personal references. Don’t include personal information. (marital status, religion, appearance, etc.) Don’t mention salary or wage. This is rude and unprofessional.

Lets Get Started Go to: http://www.readwritethink.org/ Type in “Resume Generator” in the Search Box.

Here are some Action Verbs Action verbs help you stand out. Use one of these verbs on your resume when possible.