Resume

Definition A resume is a brief summary of a worker’s skills, abilities, experience, education and interests. An employer uses the resume to assess the match between the worker’s qualifications and the requirements of a position.

Purpose The purpose of a resume is to convince a prospective employer to contact the work searcher in order to arrange an interview.

Components of a resume Contact information: proper name, address, telephone number, email, cell phone number. Your name must be centered at the top of the page

Career objective: A two or three line statement explaining the position in which the student is seeking work. The statement will list transferable skills useful for the work and will include positive objectives or attributes (motivated, hard- working).

Education: Identify the highest level of formal education, the institution where you received it and the time frame. List any academic awards, scholarships, athletic awards, etc.

Work experience: Include part-time paid jobs, work experience, work in committees and clubs and volunteer work. Job title first, followed by name of business, its location, as well as time frame in years. Describe job tasks by using action verbs (specific information).

Accomplishments: Special skills and abilities related to the position for which the work searcher is applying.

Interests: Interests, hobbies, and associations may be included to demonstrate extra-curricular activities, physical stamina and commitment to other relevant information that may be useful to potential employers.

Do’s and Don’ts of writing a CV

What you should do: Do use positive words (adjectives, action verbs) Do use specific information (example: “Organized and managed a group of ten children at a summer camp.”) Do write short sentences in point form Do proofread your CV before handing them out.

What you should not do: Write in paragraphs. Use “I” in your CV. Try to be funny. Include personal information about religion, ethnicity, gender, etc. Have spelling mistakes.