How to Create a Resume

What a resume is used for: getting a job college applications scholarship applications to give to those you would like to write letter of recommendations for you

Before Getting Started Ask yourself the following questions

Resume It is a summary of your past job and school experience, skills, abilities, qualifications, and personal characteristics Even if you don’t have an extensive work history, you have the potential to become a valued employee. A positive attitude, a desire to work hard and do your best, and the ability to communicate effectively with others -will help you become a valued employee.

Suppose You Had To Go To Work Now! What skills do you have? What skills will you have when you leave high school? What classes are offered in high school which will really help you in your future goals and/or work?

Are You Going to College? What happens if you need part-time work to support yourself or to supplement your parents help? What classes are offered in high school which may help you in your future goals and/or work?

Suggestions for an Effective Resume There is no universal resume format. There are only guidelines you should follow. The reader will be looking for reasons to eliminate as many resumes as possible. Resumes with gaps of unaccountable time often reach the circular file. Always send a cover letter on matching paper.

Writing Writing Select strong action verbs, concrete nouns and positive modifiers for emphasis. Use concise phrases and clauses rather than complete sentences. What can you include on your resume to make yourself stand out. Remember your resume is only a door opener. YOU WANT A PERSONAL INTERVIEW.

Requirement for a Resume Submit your resume on a paper the reader will remember…paper that looks and feels valuable.

Your Reader will ask Three Questions What do you want? That’s the Objective Keep it specific, simple If your objective is too vague, they’ll scrap it Change your objective based on the job you are applying for

Objective Examples To graduate from high school and continue my education at the University of Alabama majoring in Law. Seek position as …….. Using my …… training, experience, my communication skills, and my organizational proficiency. Seek position as assistant drama coach for summer theatre company. Desire position as ………………, using my back-ground in ……………….

Are you qualified for the job? Experience section or you can make a section called Qualifications. Ask yourself: why they should hire me? Convince your audience that the rest of the resume is worth reading. Describe your job responsibilities that will help sell you and show your value. Show your worth

What kind of person are you? You may include the following sections depending on how it fits you. Achievements Awards Honors Related strengths Interests/hobbies

References Need three Use the same paper as resume Must know where they work and what they do, address, and phone number Change references based on each different job, company’s need, and job qualifications

Good References School administrators Teachers Present or former employers Employees of the company you know Friends of influence

Selling Yourself with Words Choose words that describe your personality, values, and character traits. These words tell a potential employer about your attitude, energy level, sense of purpose, people skills, and work ethics.

Self-Descriptive Words Active Compassionate Disciplined Generous Kind Adaptable Constructive Efficient Go-getter Leader Aggressive Courteous Energetic Good listener Loyal Ambitious Creative Enthusiastic Hard worker Organizer Attentive Dependable Fair Honest Positive Caring Determined Flexible Honorable Reliable

Action Words that can describe your work responsibilities Accept Create Guide Organize Require Acquire Decide Handle Plan Review Assist Demonstrate Identify Prepare Schedule Consider Develop Maintain Promote Supply Contribute Encourage Make Purchase Strengthen Coordinate Furnish Meet Receive Teach

Resume Reminders Use few abbreviations or no abbreviations are better Don’t just say “won an award”-tell which award, and what you won it for. Proofread carefully. Make sure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are completely accurate. Ask someone else to proofread your resume. Quality appearance. Quality paper in white, gray, ivory Make extra resume copies. Update your resume periodically.

Let’s look at the different parts of a resume Break It Down Let’s look at the different parts of a resume

Objective One sentence that states why you're sending the resume to them and it's a worthwhile place to plug some positive characteristics

School/Classes Challenging or relevant workplace oriented classes you have taken in school. List your GPA, if it's good.

Work Experience Work experience if you have any Most recent job, what you did and for whom, list of duties Refer to list of action words

Volunteer/Community Service This is EXTREMELY important especially if you have little or no work experience List title or roll, what you did and for whom, list of duties.

Other categories Talents or skills you have that would be relevant. Honors and awards (academic, athletic, community) Extra-curricular activities - clubs, associations, activities outside of school, hobbies and interests.

References Sometimes listed as “references on request” at bottom of resume Don’t make them have to go an extra mile Go ahead and prepare a sheet of three references that goes on a separate page Same paper as resume

Cover Letter A cover letter goes with the resume Addresses the person or persons responsible for hiring First paragraph How you found out about the job Second paragraph Tell things about yourself that were not included in the resume Third paragraph Ask for an interview and provide contact information Examples