Resume Writing

Essential Elements Header Education Experience Awards/Accomplishments Skills

Header Very first thing an employer will see so make sure it is neat, tidy, and error free Name and contact information Mailing address Phone number Email address (one that sounds professional) Consider including information directing them to your website or LinkedIn account, if you have one

Education Information about high school will not be relevant within 2 or 3 years of graduation. Information about your college or trade school will make graduation assumed. Keep it simple and to the point. Major and minor. Degree earned. Etc.

Experience Probably the most important section Keep it chronological. Gaps look suspicious unless explained. Employers want the relevant history. Consider splitting into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” if necessary. Focus on accomplishments instead of responsibilities

Experience Bullets on responsibilities Coordinated artist press releases Managed customer mailing list Handled photo and press releases to media outlets Assisted in radio copywriting Performed various other duties as assigned

Experience Bullets on accomplishments Coordinated 8 artist press releases that contributed to an increase in annual sales by 14% Compiled and maintained a mailing list of 12,000 customers, the art center’s largest ever Organized photo and press releases to CNS Television and Yorkville Daily News Collaborated on a team of 3 editors on the copywriting of promotional radio commercials for 16 events

Experience Be specific Quantify whenever possible Consider a section for non-work experience, especially “Volunteer Work” Don’t use cliché buzzwords (“team player”, “thinks outside the box”, “proactive”, etc.)

Skills and Awards Highlight skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position. Keep it short!

Important to remember Proofread! http://www.mmcareerservices.com/#/career-blog/4568097217/14-Tips-for-Proofreading-Your-Resume/7114858 Many recruiters will toss your résumé away for a single typo. They figure that they have so many résumés to go through, why waste time on someone with poor communication skills? Be consistent

Things to avoid Anything too personal, especially if it could place them in a position of being accused of discrimination. An objective statement "references are available upon request."  Salary history http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/06/20/10-things-to-leave-off-your-resume

Cover Letter If you’re applying for jobs without including a compelling cover letter—customized to the specific opportunity—you’re missing out on one of the most effective ways to grab an employer’s attention. A cover letter is your opportunity to make a compelling case for yourself as a candidate, totally aside from what’s in your resume.