How to Write an Effective CV/Resume

Resume Essentials Before you write, take time to do a self-assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and extracurricular activities. This will make it easier to prepare a thorough resume.

The Content of Your Resume All your contact information should go at the top of your resume. Name Address Telephone E-mail address Web site address Avoid nicknames. Use a permanent address & telephone number. Choose an e-mail address that sounds professional. (hotstuff@email.com is NOT professional. First.name@email.com is)

Education Your most recent educational information is listed first. Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., etc.), major, institution attended, minor/concentration. Add your grade point average (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0. Mention academic honors.

Skills Briefly provide an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. (analyzed, organized, managed, improved, edited, etc) If you don’t have much formal work experience, draw from informal work experience that is relevant. (i.e. managing your home’s finances, time management with housework) Include your work experience in reverse chronological order—that is, put your most recent job first and work backwards. Include: Title of position, Name of organization Location of work (town, state) Dates of employment

RESUME Guidelines Resume Length Don’t make your resume too long 1 page is best. If you extend to 2 pages, include your name and page number on all subsequent sheets. Paper Size Use standard size paper Paper Color Choose white or ivory colored paper Font Font: Times New Roman preferred Font Size: 12 points preferred, minimum 10 Exception: Your name can be up to 16 points

Tips and Additional Pointers Proofread; Run a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your resume. Check for spelling and grammatical errors yourself as well Make sure it is typed Have a friend, family member, or coworker review your resume

Job Application Tips ALWAYS answer EVERY question. Employers are looking for any reason to not hire you Read the directions carefully, and follow them! Don’t include too much personal information on an application or a resume if a picture is included, make it professional looking, not sexy Don’t be negative about past job experiences Include references (people who can vouch for your work) if you have them

So, you received a interview request…. What now?

Preparation and Confidence Good preparation always creates confidence. So it is important to be well prepared. Get comfortable talking about your experience, practice with a friend if you need to Preparation means not only preparation of your interview talking points, also look at the company’s website and learn something about the company/ organization before you attend your interview.

Checklist Confirm the time, date, and location of the interview before the day of the interview. Unless an emergency [death, severe illness] do not reschedule the interview Get to the interview 30 minutes before the interview time. Dress professionally. Concentrate on the interviewer and make eye contact during the interview. Always bring a copy of your CV If you are asked to bring certificates, references, or additional documents, get them ready before the interview. When you arrive be sure the office staff knows you are there.

Interview Questions Practice beforehand See Attached Sheet Listen to the questions asked and provide an answer that answers the interviewer’s question. Example

You never get a second chance to make a first impression! Smiling is one thing that will make a good impression. Dress professionally. Look nice but not sexy Make eye contact. Be confident! Don’t talk too quickly, or use too many “umms” Practicing beforehand helps your first impression

Be enthusiastic and positive! Focus on positive achievements and views.

References You want three to five people and their contact information. Do not forget to get permission to use your references' names, and ask how they prefer to be contacted. You should also send them a copy of your resume so they will be aware of what you are saying about yourself.

Thank You Notes Be sure to send a Thank You Note or email within one week of the interview.