A Session on Resume Building The First Step Towards Landing Your First Job

Market Yourselves……. In this workshop, you’ll discover the “tools” you need to WOO…… the employer. You’ll learn how to: – –Write a cover letter describing how your skills match the job description. – –Write a resume targeted to a specific job

Can your resume pass the 10-second test ?? 10 Seconds is all the time an employer is going to give your resume in deciding to keep it or pass on it!

A Resume is the first meeting between you and the employer. tells a great deal about you. gets you the interview. is your calling card, so remember that “First impressions are lasting ones.”

Resume Principles Convince employer that you are worth an interview. Keep as brief as possible without sacrificing essential qualifications.

Resume Principles No ugly resume – format must be pleasing to the eye. Do not lie, exaggerate or use words that the interviewer. Focus on strengths and accomplishments.

What Information Should Be In A Resume? Identify YourselfIdentify Yourself EducationEducation Continuing EducationContinuing Education Work or Professional ExperienceWork or Professional Experience Volunteer ExperienceVolunteer Experience ActivitiesActivities Computer SkillsComputer Skills Professional AssociationsProfessional Associations Optional Sections Objective Special Skills and Abilities Reference Statement

Characteristics Of A Successful Resume Uses action words to define the responsibilities of your job-related experience.Uses action words to define the responsibilities of your job-related experience. Target your qualifications for a specific jobTarget your qualifications for a specific job Easy to read and understand.Easy to read and understand. One page, or at most 2 pages long.One page, or at most 2 pages long.

Characteristics Of A Successful Resume Language is grammatically correct.Language is grammatically correct. Must always be 100% truthful.Must always be 100% truthful. Spelling has been checked.Spelling has been checked. Formal StyleFormal Style

Characteristics Of A Successful Resume Contains no inappropriate personal information.Contains no inappropriate personal information. Produced on a computer.Produced on a computer. Data presented in chronological order (unless functional).Data presented in chronological order (unless functional).

Be sure to include some “attitude” in your Resume Team Player Involved with - Contributed to – Served on – Volunteered to –

Resume Faux Pax Typos and Grammar SlipsTypos and Grammar Slips Avoid abbreviations and acronyms Never use pronouns such as: “I”, “me”, “my”, “our” No fancy fonts, binders, layouts Personal, family or health information References Folded resume

Types of Resumes Chronological most common listing of your jobs and experience with most recent mentioned first good for job seekers who have practical work experience with long periods of employment resume type most preferred by employers

Types of Resumes Functional Based upon competencies or skills.Based upon competencies or skills. highlights what they are, not when you developed them good format for job seekers with lots of job experience and many jobs

Cover Letters Should give the employer a reason to look at the resume 3 to 5 bulleted points leading to the resume If the cover letter does not “speak well,” the resume will not be read!

How To Write A Cover Letter - Rules Give enough information to interest the reader, don’t overwhelm.Give enough information to interest the reader, don’t overwhelm. Research the company. Address the letter to aResearch the company. Address the letter to a specific person. Answer an ad if you have 50% of the skills or background that the ad requires.Answer an ad if you have 50% of the skills or background that the ad requires. Mention the person who referred you if appropriate.Mention the person who referred you if appropriate.

How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents Paragraph 1:Paragraph 1: –What you want. –How you know about the organization. –Mention enclosure of your resume. Paragraph 2:Paragraph 2: –Concise overview of work history and skills that will help you perform the job.

How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents Paragraph 3:Paragraph 3: –State confidence in your ability. –Give information on how you can be contacted. Paragraph 4:Paragraph 4: –Express appreciation Closing, signature, and typed nameClosing, signature, and typed name

In Summary Be sure your resume represents you in the best light possible. Use the correct resume form (functional or chronological) to highlight your skills, abilities, and work history. Use a good cover letter to get your foot in the door. Remember: Employers do not hire resumes – they hire people. It is up to you to show the employer YOU ARE CAPABLE AND THE STAR!

Questions & Answers