Resume Preparation English 12 Career Portfolio Project

So…What is a resume? A resume is one of the most important “tools” you will use in your future job searches. A resume is one of the most important “tools” you will use in your future job searches. It’s purpose is to entice the employer to know more about you and call you for an interview. It’s purpose is to entice the employer to know more about you and call you for an interview. It is usually the first impression you will make on that person. It is usually the first impression you will make on that person. MAKE A GOOD ONE!!! MAKE A GOOD ONE!!!

A Good Resume Presents… Who you are What kind of position you want Skills you have, accomplishments you have made Your education and training Listing of your previous work experience

A resume is your own personal advertisement! Hire Me!!!

It sells your qualifications and potential

Parts of the Resume Contact information Contact information Career Objective Career Objective Education Education Work experience Work experience Volunteer Experience Volunteer Experience Awards, honors & accomplishments Awards, honors & accomplishments Extracurricular activities Extracurricular activities Skills and abilities Skills and abilities

Career Objective Identifies the type of position you are applying for Identifies the type of position you are applying for Three major parts Three major parts Level of position Level of position Type of industry, business, or career area Type of industry, business, or career area Major strengths you have to offer Major strengths you have to offer

Types of Resumes “Chronological” Most commonly used Most commonly used Easiest and least time consuming to create Easiest and least time consuming to create Generally preferred by most employers Generally preferred by most employers Lists current or most recent work experience first, followed by previous jobs Lists current or most recent work experience first, followed by previous jobs

Types of Resumes “Functional” Frequently used by those with “gaps” in employment periods Frequently used by those with “gaps” in employment periods Summarizes education and work experience but “down plays” dates Summarizes education and work experience but “down plays” dates Harder to compose Harder to compose Employers don’t always like – it can disguise a job seeker’s faults Employers don’t always like – it can disguise a job seeker’s faults

Resume “Don’ts” Lie or exaggerate Lie or exaggerate Include hobbies, personal information, social Security number, or salary history Include hobbies, personal information, social Security number, or salary history Use pronouns, abbreviations Use pronouns, abbreviations Overdo use of bold & italics Overdo use of bold & italics Use small type, overcrowd margins Use small type, overcrowd margins

Resume “Do’s” Be concise, accurate, positive List your most recent job first Stress skills, accomplishments Use action verbs Make resume attractive to read Have someone proofread before giving to a potential employer

Action Words and Skills Short concise skill statements (not sentences) Be interesting and enthusiastic – not boring and humble Words that “show” what you did Operated, managed, displayed, painted, etc.

References References are generally left off the actual resume. They are to be typed on a separate sheet. References are generally left off the actual resume. They are to be typed on a separate sheet. You will need to be able to list at least 3 people (NOT RELATIVES) that have recognized your skills, accomplishments or personal qualities You will need to be able to list at least 3 people (NOT RELATIVES) that have recognized your skills, accomplishments or personal qualities

References – Who to Use Former Employers Former Employers Teachers Teachers Coaches Coaches Guidance Counselors Guidance Counselors Club Sponsors Club Sponsors

References (Sample Format) Jennie Rook Career Development Coordinator First Flight High School P. O. Box Veterans Drive Kill Devil Hills, NC /