AMY MCAULIFFE COOPER UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ONWARD CAREER ADVISOR, CPRW NOVEMBER 6 TH, 2010 Resume Writing – Keys to Success

Resume Quiz – True or False Retelling your experience as it appears in a job description is preferred Using strong action verbs (Managed, Led, Analyzed) to describe skills and accomplishments is a good idea ½ inch margins framing the resume text are fine “References available on request” should not be listed at the end of a resume Font size should be 10pt or larger

Keys to Creating a Strong Resume Aesthetics matter – the first impression is important: NAME should stand out – a resume sells YOU first and foremost Font size 10pt and higher – don’t make the reader squint Margins appearing to be 1” frame the text – crowded resumes are tossed ONE phone number and address – more than one creates an unnecessary decision for the recruiter Action verbs lead off bullet points to highlight applicable and transferable skills and accomplishments Results conclude bullet points and are quantified with numbers or qualitative words Sell YOU in a way meaningful to THEM (the hiring agent/recruiter) Do not be ME focused but focus on relating your skills to them Do not waste real estate describing past employers Length appropriate to years experience OR resume style Some recruiters and companies are going to the ONE page rule for ALL resumes adding credence to the LESS is MORE philosophy CVs – are often longer than conventional corporate resumes

Addressing the Employment GAP Spell it out to avoid questions and concerns 1999 – 2008 Voluntarily left corporate employment to raise small children and/or care for ailing parents Use Volunteer Experience to highlight relevant transferable skills and leadership talents 2004 – 2006 PTA President, Ilchester Elementary School * Directed PTA Board of 12 members, scheduled and facilitated monthly board meetings with school administrators to assure various school initiatives were achieved * Led fundraising efforts resulting in over $15,000, exceeding goal by 5% 2007 – 2009 Parish Council Treasurer, OLPH Parish * Managed $55K budget and reconciled books for parish of 2,600 members

Getting Started - Strategy for Success Data dump your past experiences:  Education, Training/Certifications  Work History  Volunteer Roles  Community Involvement/Leadership Cherry pick accomplishments from your data dump that highlight relevant and transferable skills for what you seek to do  Transferable skills - skills demonstrated in one context that can be used in a new manner:  Analytical – a trained financial analyst who is comfortable forecasting income statements to determine equity values can leverage these analytical skills as a brand manager creating a P&L statement for a product she is managing Use keys to creating a strong resume to guide the writing process Format to address aesthetics and length Send to friends or mentors you trust for feedback

Questions and Resources Your Questions Complimentary Resume Review Offer  Send word version to: Two books I’ve used and endorse:  Back on the Career Track by Vivian Rabin and Carol Cohen, iRelaunch co-founders  Resume Magic by Susan Britton Whitcomb, CPRW