Resume and Cover Letter Development Chapter 5

5 | 2 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The Big Picture Chapter 5 provides the foundations for preparing a resume, cover letter, and other types of professional correspondence used during the job search process.

5 | 3 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Chapter Topics Purpose of the Resume Types of Resumes Resume Formats Guidelines to Creating a Resume Strategies for using E-Resumes Cover Letters References and Recommendations

5 | 4 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Learning Objectives Explain the purpose of a resume. List the elements that are typically required on a resume. Discuss some general guidelines for preparing a resume. Compare and contrast the various types of resumes. Describe the various formats in which resumes can be prepared. Explain the general guidelines for making a resume scannable. Discuss how to appropriately a resume.

5 | 5 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Learning Objectives (cont’d) Explain how resumes can be entered into Web site databases. Describe how to be cyber-safe. Demonstrate the ability to write a variety of different types of correspondence letters. Demonstrate the ability to prepare a professional resume. Demonstrate the ability to prepare a reference sheet. Demonstrate the ability to write a cover letter.

5 | 6 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Case In Point Questions How can a resume indicate if an individual is organized, detailed, and professional? How much weight should the appearance of a resume carry in the selection process?

5 | 7 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Case In Point Questions (cont’d) Do you think Mike is being unfair to applicants who do not exhibit these skills through the appearance of their resumes? Should Mike consider these individuals anyway? If you have developed a resume, do you think your resume indicates that you are an organized, detailed, and professional individual? If so, how? If not, why not?

5 | 8 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Purposes of a Resume Demonstrates qualifications Leads to an interview

5 | 9 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Content of the Resume Should be a summary of skills Important factors –Word choice –Appearance

5 | 10 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Resume Preparation Guidelines Know your skills and abilities. Have your information outlined prior to writing your resume. Be clear on the position for which you are applying.

5 | 11 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Resume Preparation Guidelines (cont’d) Utilize appropriate tools to give your resume a professional appearance. Choose an appropriate resume for the job.

5 | 12 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The Chronological Resume Lists professional experience in reverse chronological order Is typically preferred by employers Perceived as fact-based and can be easily reviewed Works best for individuals with consistent experience and job history

5 | 13 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The Functional Resume Lists experience by type (not chronologically) May be perceived as more difficult to review Uses –Work history is varied with no clear career link between jobs –New college graduates entering the workforce with little work experience –Past job titles do not clearly indicate the level of skills used –When trying to make a career change

5 | 14 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Combination Resume Blends features of both chronological and functional resumes Lists experience and job history in reverse chronological order

5 | 15 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Curriculum Vitae Detailed description of all academic and professional pursuits Can be 15–20 pages Commonly used in academic and research settings Appropriate for individuals who have extensive experience and credentials

5 | 16 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The Electronic Resume Intended to be delivered via or an online application form Has no text formatting Be aware of guidelines for electronic processing of a resume

5 | 17 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Web Resume Posted on the Internet Has the capacity to include electronic media such as video, audio, and advanced graphics Often used to display skills in designing HTML documents Beneficial to individuals seeking art or graphics positions

5 | 18 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Resume Formats Printable version Scannable version Plaintext (ASCII) version version

5 | 19 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Information on the Resume Contact information –Name, address, telephone number, and address Summary of qualifications Education –Names and locations of schools, dates attended and date of graduation, major course of study, and degree earned Work history (paid experience)

5 | 20 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Information on the Resume (cont’d) Volunteer work history (unpaid experience) Specialty certifications, credentials, or licenses Military experience Professional memberships and positions held Information regarding special skills, recognition, and achievements

5 | 21 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Guidelines for Completing a Resume –Customize your resume. –Be prepared with the information you need prior to writing your resume. –Select the best resume type for your needs. –Use resources on the Internet to help with the composition of your resume. –Consider additions to your resume based on your field. –Try to limit functional or chronological resumes to one page. –Use bullets for an easy read.

5 | 22 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Guidelines for Completing a Resume (cont’d) –Use action verbs and phrases to describe your accomplishments and skills. –Use a professional tone. –Use a professional address. –Include all important information that employers will want. –Check for accuracy. –Represent well-rounded skills. –Use discretion with personal interests.

5 | 23 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Guidelines for Completing a Resume (cont’d) –Be honest about your abilities. –Include only postsecondary experience. –Do not list personal information on your resume. –Limit lengthy experience. –Pay attention to mechanics. –Get a professional opinion. –Include a thoughtful career objective. –Check for legibility. –List references separately.

5 | 24 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Strategies for Using E-Resumes An electronic resume is a MUST. Keywords are key. Your e-resume must be filled with accomplishments. Read the instructions so you post your resume according to the requirements of the employer or job board.

5 | 25 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Safety on the Web Limit where you post your resume. Pay attention to privacy policies. Expect a trial period. Give general information. Keep information current. Remove promptly when appropriate.

5 | 26 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Purpose of a Cover Letter Provides additional information Introduces the applicant –Should be one page in length Focuses on what applicant offers to the employer

5 | 27 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Guidelines for the Cover Letter Write each cover letter in response to a specific job. Keep copies of all cover letters. Provide information that illustrates skills and experiences that matches what the organization is seeking. Address letter to a specific person (when possible). Mention referrals in opening paragraph. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, spacing, professional tone, and paper quality. Elements of cover letter should match resume.

5 | 28 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Format for the Cover Letter Formal conversational tone Brief first paragraph –States job being applied for and where the applicant learned about the position Body of the letter –One to three paragraphs –Includes qualifications and experiences –Links abilities and experiences to the desired job The last paragraph contains a request for further contact and how this contact can be achieved.

5 | 29 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Other Types of Correspondence Thank-you letters Letters of inquiry Letters requesting withdrawal of a job application Acceptance letters Letters to decline an offer correspondence

5 | 30 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Effective References Have given their permission to be used as reference Can match applicant’s experience with the job Have the tools they need when the employer contacts them Are kept in the loop about when they will be contacted Are thanked with a personal note Are contacted after the fact

5 | 31 Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Chapter Summary Purpose of the Resume Types of Resumes Resume Formats Guidelines to Creating a Resume Strategies for Using E-Resumes Cover Letters References and Recommendations