1 Your Resume--- The Road to Success How to Prepare an Effective Resume

Resume’ Realities  The second rule: employers will determine within the first seconds whether or not to keep your resume.  Employers don’t want to read “fluff”, they want to read facts.  Grammatical errors: they will be noticed!  There are many other applicants that are competing for the job you’re interested in. A Guide To Resume Writing2

What is a Resume’?  It IS:  brief and to the point.  specific to the objective.  based on facts.  based on your accomplishments.  a document that can be changed and revised.  simple and easy to read.  It IS NOT:  a long-winded biography.  general and vague.  based on opinions.  based solely upon your past duties.  a document that is “set in stone”.  a document that has clip art or pictures on it. A Guide To Resume Writing3

Resume’ Principles  No ugly resume – format must be pleasing to the eye  Do not lie, exaggerate or use words that the interviewer has to look up in a dictionary  Focus on strengths and accomplishments A Guide To Resume Writing4

5 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.

A Guide To Resume Writing6 The Content of Your Resume Name, address, telephone, address, web site address All your contact information should go at the top of your resume.  Avoid nicknames.  Use a permanent address.  Use a permanent telephone number and include the area code. For your voice mail, record a neutral greeting.  Add your address. (Note: Choose an address that sounds professional.) NOT-  Include your web site address only if the web page reflects your professional ambitions.

A Guide To Resume Writing7 Objective or Summary An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do.  Be specific about the job you want. For example: To obtain an entry-level position at a restaurant  Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek.

A Guide To Resume Writing8 Education If you don’t have a lot of work experience, list educational information first. YYour most recent educational information is listed first. AAdd your area of study. Are you in Culinary Department, Business Department? AAdd your grade point average (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0. MMention academic honors.

9 Work Experience Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order—that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include:  Title of position,  Name of organization  Location of work (town, state)  Dates of employment  Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.

A Guide To Resume Writing10 Summary Summary - Resume Checkup You've written your resume. Have an adult read it and look for the following - Content: RRun a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your resume. GGet a friend (an English major would do nicely) to do a grammar review. AAsk another friend to proofread. The more people who see your resume, the more likely that misspelled words and awkward phrases will be seen (and corrected).

Resume’ DON’Ts  Avoid abbreviations and acronyms  Never use pronouns such as: “I”, “me”, “my”,“our”  No fancy fonts, binders, or layouts A Guide To Resume Writing11

A Guide To Resume Writing12 Assignment – Begin the Resume’ Worksheet