Resume Writing Workshop Instructor: Name, Title US Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program Date:

Introduction Have you signed the class roster? Do you have a Trainee Handout packet? Facilities About the topic

Topic Objectives Describe the importance and purpose of a resume. Recall the information that is common to all resumes (the anatomy). Differentiate between the three different types of resumes. Select the resume that is most appropriate for your work history so that your job skills can best be presented. Identify skill sets and write skills statements. Draft a functional (skills-based) resume targeted to the job you are seeking.

Describe the Resume Purpose and Importance. First impressions are important. Make sure the resume is: Well written Written in commonly used language Attractive, relevant, and targeted Anatomy Contact information Career Summary or Job Objective Education and Training Work Experience Skill Statements Put “sellable” points first

Different Types of Resumes Chronological Functional (skills-based) Combination Your choice of resume should be based on your work history, but should be targeted to your job goal.

Different Types of Resumes continued Chronological Most common format: most recent job listed first. Use when you have a continuous employment history and you want to call attention to your stable work history. Focus on activities that are similar to what you want to do in your new job.

Different Types of Resumes continued Functional (skills-based) Use to highlight your skills and accomplishments rather than your work history. Effective when you are switching fields or your job titles don’t do justice to your abilities. Focus on the skills that support your new job goal.

Different Types of Resumes continued Combination Uses aspects from both the chronological and functional formats Lists your jobs from most recent to earliest, then highlights responsibilities and accomplishments within each job listed. Effective when you have held several jobs with significant responsibilities and accomplishments.

Identifying Skills Use Handouts, page 8 (Functional Skill Headings) to: Identify skills required by job Identify your skills Write skills statements

Practice Exercise: Sample Job Description (15 minutes) Break into groups of 3-4 people Identify the skills a job announcement is looking for Use page 8 (Functional Skill Headings) of your handouts as a guide Write 4 skill headings and one sentence under each Use handouts (page 2 Sample Skills Statements and page 9 Action Verbs) Come together to discuss as a large group

Draft Your Own Functional Resume Identify skills required by job Handouts, page 8 (Functional Skill Headings) Identify your skills Write skills statements Handouts, page 4 (Skill Sets Worksheet) See page 6 (Functional Format Sample Class) to see where your skills sets worksheet should be placed in your resume. Handouts, page 2 (Sample Skills Statements) Handouts, page 9 (Action Verbs)

Summary We have learned about: The purpose, importance, and anatomy of resumes The 3 different types of resumes. How to identify skills. How to write skills statements

Post-Lecture Exercise/Requirement Register in http://www.vetsuccess.gov/ Post here after you finalize your resume.

Are there any questions?