Building a Resume That Gets Attention

Resume Quiz How long does an employer look at a resume? 30 seconds 2 minutes 5 minutes 30 minutes

Resume Quiz That’s right! 30 Seconds!

Resume Know-How How do I grab the employer’s attention?  Easy to read  Logical flow  Focused on accomplishments PAR statements  Targeted to reader  Intriguing Sample Resumes

KEY POINTS – THE DO’S Clean format that is easy to read/easy to scan. Most important information first. Choose strong headings. Stress results, skills, and accomplishments rather than duties. Write to an outsider. Use consistent tense. Begin sentences with action verbs. Laser print on quality paper.

KEY POINTS – THE DON’TS #1 Resume mistake???? ERRORS!!! Do not include personal information. Avoid personal pronouns. Do not have a 2 nd page, unless it is a full 2 nd page and very relevant. Avoid use of abbreviations, slang or jargon.

Categories of a Resume Identifying Information Objective Education Experience Skills Activities, Honors, Interests References

Identifying Information Name Permanent address Temporary address (if applies) Phone number address Web sites- be careful

Objective A clear, concise statement expressing your goal Gives resume structure Be specific 4 ways to focus  Position, Industry, Skills, Long-term goals

Sample Objectives To obtain a challenging position in technical sales utilizing my scientific knowledge and communication skills. Seeking an entry level position in wellness education. To obtain a laboratory position in the biotechnology industry.

Education University and BS degree Graduation Date Majors & Minors Include GPA if Relevant Coursework Can include honors Expenses Paid Research Projects (here or experience section)

Sample Education North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC Bachelor of Science in Agronomy Concentration in Turfgrass Management GPA: 3.4/4.0 Projected Graduation: May 2007 Multiple Scholarship Recipient, Dean’s List

Experience Paid Jobs Volunteer Work Internships, Co-ops Family Business Family Farm Student Groups Leadership Roles

Formatting Experience Title of position Name/Location of organization What you accomplished on the job Use action wordsaction words

Action Words Incorrect  I took the weight of the animals. I made appointments. I checked blood samples. Correct  Weighed animals; scheduled appointments; assisted vet with lab analysis.

Better Action Words Stress accomplishments over duties  Computerized office record-keeping procedures; earned vet assistant certificate via on-the-job experience.  Managed research project investigating water quality; managed budget, supervised internship staff, presented findings to board.

ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS Past tense – still doing or did before Use action verbs Quantify & qualify “Responsible for campers” Becomes “Planned and coordinated activities and fieldtrips for 30 children ages 6 – 12” “Operated cash register” Becomes..... “Provided prompt and friendly service to patrons and averaged $1000 in daily sales”

EXPERIENCE - Sample Server, Houlihan’s, Jobsville, PA, 9/04 – present. Handled orders for over 200 patrons daily, including business, family, and tourist clientele Succeeded in providing excellent communicative, tactful and proficient services Independently resolved customer complaints and dissatisfaction Averaged $600 in daily sales

Skills  Computer  Technical  Laboratory  Communication  Leadership  Language

Sample Skills Proficient with analytical methods such as ELISA, HPLC, GC, and Titrations. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Internet, Applications, and Database Programs. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Activities, Honors, Interests Clubs Leadership Roles Professional Associations Unusual hobbies Include only if active member Avoid “padding”

ACTIVITIES Can be place in experience section to draw attention to something meaningful NCSU Intercollegiate Soccer Team Awarded a four year athletic scholarship Trained year round, approximately 25 hours a week Selected as a Wolfpack Team Representative (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) Managed a demanding schedule as an athlete and full time student, maintaining a 3.4 GPA Demonstrated leadership skills as the team captain, junior and senior year of college

References Available on request At least 3 to support your candidacy Talk with your references FIRST On separate page Bring to interview Include all particulars (name, title, company, address, phone, )

Formatting Resumes Needs to look professional One page is preferable Organize for reader Visually pleasing Use quality paper Proof, edit, proof, edit…..

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