RESUME WRITING-Part 1 Mr. Endicott Career Class

What is a Resume? A resume is a short document that details your qualifications for a job

How much time do you think someone will look at your resume? About 20 seconds

What are the 3 types of resumes? 1. Print- Word, etc. 2. Electronic- Various databases 3. Web-Based- you create it- “my perfect resume”

What makes a winning resume? Quickly shows you have the qualifications Demonstrates that you can meet the employer’s needs- (show knowledge of the job and what you have accomplished that is similar) Suggests you are likeable/works well with others (Stress activities, teamwork and leadership-use words like accurate, cooperative, flexible, organized) Appeals to both human and electronic reviewers- (Some employers scan, have databases but some still read-use keywords and action words)

Four steps to preparing your resume 1. Decide on your job objective - even if you don’t write it on the resume 2. Choose most appropriate layout- which one works the bet for you 3. Organize it carefully and write forcefully- use action phrases not sentences-use numbers and specific examples- ”raised $3,000- for American Cancer Society while…”-use keywords and industry terminology- “Dreamweaver, Access, Holland Codes, Flash, etc.” 4. Fine tune each section- Include sections of resume most relevant

3 Most Appropriate Resume Layouts Chronological -list your employment history with most recent first-typical of college student Functional-If you lack directly related experience-skills-based resume Combination-Do summary of skills then list your experiences with most recent first-not many college students use this

Organization & Format Appropriate length: maximum limit-2 pgs-most of you will have 1 page Use standard fonts like Times-Roman, Arial or Calibri Use bolds for items you want to stand out 1 inch margins 12 inch font for inner text inch for name Use 8 1/2 by 11 inch resume stock paper that is white or light color- quality (16-25 lb.) bond paper Present strongest qualifications first Brief succinct language; no unnecessary words Appropriate format includes keyword phrases of profession Begin phrases or sentences with powerful action verbs Bold the Functional Titles (Objective, Education, Activities, etc.) Always use action verbs with simple, easy to describe entries Dates should be right-aligned

Good luck! Make that resume stand out and help you land that job you want!