Resume Writing Preparing for Success!!!

What are Resumes? Resumes are a summary of your education, employment history, and accomplishments that are relevant to an employer it is also referred to as a curriculum vitae (cv) or a personal data sheet resumes are an easy way to contact many people cheaply and efficiently a good resume will hold the reader’s attention and create a positive impression for the writer (many employers will receive a large number of resumes for every job opening thus you want to make yours stand out in a positive way!) a resume should be no more than two pages in length (one page is often better) you are trying to convince an employer that you are capable of doing a good job and that you are genuinely interested in working for them

Purpose or Function? resumes serve several different functions during the job search process: –Inventory of your experiences – helps you clarify your value as an employee –Summary for an employer – helps employers determine if you should get an interview –Interview outline for both the employer and employee. The employer will seek clarification of resume items and employee will try to highlight resume items as strengths for the job –Review material for employers after an interview (remind them of who you are and what you bring to the table) as well as filed for future job openings

Elements of a Resume? Your resume should address the following categories: –Career Goals – usually a one line statement that expresses your career intentions. It allows an employer to see how your career goal fits the needs of the organization –Personal Information – includes your name, address, telephone number, address –Education – this includes all education and training. Include any extra courses or seminars you have taken and any diploma, degree, certification, or license you received –Employment – include the names and phone numbers of all of your past employers. List also your volunteer work and work experience you had through school programs

Elements of a Resume Continued –Skills – there are three types of skills: 1) technical skills which are practical skills learned such as languages and computer competency; 2) self management skills which are personal skills such as organizing and communicating; 3) and transferable skills which are skills that can be applied to many different situations such as mathematics –Activities and Interests – allows a potential employer to gain insight to your personality. Only include if it is relevant. –References – a person who recommends you to a potential employer and could verify your qualities as a potential employee. Do not use family members as references. Contact any references you intend to use in advance so that they are not surprised when your potential employer contacts them!