Resume Writing Workshop Presenting Your Experience and Skills University of Pennsylvania Career Services

What is the purpose of a resume? 1.Send to potential employer to get an interview 2.Facilitate an interview 3.Share information with people who offer to help you with your job or college search 4.Supplement information on a job or scholarship application 5.All of the above

The Trouble with Resumes From USA Today Snapshots… – Dishonesty and Lies 36% – Too Long 21% – Errors & Misspellings 19% – Lack of Specifics 12% – Irrelevant Material 11% – Failure to List Accomplishments 10% – Too Short 2%

A Good Resume Should… Invite you to read it, with a clear layout Stress most important qualities, strengths, accomplishments, and skills in relationship to specific position Use the vocabulary of the industry, but not jargon Stress value delivered, not just duties Be free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors

Before you begin, remember: A good resume takes time and effort Capitalize on ALL experiences Only present accurate and true information Target your resume – know your audience Be creative within professional guidelines

Brainstorming and Organization Make lists of everything – Classes, Research Papers, Honors/Awards, Work Experiences, Volunteer Experiences, Elected Positions, Interests, Computer Skills, Lab Skills, Accomplishments, Publications, etc. Consider possible headings – Contact Information, Education, Work Experience, Research Experience, Leadership Experience, Interests, Computer Skills, etc.

Demonstrate Transferable Skills Show how the skills you developed in one area can be applied in the job you want – Class Projects: Teamwork Skills – Waiting Tables: Customer Service Skills – Club Newsletter Editor: Ability to Meet Deadlines – Camp Counselor: Interpersonal Skills

Resume Wording Use action words to stress accomplishments – Examples: Administered, researched, conducted, coordinated, evaluated, supervised, founded, analyzed, managed, coordinated, trained, advised, consulted Avoid phrases like “Responsibilities included” when possible Past and present tenses are acceptable Avoid complete sentences, pronouns, articles Mention the impact you made where possible.

Formatting Guidelines Not a list – quality of information is more important than quantity Include sufficient white space – blank lines between entries –.75 inch margins minimum Font size should be points – headings slightly larger Not too fancy – should be professional Use easy to read font (ie: Times New Roman)

Consider Resume Formats ChronologicalSample 11 – Easy to read and traditional – Stresses more recent experiences – Emphasizes continuity and growth FunctionalSample 22 – Flexible about presenting information – Highlights skills more than specific jobs – May be viewed suspiciously by some employers Mixed Sample 33 – Combines chronological and functional formats – Works well for students with both related and unrelated experiences

Purpose of Cover Letters Introduce (or reintroduce) yourself Express your interest in and knowledge of the organization and position Clarify and highlight your specific qualifications for the position, paying close attention to job description Serve as writing sample Facilitate next steps

Cover Letter Format First Paragraph: Introduce yourself, indicate what position you are applying for, demonstrate knowledge and interest in position and organization Middle Paragraphs (2 – 3): Elaborate on a few specific strengths/experiences that align well with the position. Final Paragraph: Encourage an interview. Discuss next steps.

Questions?