Resume Writing Workshop

What is a Resume? A resume is a one or two page summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience. Your resume's purpose is to get your foot in the door. A resume does its job successfully if it does not exclude you from consideration. To prepare a successful resume, you need to know how to review, summarize, and present your experiences and achievements on one page. Unless you have considerable experience, you don't need two pages. Outline your achievements briefly and concisely. Your resume is your ticket to an interview where you can sell yourself!

THE BASICS Paper: plain bright white Font: Times,Arial,Courier Font Size: 10 or 12 pt. Length of resume: 2 PAGES MAX!

CONTENT Name, address, telephone, address, web site address: All your contact information should go at the top of your resume. Avoid nicknames. Use a permanent address. Use your parents' address, a friend's address, or the address you plan to use after graduation. Use a permanent telephone number and include the area code. If you have an answering machine, record a neutral greeting.

CONTENT Add your address. Many employers will find it useful. (Note: Choose an address that sounds professional.) Include your web site address only if the web page reflects your professional ambitions.

CONTENT: Objective An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do. Be specific about the job you want. For example: To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills. Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek.

CONTENT: Objective,Con’t. While it's important for your resume to include a clear career goal, you don't have to convey it through an Objective section. The majority of job seekers may incorporate their career goals into a Qualifications Summary instead.Qualifications Summary

CONTENT: Education Place education before experience if you are a recent graduate or have less than five years of work experience. If you are changing careers and have continued your education to support your new goal, education should come first. Include applicable coursework.

CONTENT: Education Include certifications If you are a student or recent graduate, list your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. Consider including a lower GPA if you are in a very challenging program. Add your major GPA if it's higher than your overall GPA.

CONTENT: Education Include academic honors to show you excelled in your program. For example: Ace College -- Springfield, Illinois BA in Accounting (cum laude), June Delta Gamma Delta Honor Society, Dean's List, GPA: 3.9

Qualifications Summary 1. Conduct Research on Your Ideal Job The more closely you can target your profile to the employer's needs, the better your results will be. Start by searching jobs for your ideal position. Compare the ads and write a list of common job requirements and preferred qualifications. searching jobs

Qualifications Summary 2. Assess Your Credentials Based on your research, how do you measure up? How would you help potential employers meet their goals? Besides the qualifications described, do you offer any added bonus? If you are lacking in one area, do you make up for it with other credentials?

Work Experience Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order—that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. action

Work Experience Include: Title of position, Name of organization Location of work (town, state) Dates of employment Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.specific skills

Other Experience A staff member at your career services office can advise you on other information to add to your resume. You may want to add: Key or special skills or competencies, Leadership experience in volunteer organizations, Participation in sports. Awards

References Ask people if they are willing to serve as references before you give their names to a potential employer. Do not include your reference information on your resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume: "References furnished on request."

How do I ask for References? Inform them of your goals and interests. Provide a copy of your transcript and job description. Follow up with a hand written thank you note.

RECORD KEEPING Keep copies of the ads you responded to. Write when you sent/ ed/faxed your resume.

Important Resources Monster.com jobweb.com “Knock ‘Em Dead”, 2006, by Martin Yates – approximate cost $15.00