Your Winning Resume Mark A. Wade, Ph.D. Manager of Human Resources and Director of Safety and Compliance American Agricultural Economics Association July 25, 2005

The challenge of writing a powerful resume is to capture not only the tangible aspects of one’s education and experience, but also the essence of that person’s dreams, attitudes and personality.

Effective Resumes Begin with Self Evaluation Be honest Don’t analyze the value of the skill or experience at first – just list – then evaluate List EVERYTHING – large and small Sometimes jobs hinge on one small but important skill or experience Tangible and intangible – don’t take evaluation out of the employers hand When you list a skill or competency – write an example

1. RESOURCES identifies, organizes, plans, manages resources 2. INTERPERSONAL works well with others 3. INFORMATION acquires, organizes, uses information 4. SYSTEMS understands complex social, organizational and technical systems 5. TECHNOLOGY Five Workplace Competencies

My number one rule of resume writing – Don’t get yourself screened out!

Don’t use a PO Box address Employment goal – alternative is to list on cover letter Don’t include personal data (unless it benefits you) GPA One page resumes – how long should they be? Resume or Curriculum Vitae Willingness to relocate Percentage of college education YOU paid for Paper – make sure it is the same Reverse chronological order When Building a Powerful Resume

They can’t hire you if they can’t find you Avoid fancy fonts and figures Use a well organized format Write concisely and clearly Be consistent Be truthful What do you have to offer? What makes you unique? Sell yourself Edit, edit and edit again When Building a Powerful Resume (continued)

Three Approaches: Education Based Skills Based Experienced Based Building a Powerful Resume

Remember, it is YOUR resume you are writing

Highlight your strengths Fit the position – utilize the position description Use a structure that works for YOU!!! The Curriculum Vitae A Resume and Curriculum Vitae are not the same thing!

Thank You