Writing a Resume Thursday, December 4th

KWL Chart activity Explain the KWL chart Instructions: Write on the sheet of paper what you already know about resumes and what you want to know about resumes. At the end we will add what we learned about resumes.

Partner Activity Would you hire Debi? Examine and discuss Debi’s resume with your partner . You can make comments and/or circle items on her resume that you and your partner think needs to be corrected/changed. What impression do you get from this person? What judgments have you made about her already?  You haven't ever met her, would you hire her?

It is a brief summary of your skills, education, and experience. It acts much like an advertisement for a company trying to sell something. It is your advertisement! It is one of the most important pieces of writing you will ever create. A solid resume is the key that will open the door to good jobs. Don’t cheat yourself...work hard on it.

What is the purpose of a resume? To get a job interview. On average it takes 10 interviews to get 1 job offer….so your resume needs to be persuasive. It should be concise and factual. It needs to also be positive listing of your education, employment history, and accomplishments.

Where to begin? Necessary items: Heading/Contact Information Objective Education History Previous Job Experience Activities Honors/Awards Summary of Skills References It should be divided in distinct sections. Information under sections should be organized in chronological order (if date is listed).

What should you provide? Heading: Contact Information What should you provide? At least: Current Address Contact Phone # Additional items: Email Address Cell Phone # Your formal name (not nickname) should appear at the top and it should stand out above all else on the paper You want them to remember who you are in less than 30 seconds.

Objective What is an objective? Example: It is generally a one sentence explanation of the type of job you are seeking. Be Specific, Short, and Concise User-Centered—which means it is tailored to the specific organization or job position. Employers often say this is the most important part of a resume.

Education List the Education you have achieved. Name of the institution where you earned your degree. City and State of the institution Date of when you graduated or degree was earned. Specific degree earned. Major/Minor GPA

Work experience Your work experience should be listed in chronological order. You can list first-to-most recent or most recent-to-first job. You should include: Previous Employers Their Address Your Dates of Employment Your Job Title Job Description/Job Duties or Responsibilities

Work Experience example

Honors, Awards, and Activities Employers like to see people who have been involved in school or community activities. Employers also like to see any Honors or Awards that you received in school or from previous employers. List the Honor, Award, and Activity that you would like to showcase along with the dates that apply.

Summary of skills You should use this section to include special skills or talents that are not included elsewhere on the resume, but would be relevant to the employer.

references Only ask people who will speak well of you. You should have 2 – 3 people who have observed your work habits (employers, teachers, coaches, etc.) Make sure you have asked their permission to include them as references. Only ask people who will speak well of you. Create a list of references including their names, addresses, employers, job titles, and phone numbers.

Final tips and suggestions Sell yourself! Create a good first impression by highlighting skills and abilities appropriate to the position. Tell the truth and nothing but the truth! Choose your words carefully. In a resume, you need to sound positive and confident, neither too aggressive nor overly modest. Make sure your resume is PERFECT! (Error Free) Limit your resume to one page. One inch margins around the page and blank lines between sections will make all the information easier to read. Since you probably have little work experience, you will want to emphasize your accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

Pocket resumes You will be creating a “pocket résumé” that will assist you later when they begin to look for employment. Fold and cut the paper into eighths (pocket size). Each section of the résumé will go on a different page. Design a cover for their résumé. On every new section, write a title describing the information located on that page. On the first page, students should write their name, address, and phone number. The second page will contain the objective or job goal. It should be simple and to the point. And so on……

On a sticky note, describe 1-2 items that you learned. Exit Ticket On a sticky note, describe 1-2 items that you learned. Place your sticky note on the “L” section on the KWL chart. Be sure to put your name on them.

You will have your “pocket resume” as a guide. Resume Assignment Homework: Type a formal resume. You will have your “pocket resume” as a guide. Hand out grading rubric.