1. RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP

2. INTRODUCTION You only get one chance to make a first impression! Your first contact with a prospective employer will be when he or she reads your resume. First impressions are lasting – so think of your resume as an extension of you! Never forget that the goal of a resume is to obtain a job interview.

3. WHAT IS A RESUME? A resume is your personal information sheet that introduces your skills and abilities to the employer. A resume should present you as an organized and motivated person. A resume should show the employer that you are serious about finding a job.

4. A NOTE TO THE WISE! There is no such thing as the “right” or “wrong” resume. The best indicator of whether your resume is doing its job is by answering this question, “Are employers contacting you?

5. BASIC GUIDELINES Most resumes should be one page. A resume should look neat, concise and be easy to read. A resume should contain information on your work history, education, volunteer activities, military experiences and skills. A job objective should be clearly stated.

6. DETAILS OF RESUME WRITING Font Size: 10-12 font size 10 12 Headings: Place in center or on the left margin. CAPITALIZED, bold, underline can be used to emphasize important information. Dates: Place on the left margin or integrated into the description. Dates should look like the following: 09/06 or September 2006

7. DETAILS OF RESUME WRITING Paper: 8 ½” x 11”,white or ivory, and 100% cotton fiver. Margins: 1” margins on either side and 1 ½ margins top and bottom. Typeface: “ Times New Roman ” or “Arial” are usually the best to use. Spacing: a resume with too much space or very little space looks bad – fill up the page, but double space!

8. RESUME CHECKLIST Be sure to review your resume before sending it to an employer. Make sure your resume is easy to read with NO spelling or grammatical errors. Emphasize your skills, achievements and other accomplishments if relevant to the objective in your resume.

9. HIGHLIGHT YOUR SKILLS! There are two basic types of skills: 1. “Hard skills”- skills that have been learned such as computer knowledge, medical coding, using power tools. 2. “Soft skills” – personality characteristics such as dependable, hard-working, team player.

10. RANSFERABLE SKILLS Transferable skills are skills that you have obtained through past jobs and/or volunteer work. The goal is to take your current skills and transfer them over to the job you want. This will show employers that your current skills can be beneficial to them. Transferable skills are important to emphasize if you are changing careers or have gaps in your work history T

11. RANSFERABLE SKILLS People skills

12. FUNCTIONAL STYLE RESUME THIS IS THE RESUME YOU WANT TO WRITE! Clearly tells your work skills and abilities. Works well for people with little or no work experience. Purpose is to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in terms of future goals. Highlights your transferable skills. Answers the employer’s question about whether you are qualified for the job.

13. Your name Address Phone # Cel# e-mail address OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position as an Onsite Apartment Manager SKILLS: *bilingual *very good communications skills *team player *excellent people skills *computer knowledgeable *ect…. EDUCATION: R.O.P. Apartment/ Property Management Certificate Competent in… *fair housing *marketing *management responsibilities *closing techniques *resident retention * Maintenance plan * evictions * EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: Household manager The bookers Residence August 1998 to October 2006 Responsibilities: Managed household finances. Coordinated time schedules efficiently. Maintained inventory of household supplies and necessities. Provided a safe and healthy environment for all the residents of the household. Responsible for handling difficult situations, solving problem and making d decisions as needed. REFERENCES: Available upon request

14. CHRONOLOGICAL STYLE RESUME This resume emphasizes your past work experiences. This resume style is only useful if you are applying for a job that you have already done before.

15. Your name Address Phone # Cel# e-mail address OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position as an Onsite Apartment Manager SKILLS: *bilingual *very good communications skills *team player *excellent people skills *computer knowledgeable *ect…. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: Household manager The bookers Residence August 1998 to October 2006 Responsibilities: Managed household finances. Coordinated time schedules efficiently. Maintained inventory of household supplies and necessities. Provided a safe and healthy environment for all the residents of the household. Responsible for handling difficult situations, solving problem and making d decisions as needed. EDUCATION: R.O.P. Apartment/ Property Management Certificate Competent in… *fair housing *marketing *management responsibilities *closing techniques *resident retention * Maintenance plan * evictions * REFERENCES: Available upon request

16. THE PROFESSIONAL RESUME If you want a professional looking resume, use 100% cotton fiber paper: White, Off-white, Light Tan, Light Gray. As resumes are often faxed, have one copy on plain white paper. If you are e-mailing a resume, be sure you have used the correct software program so the employer is able to access your resume.

17. QUESTIONS?

18. WRITING A COVER LETTER First paragraph: State the name of the job for which you are applying and how you learned about the job opening. Second paragraph: Emphasize skills and abilities that relate to the open position. However, do not repeat what is said on your resume. Third paragraph: Thank the employer and request an interview.

19. A cover letter is an essential part of an application A cover letter is your opportunity to humanize the application process and let the screener learn more about you as a person. It is a change to show your enthusiasm, energy and interest in the company and the position itself.

20. Structurally, try to assess the letter to the screener by name, and keep it clear, concise and never more than one page. The letter should no be a summary of your resume. Rather it should tantalize. Show the reader you have done your homework about the company, and use language that links your skills and experience to the job itself. If there is relevant information that is not mentioned in your résumé, such as an impending move to the city where the company is located, be sure to include that in your cover letter.

21. topics to avoid in the cover letter Salary Problems on previous jobs Expressions that have the ring of a cliché. The final touch is to check the spelling and grammar carefully.

22. QUESTIONS?