1. Resume as an Intervention
PSY 714
Instructor: Emily E. Bullock, Ph.D.

2. Overview Types of job search letters Writing Resumes References
Resume Styles
Alternative Resumes
Career Objectives
Resumes vs. Vitae
References

3. Letters in the Job Search Process
Letter of inquiry
Cover letter
Interview appreciation letter
Letter of acknowledgement
Letter of acceptance
Letter of declination

4. Cover Letter Standard Business Letter Format
Personalize/Slant to the Employer or Job
Highlight Relevant Qualifications
Proof Carefully for Grammar & Typos
Avoid Overuse of “I”
Use Quality Paper

5. Cover Letter Format 1ST Paragraph - OPENING 2nd Paragraph - BODY
Reason for writing
Name of position, career area
How you heard of opening
2nd Paragraph - BODY
Highlight related experience/qualifications
Slant to employer’s point of view
Why interested in organization, work, location
Refer reader to any enclosed materials

6. Cover Letter Format (continued)
3rd Paragraph - CLOSING
Request opportunity to visit employer
Best means to reach you if they need additional information
Indicate whether you will follow-up by phone
Thank reader for considering your application
Sincerely,
Sign your name
Type Full Name

7. Purpose of a Resume document qualifications for a position
self-marketing tool
summary of one’s personal, educational, and work experience qualifications
designed to help secure an interview

8. Style of a Resume Length Format generally 1 page for college graduates
longer for persons w/ graduate degrees
Format
choose appropriate categories for job target and for information being presented
order categories of information from most relevant to least relevant
be consistent with format

9. Alternative Resumes Resumes for posting on the Internet
keep each line to 65 characters or less
use keywords that reflect skills and qualifications needed in position
assume that anyone will be able to see it
Scannable resumes
emphasis on specific skills obtained
use lots of white space
avoid fancy formatting
do not fold or staple

10. Formats Chronological or General Functional EXPERIENCE
Student Assistant, USM College of Communication, Hattiesburg, MS September 2008-Present
Advise undergraduates on course selection; maintain resources in peer advising center, and assist the dean in carrying out administrative duties.
Shift Manager, Chili’s Restaurant, Hattiesburg, MS,
May 2008-August 2008
Managed and scheduled 17 employees; Budgeted for supply orders; Coordinated with other management staff
Volunteer, South MS State Hospital, Purvis, MS
March 2008-July 2008
Coordinated and supervised recreational activities of mental health patients under the supervision of counselors and psychologists
Customer Service Representative, Wal-Mart, Gulfport, MS ,
January 2008-April 2008
Resolved customer complaints; Managed restocking process; Processed customer refunds and credit payments
Chronological or General
Functional

11. Chronological/General Resume
Lists and describes details of each job
Place items in reverse chronological order
Advantages:
Employers most familiar with format
Easy to prepare
Most Appropriate For:
Emphasizing job continuity

12. Functional Resumes Most Appropriate For: Sample Functional Headings
Documenting skills you want to perform
De-emphasizing gaps in employment or education
People with varied work history
Sample Functional Headings
Administrative
Design
Fundraising
Marketing
Management

13. Categories of a Resume Identification Career Objective
Education/Training
Experience
Optional Categories
References

14. Name Address Street City, State Zip Phone Number Email Address
Identification
Name
Address
Street
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Address

15. Career Objective Focus On Your: Focus On Situation: Skills Education
Goals
Focus On Situation:
Career Areas
Position Title
Type Of Organization
Functional Area
Population

16. Career Objectives Skills Education Career Area/Type of Organization
Seeking a position which uses my database management, technical, and administrative skills.
Education
Seeking a position where I can use my technical training and information studies degree.
Career Area/Type of Organization
A position in sales and marketing with a consumer products organization.

17. Career Objectives Position Title Functional Area/Population
To secure an information specialist position in a corporate information center
Functional Area/Population
To obtain a human services position working with the elderly where I can use my counseling and administrative skills.
Type of Organization
Seeking a position emphasizing money management with a growth-oriented financial services firm.

18. Education/Training Name of Degree Date of Degree
Name & Location of Institution
Major/Minors(s)
Overall GPA/GPA in Major
Relevant Coursework
Academic Honors

19. Experience Can include: Other Category Names: Related Experience
Paid/Non-paid
Part-time/Full-time
Internships
Volunteer/Community Service
Military
Other Category Names:
Related Experience
Additional Experience

20. Experience Include: position title name of organization
organization’s location (city, state)
dates
duties/skills used/responsibilities
accomplishments/results

21. Action Verbs Administered Advised Balanced Compiled Created
Demonstrated
Designed
Expedited
Organized
Planned
Proposed
Supervised
Trained
Updated

22. Action Verb Examples Sales Representative Teaching Assistant
Initiated and completed all services for new customers, as well as handled all billing problems and service change orders.
Teaching Assistant
Instructed 110 students in basic speaking techniques; designed and implemented new lesson on effective non-verbal communication skills.

23. Personal Data (Generally not included)
Marital Status
Birthdate
Health
Photo
Height/Weight
Willing to travel/relocate

24. Optional Categories Memberships Activities Presentations Awards
Prof. Activities
Publications
Service
Special Skills
Travel
Activities
Awards
Computer Skills
Consultation
Honors
Languages
Licenses/Certifications

25. Reproducing Your Resume
Word Processed
Templates
Tip:
Use best printer and paper available

26. Resume Do’s Be brief, clear, concise Consistent Positive Honest
Careful
Neat

27. Resume Don’ts State salary requirements
Give reasons for leaving employers
Limit geographic range
Expound on philosophy
Offer any negative information

28. Resume vs. Vita
Target Audience
Categories
Length

29. Vita-Specific Categories
Academic Preparation
Academic background
Education/Educational background
Educational overview
Professional studies
Degrees
Thesis
Master’s project
Comprehensive areas
Dissertation
Dissertation title
Professional Competencies
Professional highlights
Course highlights
Proficiencies
Areas of knowledge
Areas of expertise
Areas of experience
Professional experience
Professional overview
Professional background
Teaching experience
Experience summary
Experience highlights
Research experience
Administrative experience
Consulting experience
Related experiences
Project management

30. More Vita-Specific Categories
Academic and Professional Service
Association leadership
University service
Leadership
Committee leadership
Departmental leadership
Activities
Scholarly presentations
Conference presentations
Refereed/Non-refereed
Invited
Convention addresses
Workshop presentations
Programs and workshops
Conference participation
Conference leadership
Publications
Memberships/Affiliations
Professional organizations
Professional Certification(s)
Certificates
Licensure
Special training
Teaching Interests
Academic interests
Research interests
Educational interests
Professional interests

31. References 3-4 individuals who can speak about your qualifications
(e.g., former employers, supervisors, faculty members, advisers)
check with references before using them
prepare a list of references with complete contact information

32. Available upon request Credentials Files List on a separate sheet
References
Available upon request Credentials Files List on a separate sheet

33. A CIP Perspective Self-Knowledge: Option Knowledge: Decision-Making:
use resume and cover letter to communicate your values, interests, and skills
Option Knowledge:
know what is out there and how your qualifications match position(s) applying for
Decision-Making:
targeting employers and following through with a plan involves each phase of the CASVE cycle
Executive Processing:
think positively about what you have to offer