1. Building a High-Impact Resume
Presented by Pam Gibellino, B.S., M.Ed. Coordinator of Career Services Edison Community College

2. First Things First Who you are, in 15 seconds or less

3. Key Points Begin early; resumes are a work in progress
Keep an on-going skills analysis
Promote your strengths
Create strong, positive images
Target your audience’s needs – what you have to offer
Use action verbs and key words
Employ these C’s of effective communication:
Clarity
Conciseness
Concreteness
Correctness

4. What gives a resume IMPACT?

5. Excellent Appearance Meaningful Content Audience Appeal Information Displayed Effectively

6. Appearance Attractiveness Appropriate Sections Effective Ordering
Proper Balance
Parallelism
Enhancements
Quality paper

7. Content What is the best way to market YOU?
Do I need an objective statement?
What about a profile statement?
Where should you put emphasis?
What are your achievements?
Any other EXTRAS?
How else can you “shine”?

8. Audience Appeal Is your resume “EMPLOYER” centered?
Do your skills match their needs?
What makes you “stand out”?
What’s makes you an “ideal” candidate?

9. Display Determine resume “type” Chronological Functional Combination
Optimize use of “sections”
Apply enhancements and formatting
Emphasize key information through page placement
Check for readability

10. How does your resume stack up?

11. Step 1 – A BASIC Resume Uses Word or other template
Reflects the basic “nuts and bolts”
Contains basic sections, such as
Education
Experience
Reference Statement
May not fill the page
Contains basic font and point size
Lacks enhancements, such as bold or italicize

13. Use caution before using resume templates!

14. Step 2 – A BETTER Resume Has a nice appearance Is well organized
Basic information is displayed nicely
Some enhancements have been applied
Uses bullets and formatting effectively

16. Step 3 – A GREAT Resume with High Impact!
Exceptional appearance
Optimal display of key information
“Stand out” information such as achievements, application of skills, leadership, community involvement, etc.

17. EXAMPLES OF HIGH-IMPACT RESUMES
See the sample resumes on the Career Services web page
Also visit for additional samples
and career advice!

18. Career Portfolio
A collection of files and documents that showcase your strengths, market your individuality, and improve your chances of being hired.
Provides a more in-depth picture of who you are and what you’ve accomplished
Supports what you claim in your cover letter and resume
Can be hard copy or digital

19. May include but is not limited to:
Educational transcripts, diplomas, certificates
Honors, citations, letters of recommendation
Scholarships and awards
Internships and co-op experiences
Workshops and seminars attended
Volunteer and community service
Published or printed works
Sports and co-curricular leadership positions
Travel, languages, relevant hobbies
Photos and videos; music and audio samples

20. Skills/Qualities Employers Want (in order of importance)
1. Communication skills
2. Strong work ethic
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
4. Initiative
5. Analytical skills
6. Computer skills
7. Flexibility/adaptability
8. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
9. Problem-solving skills
10. Technical skills

21. 7 of the 10 Skills are “Soft” Skills with Technical Skills listed last
How can you convey these skills in your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and, ultimately, an interview?

22. Your resume is a reflection of YOU! Strive for the BEST!