1. Purdue University Writing Lab Developing Your Resume

2. Purdue University Writing Lab A job-hunting tool designed to provide an employer with pertinent screening and qualifying information A sales pitch Resume Writing Definition/Use

3. Purdue University Writing Lab Prep Step 1: Know what you have to offer Think functional skills & personal qualities SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS Advising people Handling complaints Planning agendas Analyzing data Interpreting languages Programming computers Auditing financial records Interviewing people Promoting events Budgeting expenses Investigating problems Recruiting people Compiling statistics Listening to others Reviewing programs Coordinating events Managing projects Running meetings Corresponding with others Mediating between people Selling products & services Creating new ideas Motivating others Speaking in public Delegating responsibility Negotiating contracts Supervising others Designing data systems Organizing people & tasks Teaching classes Editing publications Persuading others Writing for publication Try it now! List three of your functional skills.

4. Purdue University Writing Lab Prep Step 1: Know what you have to offer Think functional skills & personal qualities SAMPLE PERSONAL QUALITIES Assertive Expressive Persistent Attention to detail Firm Perform well under stress Authentic Flexible Poised Candid Generous Resourceful Committed to growth Hard working Respectful Cooperative Honest Sense of Humor Curious Loyal Sincere Dynamic Open-minded Spontaneous Empathic Optimistic Tolerant Enthusiastic Patient Versatile Try it now! List three of your personal qualities.

5. Purdue University Writing Lab Prep Step 1: Know what you have to offer Think functional skills & personal qualities Build your list of… – work experience – academics – volunteer work – classes – course projects  activities  clubs  languages  technical skills  and so on… Try it now! List at least five activities / experiences.

6. Purdue University Writing Lab The Objective Statement

7. Purdue University Writing Lab What is an objective statement? A short section (usually 1-3 lines), often in the form of a sentence fragment, immediately below your contact information An “at a glance” picture of you and your career interests

8. Purdue University Writing Lab Why write one? Emphasize key qualifications, skills and/or goals Help your readers find what they need to know quickly Make a good first impression

9. Purdue University Writing Lab Q: Is this a good objective statement? Well-written but raises too many questions For example: What kind of internship? What knowledge? What kinds of expertise? Which areas? An internship allowing me to utilize my knowledge and expertise in different areas

10. Purdue University Writing Lab A good objective statement answers questions What position(s) are you applying for? What are your main qualifications? What are your career goals? What is your professional identity?

11. Purdue University Writing Lab The importance of tailoring Sometimes one size does NOT fit all Each person and employer is unique in certain ways Aim for a custom fit when possible, but how?

12. Purdue University Writing Lab Getting started... Reflect on your overall qualifications and career goals: In what ways are they typical? Unique? Research individual employers in your field: In what ways are employers alike? Different?

13. Purdue University Writing Lab Questions about you What are your main qualifications, strengths, skills, and areas of expertise? What position(s)--or type of position--are you seeking? What are some of your professional goals? What type of organization or work setting are you most interested in?

14. Purdue University Writing Lab “Instant” objective statements For practice, fill in the parts in brackets – To utilize my [qualifications, strengths, or skills] as a [position title] – A position as a [position title] for [company name] allowing me to develop my [qualifications, strengths, or skills] – An opportunity to [professional goal] in a [type of organization, work environment, or field] – [position title] with emphasis in [areas of expertise]

15. Purdue University Writing Lab Which of your objective statements is “best”? The one that best… – Emphasizes your qualifications and/or goals – Appeals to employer expectations

16. Purdue University Writing Lab The Contact Information Section Heading

17. Purdue University Writing Lab What is a contact information section? Easy answer… A section that – provides information to help prospective employers contact you – presents a first impression – Is usually located at the top of the page

18. Purdue University Writing Lab What may you include? Name, of course! Address and phone Email DO NOT ABBREVIATE ANYTHING ON A RESUME’

19. Purdue University Writing Lab Q: Is this a good sample? Your Name Here 1234 Street name, #1 West Lafayette, IN 47907 765-555-5555

20. Purdue University Writing Lab Q: Is this sample better? Campus Address 1234 Street name, #1 West Lafayette, IN 47907 765-555-5555 yourname@university.edu Permanent Address 4321 Streetname Anytown, IN 12345 555-555-1234 http://univ.edu/~login Your Name Here

21. Purdue University Writing Lab Moving beyond the typewriter Use design strategies Picking fonts – Size – Type Using layout – Alignment Coordinate with rest of resume

22. Purdue University Writing Lab Using fonts Size: how big is big enough? Two major kinds: – Serif – Sans serif

23. Purdue University Writing Lab Putting it on the page Aligning text 1. Flush left 2. Center 3. Flush right Using columns 1. Both left and right 2. Left, right and center

24. Purdue University Writing Lab Creating a mock-up Sketch out how you would like your contact information to look Indicate – Possible fonts – Page layout decisions – Any graphic elements Give it the eye test

25. Purdue University Writing Lab Coordinate design strategies Match design with rest of resume – Use same font types – Use consistent layout Match with cover letter – Make stationary template based on contact info – Use same paper for all application documents Aim for a professional package

26. Purdue University Writing Lab Proofread with a magnifying glass Triple-check for accuracy One typo could cost you an interview!

27. Purdue University Writing Lab The Education Section

28. Purdue University Writing Lab What is an education section? A SECTION THAT EMPHASIZES YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND FORMAL TRAINING

29. Purdue University Writing Lab Purposes: to inform and persuade Give information about your schooling and training Persuade employers your educational background is relevant to the job, providing evidence of your qualifications Help your resume stand out from others in the stack

30. Purdue University Writing Lab Where should you place this section? Above or below your experience section? It depends… – Which is stronger, your education or your work experience section? – How much relevant work experience do you have? Place strongest, most relevant section closest to top of the page For Job Shadowing- Education comes first

31. Purdue University Writing Lab The “bare bones” education section Schools you have attended, Location of school(s) Date of graduation, actual or anticipated ( college)

32. Purdue University Writing Lab Are we done yet? Education B.A. in English Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana Anticipated Graduation: December 2004 GPA: 3.4/4.0

33. Purdue University Writing Lab What else may be included? 1. Extra information about your degree (major, minor or selective GPAs, funding sources, honors, etc.)— usually listed or included in parentheses 2. Specializations and special projects—usually listed or described briefly 3. Other relevant skills and training (relevant coursework, computer skills, language proficiency, certifications, licenses, etc.)—may be subsections or separate sections

34. Purdue University Writing Lab Organizing content for readers LIST IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER FROM THE MOST RECENT BACKWARDS

35. Purdue University Writing Lab The Experience Section

36. Purdue University Writing Lab What is an experience section? A SECTION THAT EMPHASIZES YOUR PAST AND PRESENT EMPLOYMENT AND/OR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN RELEVANT ACTIVITIES

37. Purdue University Writing Lab Resume Categories – Experience Remember – Experience can be: – Paid part-time/full-time positions – Internships – Volunteer work – Club/campus group involvement – Significant course projects

38. Purdue University Writing Lab Organizing content for readers LIST IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER FROM THE MOST RECENT BACKWARDS

39. Purdue University Writing Lab Informing to persuade Provide information to help persuade prospective employers that your experiences make you qualified for the job Help your resume stand out from others in the stack Construct your professional identity

40. Purdue University Writing Lab What goes into this section? Company or organization and location (city, state) Position title Dates of employment or involvement

41. Purdue University Writing Lab Getting started… List your past and present experiences. Include: – jobs – volunteer positions – appointments – assistantships – internships – etc.

42. Purdue University Writing Lab A formula for success Use appropriate headings Included required content Organize your section strategically Develop your descriptions Make your descriptions parallel See through professional eyes Tailor for your audience

43. Purdue University Writing Lab The Honors and Activities Section

44. Purdue University Writing Lab What is an honors and activities section? A SECTION THAT EMPHASIZES YOUR PARTICIPATION IN RELEVANT ACTIVITIES AND ANY HONORS YOU HAVE RECEIVED

45. Purdue University Writing Lab Why bother? PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE OF YOUR QUALIFICATIONS GIVE EMPLOYERS A SENSE OF WHO YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL AND WORK

46. Purdue University Writing Lab Where does this section go? USUALLY LAST SECTION ON THE PAGE SOMETIMES OMITTED FOR JOB SHADOWING- NEXT TO THE LAST SECTION

47. Purdue University Writing Lab Exploring content possibilities Extracurricular activities Awards, grants, prizes, and special honors Memberships in professional clubs and organization Volunteer activities

48. Purdue University Writing Lab Big or little? Major or minor? How relevant are your honors and activities? Which honors and activities would most interest prospective employers? How much space do you have? May be short list at bottom

49. Purdue University Writing Lab Two approaches Minimal approach Photography Club, University of Illinois, January 1999- Present Elaborated approach President, Photography Club, University of Illinois, January 1999-Present  Organized campus contest  Increased membership with promotional efforts

50. Purdue University Writing Lab Special Skills and Abilities A SECTION FOR YOU TO “SHINE” AND SHOW THE EMPLOYER WHAT “EXTRAS” YOU CAN PROVIDE THE COMPANY WITH.

51. Purdue University Writing Lab Writing the Resume Skills Section Languages - classify as fluent, conversant Computer skills - be specific to list software (e.g.., MS Excel - pivot tables and macros, typing at 68 wpm, etc.)

52. Purdue University Writing Lab Using visual design SIMPLE LIST COORDINATE WITH OTHER SECTIONS

53. Purdue University Writing Lab Plan of attack Brainstorm Decide what to include based on relevance, interest-value, and space considerations Match organization and design with rest of resume Seek critical feedback

54. Purdue University Writing Lab Characteristics Of A Successful Resume Must always be 100% truthful. Contains no inappropriate personal information. Produced on a computer. Data presented in chronological order (unless functional).

55. Purdue University Writing Lab Remember A resume does not get you a job… A resume does get you an interview. And, putting time and consideration into your resume is one of the best ways to prepare for your interviews!