Resume writing
- 2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RESUME? To get the interviewer to read your resume and call you in for an interview Demonstrates your fit for the job you are applying for
- 3. It is a summary of • Job you are seeking • Your Education • Skills and Abilities • Experience • Accomplishments
- 4. Resume Headings Contact Information Summary Education Experience Skills or Knowledge Community Service/Extracurricular activities Volunteer Experience Internships, Field Work, Clinicals Honors/Awards
- 5. What style of resume should I choose?
- 6. Functional Resume Format A functional resume emphasizes your knowledge, skills, and experience in terms of functions you have performed rather than job title Relevant Skill #1 something I did using that skill something I did using that skill Relevant Skill #2 something I did using that skill something I did using that skill
- 8. Chronological Format Lists work history in reverse chronological order starting with the most recent. Your work history supports your objective. Job Title #1 something I did on that job something I did on that job Job Title #2 something I did on that job something I did on that job
- 11. CHRONOLOGICAL FUNCTIONAL Emphasizes consistent employment history from relevant work experience Emphasizes skills obtained from school, jobs or other activities Good for someone with a seamless work history, one career path and no gaps in their employment De-emphasizes entry level, gaps, career changes Not useful for those with no experience or unrelated jobs Good for those without much related work experience, career changers, and gaps in employment
- 13. What should I focus on when creating a resume? After you have a job objective, you need to find out what skills, knowledge, and experience are needed to do that kind of work. You can find this information: In a classified ad or online job posting. In the company's description for the job. In an occupational reference book such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook or in O'Net From someone already working in that field.
- 14. Summary of qualifications Brief list of 4 – 6 key points that show you are qualified for the job # of years or months of experience Talents, knowledge, skills Personal work style or attitude An accomplishment or recognition Education, training, or certification Make it relevant to the job you are seeking
- 15. Summary of Qualifications PARALEGAL EXAMPLE Strong analytical, writing, and research skills. Thorough in working with details, and able to extract relevant points in legal documentation. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and WESTLAW. Work well under pressure and enjoy challenging projects. Equally effective working independently or working in cooperation with others.
- 16. EDUCATION Most recent education first unless other education is related to job Don’t include high school if you graduated more than 2 years ago
- 17. EDUCATION Name of school, city, state Major, name of degree GPA if 3.0 or higher Dates of attendance or graduation(not both) Relevant courses Honors, Awards, Extracurricular activities Internships, projects
- 18. Education Sample Palm Beach Community College, Lake Worth AS Degree in Accounting Technology expected 8/2009 GPA 3.2, Treasurer of Student Government Related Coursework: Financial Accounting Managerial Accounting Cost Accounting Microcomputer Operations Bookkeeping I& II Computerized Bookkeeping
- 19. EXPERIENCE (for chronological resumes) List jobs in reverse chronological order starting with the most recent. Name of company, city, state Date Started (mm/yy) to end date (mm/yy) If still employed – indicate present Job Title Job Description (use action verbs)
- 20. Job Description (chronological format) Describe your duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments in simple, powerful action statements that emphasize your uniqueness and contributions to the employer. Start with an Action Verb Be specific! No two word statements Do not use the words duties, responsibilities in this section of your resume
- 21. Suggestions for the job description What skills or knowledge did you use to perform this job? (dealing with angry customers, ability to reconcile bills with purchase orders, troubleshooting software problems) What were some of your biggest achievements? (developed a new filing system, saved money for employer, increased sales, managed office efficiently)
- 22. Suggestions for the job description What comments ( written or verbal) have been made about your work? (“He’s a quick learner!” “She’s always able to smooth things over with an angry customer.” She is accurate and fast and always balances to the penny) What aspects of your personality were illustrated by your work performance? (attention to detail, writing skills, creativity, problem solving)
- 23. Action Verbs • Use numbers to show the extent. • Use “Powerhouse Buzzwords” to sell yourself to employers. Achieved Adapted Advised Assisted Built Controlled Convinced Coordinated Created Delivered Developed Directed Employed Equipped Established Expanded Experienced Guided Handled Improved Investigate Led Managed Operated Organized Performed Persuaded Processed Produced Repaired Researched Served Sold Taught Treated Wrote
- 24. Retail Sales Job What would the person do in the job? How can we change that to be marketable skills?
- 25. Sample Job Description Retail Sales Position Consistently exceeded daily sales quota by 15-20% Increased number of repeat customers by providing excellent customer service. Reconciled the physical and computerized inventory utilizing an Access database. Stimulated customer requests for assistance in coordinating assembles by wearing merchandise with polished style Maintained an accurate, consistently balanced cash register.
- 26. FUNCTIONAL RESUME Identify at least 2 -3 skill categories relevant to the job you are seeking. Examples of categories: Customer Service Sales and Marketing Administrative Support Accounting & Bookkeeping
- 27. Identify Skill Categories Objective: Bank Teller Customer Service Cash Handling Administrative Support Objective: Paralegal Administrative Support Writing and Research Paralegal Experience Use ONET and OOH
- 28. Writing Action Statements For each category list accomplishments from your work history, education, extracurricular or community service to illustrate that skill. Each accomplishment should be a one-liner describing what you did. The one liner typically starts with an action word such as "Researched" or "Presented" and describes what you did. Be sure to mention specific results whenever possible.
- 29. Examples for Action Statements Paralegal Experience As a Paralegal Intern for a local law firm - summarized depositions, medical records, and employment records. Devised profiles of estimated earnings, losses, and medical expenditures. Prepared Notice of Entry of Judgment forms. Writing & Research Skills Drafted interrogatories, declarations, and memoranda of law in handicap discrimination case. Drafted pleadings, discovery documents, client and demand letters, memoranda of law, and motions with points and authorities, in paralegal course work. Performed research in handicap and sex discriminates cases: motion to compel, response to motion to strike, and application for preliminary relief in U. S. District Court.
- 30. Customer Service Handled difficult customers with tact listening to their concerns while maintaining store policy. Provided prompt, courteous and personalized service to over 100 customers in a four hour shift. Increased sales in the Natural Foods Department by advising customers on bulk alternatives.
- 31. Work History for the Functional Resume On a functional resume your work history is simply listed providing no details about the duties or tasks performed. List your most recent job first, then your earlier jobs. Include any unpaid work, including an internship that shows you have the skills for the job.
- 32. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Randolo, Dobson, P. A., Palm Beach Gardens, FL Paralegal Intern 1/2009 - 05/2009 Bank of America, West Palm Beach, FL Teller0 8/2007 - present Macy’s Palm Beach Gardens, FL Sales Associate 5/2005 - 7/2007
- 33. AWARDS: Add AWARDS section if applicable Name of Award Who gave it to you When received Shows you are leader and contributor
- 34. SPECIAL ACTIVITIES: Related Clubs Organizations • Dates of membership • Position held • Accomplishments • Contributions
- 35. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT or OTHER TRAINING: Related training and/or seminars Include skills learned Month/Year Title of Training/Program Who Sponsored Training
- 38. Cover Letter
- 39. First Paragraph This is the "why I'm writing to you" paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be considered for. This is short - usually 2-3 sentences. Points to cover: Why you are writing and which position you are applying for. How you heard about the position is irrelevant unless it is a mutual contact or recruiting program. Do not write, "I learned of this opportunity through the Career Services Office." Show from your research why you are interested in this position or organization. The goal is to make a connection - do this Briefly and Specifically or leave it out; sweeping statements will not work.
- 40. Second Paragraph This is the "why I'm qualified" paragraph. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences and qualities as they relate to the position for which you are applying. Choose 2 - 3 points you want to make about Specific experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have exhibited, and provide Specific examples to support those points. This paragraph will change according to the job/employer for which you are applying. This is usually the longest paragraph of the letter. You may break this paragraph into two if it looks too lengthy or if your points work best in separate paragraphs.
- 41. Second Paragraph The body of the paragraph should provide evidence to back up what you've just claimed. Cite specific jobs/internships/activities/projects and accomplishments associated with those experiences. Use your resume to come up with some specifics, but NEVER reiterate passages from your resume word for word. Discuss why what you did is to the employer- relate the facts to the job. Strong examples are important! The final sentence is a summary of what you've discussed above. It's a good idea to mention the position title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job in question.
- 42. Final Paragraph This is a short 2-4 sentences paragraph. You should refer to the enclosed resume, request an interview and let the reader know what will happen next (Contact them within specific period of time unless it is a recruiting program). It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name
- 43. Tips Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization. Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I" or writing in the passive voice (ex. "This experience enabled me to..." or "Through my internship, I was responsible for..."); instead, make yourself the subject of each sentence and use active descriptions (ex., "In this internship, I demonstrated sound judgment and problem-solving skills on a daily basis.").
- 44. Tips Do not use contractions (I'd, didn't, it's). Spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes are out of the question! Cover letters are a reflection of your writing skills, so make each cover letter an example of your best work. Keep your letter short and simple. This is not the time to tell your whole life's story. Get a Career Specialist to look it over if you are having difficulty.
- 45. COVER LETTER GUIDELINES Introduction The first paragraph states why you are writing to that particular company or organization and the position you are seeking. Express your enthusiasm and interest in this line of work and this company. Sales Pitch The second paragraph should expand on your skills and qualifications described in your resume skills. List job requirements and how you meet or exceed them.
- 46. COVER LETTERS Close and Action Steps The last paragraph indicates your interest in arranging an interview. Provide a phone number, where you can be reached.