1. Resumes and Beyond… Housekeeping items: Cell phones turned off Breaks
Welcome
Housekeeping items:
Cell phones turned off
Breaks
Location of rest rooms and water fountain
Introduce self and AB&T
You are all here today to reach the same goal which is to learn how to build a resume that will market yourself to individuals that will be thinking of hiring you.
Thank the group for choosing to come to the workshop today and emphasize there are no dumb questions.
So, to get us started today, we are going to do an activity that will allow you as a group to learn about each other and your different employment histories and future goals.
Ice Breaker:
Give group questionnaire and allow 5-10 minutes to complete
Have each individual share their answers aloud
Collect questionnaires
Now that you have thought about what work experience you have and how you would like to use this experience to gain employment, let’s discuss what a resume can do for you.

2. What Will a Resume Do For Me?
Ultimate goal:
To gain an interview!
A marketing tool to answer the employer’s question:
What can you do for me?
Review slide
You want to be able to show the employer that you have the skills for the specific position that you are applying for and how you can benefit them. With that being said…

3. What do employers look for when reviewing resumes?
Read question
Employers spend on average seconds looking at a resume and are focusing on why/how to exclude you
Therefore, your resume needs to provide the employer with enough information about yourself so they can decide whether or not you should be interviewed.
To interest an employer, a resume must show your potential to produce quality work for their company
They want to evaluate if you have the qualifications needed to perform the duties of the specific job you are applying for
In order for you to be able to provide this information to employers, there are different styles of resumes that we will now discuss. These can be used based upon individual needs.

4. RESUME STYLES

5. Chronological Lists work experience beginning with the most recent
Highlights career growth and development
Emphasis placed on duties and responsibilities related to each job
Give group chronological resume sample
Review the first point and also add the following:
Include the name of the company, city, and state. Do not list street addresses, supervisors, telephone numbers, salaries, or reasons for leaving.
Dates of employment: Include month and year only: Examples: June 1999-Present; August 2001-November 2007
Also, when listing your work history, list in this order: Title/position first, followed by the name of the employer, city/state of employer, dates of employment.
Review other two points
Best used by those with a strong work history. Not good for those with little work experience, gaps in employment, or changing careers.

6. Functional True functional resume contains no dates
More focus on qualifications and less on past employers or job progression
True functional resume contains no dates
May be beneficial to someone just entering the job market with little work experience or not wanting to make their age obvious
Give group functional resume sample
Review Slide

7. Combination
Focus is on the skills and abilities that you have gained that would relate to the job you are applying for
Combines the flexibility and strengths of the chronological and functional resume formats
Give group the combination resume sample
Review Slide
Highlights your relevant skills, accomplishments, and work history
Give group Resume Skills Headings Handout for Functional or Combination Style Resume

8. Scannable Resumes Text Based-no bullets or symbols
Employers use a database to quickly and efficiently match job openings with qualified applicants
Employers search by using keywords or phrases that describe the skills and education required for the position
Review Slide
Give group the two Scannable Resume Samples
OCR: Optical Character Reading Program Software-used by employers to search scannable resumes for keywords related to job openings

9. How Do You Paste Your Word Resume Document Into a Website Resume Box for Online Applications?
Open hyperlink to website by right clicking and choosing “Open hyperlink”
After doing so, review the tips for pasting a word resume document into a website resume box for job application
Also review the two scannable resumes on the website and their format
(If specific individuals in the group are interested in using this type of resume, can be discussed further in the Action Lab)-Will need to show them how to change document to text.
Will need to save resumes/cover letters in .doc format as well as .txt format (can copy and paste this type of resume into an internet page)
Give each individual in group the instruction sheet on “How to Paste Your MS Word Resume Document Into a Website Resume Box as Part of the Application Process”
Now that we have discussed the styles, let’s talk about the things to consider when building your resume.

10. The Nuts and Bolts of Your Resume
Font: Traditional business style-Arial, Courier, Times New Roman
Point size of letters should be 11 or 12 for most text and 14 or 16 for headings
Bolds, italics, underlines, bullets and capitalizations should not be used often
Define Font: Style of lettering that you choose to use for your resume
Review Slide
Few other things to mention:
Explain that bold is to be used for name, address, phone, , and headings within the
resume such as Education, Work Experience, etc.
Explain that you should put no periods at the end of the bullets
Use 8 ½ X 11 white paper; no white out
Wizards and Templates-don’t use! Your resume needs to be uniquely you!
In most cases, 1 page is preferred. 2 pages okay as long as experience warrants it-usually over 15 years of experience

11. Content of Your Resume Name Phone Numbers Email Education
Name: Use your full first name. Avoid using nicknames that are "cutesy" or "pet names." If you have a preference to be called by a shortened version of your full name, then it is acceptable to put this name in parentheses or quotes (e.g., Elizabeth and prefer to be called "Betty").
Phone: List current home/cellular phone number with answering machine/voic .
Answering Machine/Voice Mail: Think about who is calling and what image you want to give. Be sure you have a professional sounding message! No music, comedic downloads, cursing, etc. (EMPHASIZE)
Answering the phone: If you are not in a position to have a professional conversation and consult your calendar to make an appointment-Don’t answer; let voice mail pick it up and you can return the call when you are ready.
This is a great way to communicate. Review the appropriateness of addresses:
Be professional and use your name within address. You can set up free by using Hotmail, Yahoo, or Google websites.
This is not the time to use your cool like , or (you do not want to use age within address).
address does not need to be underlined. (Remove hyperlink)
Education: Put education that applies to the position that you are applying for.
High School: May be included on resume if highest level of education
(If an individual has a college degree, they should list information in this order: Name of degree, name of major, name of college, city/state of college, and graduation date. Only include GPA if higher than 3.0)
We will now discuss the specific things that should not be included in your resume.

12. Resume Don’ts
Personal information such as height, weight, age, date of birth, marital status, sex, race, health, or social security number
The word “Resume” at the top of the page
Statement of when available
“I” or “My” statement s
Reasons for leaving previous positions
Photographs
Graphics
Review Slide

13. More Resume Don’ts Exaggerations/Lies Jargon/Slang
Abbreviations not easily identified
Salary History or Salary Expectations
Inaccurate dates of employment
Reference Names
Religion, church affiliations, political affiliations
Review Slide
Things to mention:
Jargon/Slang-may not be understandable by everyone reading your resume.
You want to make your references available at an interview.

14. Cartoon
Now that we have discussed the style, format, and basic content of your resume, let’s discuss what should be included to show you have what it takes to do the job you are applying for.

15. Transferable Skills
The skills you have acquired throughout your life-jobs, volunteer work, classes, hobbies, sports, parenting-that can be used in your next job
Think of everything you have done in terms of how it is transferable to the job you are applying for
To know what skills to emphasize:
Research the company and the job of interest
Employers often look for what are called “transferable skills.” What does this mean?
Review Slide
As you review a job description that is of interest to you, look for keywords that identify the specific skills the employer is looking for such as certain requirements and the responsibilities of the job. Then identify your own skills that would relate to that position and make you a good candidate to apply for that job.
A Few Examples of Transferable Skills:
Supervising others, Public speaking, Meeting deadlines, Good writing and math skills, Detail-oriented, Assembling things, Constructing & Repairing Buildings, Operating tools and machinery, Analyzing data, Computing, Teaching, Interviewing others, Counseling people.
Engaging Activity:
If larger group, break up in smaller groups and have them discuss their particular transferrable skills and write on large Post It Pads OR (if a small group):
ASK GROUP: Can you give examples of transferable skills?
Refer back to the questionnaires that were used during the icebreaker. Have several from the group participate in discussing how their skills from their previous jobs they listed would transfer to the kind of work they are looking for now.

16. Soft Skills
Skills related to your attitudes and behaviors that will show your potential for growth and team work skills (personality and social characteristics)
“People Skills”-not technical skills
Employers want to know: Do you “work and play well with others?”
Employers also often look for what are called “soft skills.” What does this mean?
Review Slide
Technical skills, such as machine operation or using a computer, differ from soft skills in that they are measurable and can be taught.
A Few Examples of Soft Skills (if needed for further explanation): Problem solving skills, communication skills/team player, ability to manage conflict, ability to interact with others, ability to plan and organize, leadership, motivation, time management, work ethic, being adaptive and flexible.
Brief Activity: ASK GROUP: Can you give examples of soft skills? Then have several individuals from the group identify their own soft skills and how these skills have helped them in past employment in working with former co-workers as well as how these skills will help them in their future employment.
Now that we have discussed the skills that employers are looking for, let’s discuss how you can show these skills within your resume.

17. What is a Summary of Qualifications?
Three or four brief statements that say why you are the right candidate for the job you are applying for
Statements should include experience and skills (transferable and soft) that relate to that particular job expressing your value to the employer
Review Slide
Refer to Scannable Resume Examples

18. Accomplishment Statement
Highlights experience you have had in your work or volunteer activities where you were successful
Informs an employer of actions you took to handle a situation and the results that you achieved
Review slide
It does not have to be a huge accomplishment, but it should show something that you are proud of while demonstrating that you can take action when situations arise.
An example could be the following: Coordinated a Walk for Breast Cancer that raised over $2,000.00
The accomplishment statement is effective because it identifies the situation (need for funds), describes the task you undertook (Breast Cancer Walk), describes an action (coordinated), and describes a result (raised over $2,000.00).
Other Examples:
Completed an original research project that resulted in a report and presentation to the research scientists.
Began as Sales Associate and was promoted to Assistant Manager after five months.
Give group Resume Action Verbs Handout

19. References Don’t bother with generic “letters of recommendations”
Never list names of references on your resume
Use good judgment when choosing references
Get permission
Collect all the details for each reference
Keep you references informed
Thank your references
We often get so busy working on our resumes we often neglect a very important part of the job search process-requesting people to be our references.
Do not underestimate the power of your references!
Review points below as you review slide:
No Generic letters: Employers want to contact and communicate with your references
Give references to employers when they request them/Take list of references to your interview
What kind of reference do you want? Use people who know your strengths and abilities and who will say positive things about you
3-5 references that will speak highly of your accomplishments, work ethic, skills, performance, etc.
Avoid listing family members
Be sure and ask whether a person would be comfortable being a reference before you even think of listing them
Complete information for each reference: Full name, current title, company name, business address, and contact information-daytime phone, , cell phone, etc
Make sure each reference has a copy of your most current resume, knows your key accomplishments and skills and is aware of the jobs/positions you are seeking
Give group Employment References Handout

20. Applications Read and follow directions carefully
Have your own black ink pen
Always carry a copy of your resume
Fill in all spaces; use N/A if it does not apply
Salary-use “company policy”, “negotiable”, “flexible”
Knowing how to successfully complete an application is also an important part of the job search process. Therefore, let’s discuss the appropriate way to complete this task.
Review Slide

21. Applications
Be positive on all employment information-include gaps in employment and reasons for seeking employment
Always state specific job title instead of putting “anything”
Always go dressed as if you would be interviewed
Review for accuracy
Do not put “see resume” on employment history section-complete all information requested!
Review slide
Things to Mention:
EMPHASIZE: DO NOT put “SEE RESUME” on employment history section! Complete all information requested!
If the Employment History section does not have adequate space for the requested number of years, make additional copies of the employment section prior to completing
May be asked to voluntarily report: gender, ethnicity, veteran, disability
Fair Credit Reporting Act: You may be requested to give permission for an employer to obtain a consumer report and for the employer to consider this information in hiring decisions

22. Tips for Ex-Offenders
The first question most often faced on an application form is: “Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If yes, give details.”
Recommended best response: Be truthful by putting “yes” and then follow up by putting “will provide details at the interview.”
Include a reference who can testify to how you have turned your life around-such as a prison minister, education officer, parole officer, psychologist
Seek jobs with employers who are known to work with ex-offenders
Let’s discuss some tips for ex-offenders when completing applications.
Review Slide
Review the following points:
Do not lie-employers will most likely find out about your conviction during a background check.
You want to inform the employer that you will provide details at the interview because you need to be in control of the story relating to your conviction. You want to be able to discuss how you have taken responsibility for your actions and how you have changed your life for the better.

23. Cover Letters
Any time you send your resume to an employer it should be accompanied by a cover letter
Acts as an introduction for your resume
A sample of your writing skills
Should not repeat what is in your resume
Review Slide

24. Cover Letter Tips Target the letter to the specific job
Business letter format
Send to appropriate person
Use as a tool to highlight skills
Check spelling and grammar
Review slide
Things to Mention:
Don’t use spell check as the absolute authority. Have someone else or several people proofread.
Have a basic cover letter and then modify it as necessary based on the position you are applying for.
Give group Cover Letters Information Handout with Cover Letter Sample

25. Tips for Individuals with Disabilities
Volunteer activities can lead to paid employment and can provide good work experience to be included on your resume
Consider staffing agencies to obtain work history and experience
Identify the most critical work-related barriers to employment to assist in deciding what jobs to apply for
Identify your strengths and focus on jobs in which you can use these strengths to benefit the company you are wanting to work for
Let’s look at some tips for individuals with disabilities.
Review slide
Inform group about the Disability Employment Initiative Program. If anyone needs further information about this opportunity, have them stay after workshop to discuss.

26. Career Ready 101 www.careerready101.com/ Keytrain Career Skills :
Effective Resumes (Writing an Electronic Resume)
The Application Process (Applying Online)
Finding Your Career: Writing a Resume
Open hyperlink to website by right clicking mouse and choosing “open hyperlink”
Facilitator will then enter username and password to log into Career Ready 101
Click on “Teach”
Keytrain Career Skills-Click on arrow beside red folder
The Job Search-Click on arrow beside green folder
Click on Effective Resumes and options will appear in box on right side
Click on Writing an Electronic Resume and “start interactive self paced lesson”
Click on resume subject of interest (suggest reviewing Electronic Resume section for further tips and review)**
Return to the “Teach” screen and under The Job Search section, click on the Application Process
Click on Applying Online in box on right side and “start interactive self paced lesson”
Click on application process subject of interest (suggest reviewing Applying Online section for further tips and review)**
Return to “Teach” screen: Click on arrow beside red folder for Finding Your Career; Click on arrow beside green folder for Preparing for Your Career; Click on Writing a Resume; Click on Start Interactive Self-Paced Lesson
Give each individual of group Career Ready 101 information handout with address to sign up and advise them that there is a complete Career Ready 101 workshop available and if interested can sign up in the resource room.

27. National Career Readiness Certificate
Nationally recognized certificate that allows an individual to show employers that he or she has the basic skills they are seeking
Needs to be referenced on resume in Education section
Three skill areas:
Reading for Information
Applied Mathematics
Locating Information
Skill levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Keytrain Practice
Review Slide
For individuals who have already completed the NCRC, EMPHASIZE to put certificate skill level on resume in Education section
For individuals who have not completed the NCRC, give them information handout and Keytrain tip sheet
Refer these individuals to the back of information handout for address to get signed up for Keytrain:

28. Online Resources www.quintcareers.com http://owl.english.purdue.edu
Click on each resource to briefly show group
Give group Resume, Job Search, and Labor Market Resource Sheet

29. QUESTIONS

30. WRAP UP/REVIEW
Give copy of quiz to each person and review as a group-when individual answers correctly, give a prize (candy, jump drive, etc.)
Evaluation Form

31. Developing Your Resume in the
What’s Next?
Developing Your Resume in the
Action Lab
You will attend an action lab that will allow you to create your resume using the things we have discussed.
The software WinWay will be used in the action lab to develop your resume which is very user friendly and allows for easier formatting and completion of information being entered.
Here are some items that you will need to complete at home before returning for the action lab:
Resume and Application Aid form-this will allow you to complete the necessary information you need in order to build your resume. This will also be helpful to refer to if you are completing an Employment Application. All of the information you need is on this form.
Explain that O*Net Code Connector can be used to describe their job duties for the job titles they have had and that this can be helpful in developing their resume (lists specific tasks associated with each job title). Show group printed example and by opening hyperlink on website on above slide, show them how they can do this before returning for action lab. Allow them to complete one printout of a previous job that will be listed on their resume and advise them to have printouts for all other jobs before returning to the action lab.
Have group return 2 days later with O*NET Code Connector sheets, resume (if already have one developed), sample sheets given to them during workshop, and resume/application aid form completed. When group returns for Action Lab, review resume critique worksheet at the beginning of the Action Lab and let them use while building their resume. Assist them as needed but do not do resume for them. Allow 1 – 1 ½ HOURS for Lab.

32. AB&T WISHES YOU MUCH SUCCESS