1. Career and Financial Management
Résumé Writing

2. Résumé Writing

3. Introduction to Résumé Writing
Lesson Objectives
Identify the purpose of writing a résumé.
Differentiate between print, scannable, electronic, and Web résumés.

4. What is a Résumé? It is a brief summary of: Personal information
Education
Skills
Work experience
Activities
Interests
It is distributed to potential employers through mail, , fax, etc.

5. Résumé’s Purpose What is the purpose of a résumé?
It determines whether you receive an interview or not
It is clear, concise, and fits its target
No typos or grammatical errors
A résumé gets you an interview, not a job!

6. Stages Stage 1 Eliminate job candidates Scan for 15-30 seconds Stage 2
Read remaining résumés more thoroughly
Determines who will receive an interview
Stage 3
Résumé guides the interview
Focus on strengths

7. Résumé Writing A great résumé quickly shows that you:
Possess the qualifications necessary for the job
Can meet the employers needs
Are likeable and work well with others
Appeal to both human and electronic reviews

8. Résumé Writing The Bottom Line: Write résumé
Résumé reviewed by employers
Job interview

9. Vocabulary
Résumé: A brief summary of your personal information, education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests. The traditional spelling is résumé.

10. Vocabulary
Print résumé: A word-processed résumé designed to be visually appealing.
Created using word-processing software
Designed to be:
Visually appealing
Delivered in person, by mail, as an attachment, or by fax
May be scanned into a database

11. Vocabulary
Scannable résumé: A graphic image of your résumé that is scanned and converted into text.
Employers use keyword searches to find potential matches
Can dramatically change résumé’s appearance
Special formatting measures

12. Vocabulary
Electronic résumé: A very plain-looking résumé designed to be delivered via or an online e-form.
Many companies only use electronically submitted or ed résumés
Keyword searches
Online job sites
Follow directions for submitting résumé carefully
Type your résumé in a standard word processing program
Save in plain text format

13. Vocabulary
Web résumé: A résumé formatted so that it can be posted to the Internet; can contain sophisticated graphics.
Posted to the Internet as a Web document in HTML format
Can be attractively formatted
Include portfolio of abilities
Many resources available on the Internet to help create

14. Journal Question
What “extras” can you include in a Web résumé that would not be included in a traditional résumé?

15. Answer
“Extra” items that you can include in a Web résumé include graphics, buttons, and photos.

16. Journal Question
Why do you think it is so important for a résumé to be free of any grammar and spelling errors?

17. Answer
Résumés with errors are likely to be eliminated immediately when being reviewed for a position.

18. Review
During this stage of résumé review, employers use the résumé to guide interview questions: A. Stage 1 B. Stage 2 C. Stage 3

19. Review
Which of the following statements about electronic résumés is false? A. Directions for submitting electronic résumés should be followed carefully. B. Many companies only use electronically submitted or ed résumés. C. Electronic résumés should be typed in a standard word processing program. D. Electronic résumés should be saved in HTML format.

20. Review
During this stage of résumé review, résumés are quickly scanned to eliminate as many candidates as possible: A. Stage 1 B. Stage 2 C. Stage 3

21. Review
A very plain-looking résumé designed to be delivered via or an online e-form is a _______. A. Print résumé B. Web résumé C. Electronic résumé D. Scannable résumé

22. Review
The primary purpose of the résumé is to _____. A. obtain interviews B. practice stating your skills C. get a job D. provide your network with information

23. Review
The purpose of writing a résumé is to get a job. A. True B. False

24. Lesson Objectives Identify essential elements of an effective résumé.
Recognize qualifications and experiences that support a job objective.
Differentiate between chronological, skills, and combination résumés.

25. Parts of a Résumé
Contact information
Job Objective
Education
Qualification/Skills
Work Experience
Other Experience
Honors
Related classes
Etc.

26. Contact Information
Name
Mailing Address
Phone (Cell/Home)
Address
Optional
Website
Fax

27. Job Objective
Briefly states your goal in relation to the job you are applying for
An objective should
Include a job title or type of work desired
Include a specific skill or area of specialization
Reflect the needs of the employer
Always write your job objective to fit the specific job you are applying for

28. Job Objective Examples
To obtain knowledge of the day-to-day workings of a publishing firm through a part-time job or summer internship. Seeking a full-time administrative assistant position where strong communication and organization skills are desired. Seeking a position teaching Technology Education in a high school that can benefit from experience in student leadership programs and community literacy.

29. Education List of the schools you have attended
Begin with the most recent
List high schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities attended
Years of attendance
Degrees or certificates
Relevant certifications, specialized training, and seminars
If acceptable, Grade Point Average (GPA)

30. Education Example Maine-Endwell High School, Endwell, NY 2014
High School Diploma
GPA 3.85/4.0
Bachelor of Science May 2013
Oswego State University, Oswego, NY
Major: Technology Education

31. Qualifications Highlight why you are the perfect candidate
Use to emphasize skills, capabilities, and accomplishments
Items to include
Relevant credentials and degrees
Relevant accomplishments in work, volunteer experiences, community involvement, or other activities
Skills with and knowledge of software/hardware
Years of experience in a specialized field
Knowledge of specialized skills

32. Qualifications Examples
Honest, hardworking, reliable
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Extensive knowledge of word-processing, presentation and spreadsheet software, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel
Fluent in English and Spanish
Type 70 wpm

33. Work Experience List all work experiences Reverse chronological layout
Dates of employment
Employer’s name, city, and state
Job title
Brief results-oriented description
No paid experience?
Relevant volunteer experience, internships, school projects, classes, etc.

34. Work Experience Example
Newspaper Staff Member, Maine-Endwell High School
September 2013-June 2014
Features of high school newspaper
Researched information for news articles using library and Web sources
Composed and edited informational articles, columns, editorials, and advertising copy

35. Other Experience
Highlight other experiences pertinent to your job objective
These experiences can include:
Memberships to professional organizations
Leadership opportunities
Awards earned
Relevant courses
Honorary groups
Social, service, and school organizations
Military service

36. Sample Headings for Other Experience
Awards and Honors Volunteer Work Community Service Certificates Earned Activities Professional Associations

37. Other Experience Example
Relevant High School Studies Technical writing; advanced composition; debate; video production; computer classes providing knowledge of word processing, desktop publishing, and Web software

38. Other Experience Example
Honors, Awards, and Memberships
U.S. Media Association Scholarship recipient
Scholarship based on academic achievement, community service, and campus participation and leadership in high school communications projects and studies

39. Personal Data The following should NOT be included: Age Height Weight
Gender
Sexual orientation
Race
Religion
Disabilities
Photos

40. References Typically not included Research employer preferences
Have a separate reference sheet prepared
Reference sheet includes:
Name
Title
Address
Contact information
Dr. Ruth Heinz
Biology Professor
384 Main Street
Cincinnati, OH

41. Résumé Writing
Chronological résumé: A résumé that focuses on the applicant’s work experience and education.

42. Chronological Résumé
Focuses on the applicant’s work experience and education
A chronological résumé is appropriate if:
Your most recent job or jobs are similar to the position you are applying for
Your work history is strong and continuous with no obvious gaps in employment
You are applying for a position with a conservative company

43. Résumé Writing
Functional résumé: A résumé that focuses on the job tasks or skills that the applicant can perform.

44. Functional Résumé
Focuses on the job tasks or skills that the applicant can perform
A functional (skills) résumé is appropriate if:
You have a mixed work history
You are a new graduate or entering the workforce for the first time
Your previous job titles do not clearly reflect the level of skills you used
You are making a career change

45. Résumé Writing
Combination résumé: A résumé that focuses on the skills and work experience of the applicant.

46. Combination Résumé
Focuses on the skills and work experience of the applicant
A combination résumé is appropriate if:
You want to emphasize specific skills that relate to the job you are applying
You have a relatively consistent work history, although not all related
You have worked for one company for a long period of time

47. Resume Writing
Job objective: A statement of your employment goal.

48. Lesson Objectives
Describe accomplishments using numbers, percentages, and action verbs.
Identify appropriate keywords to be used in a résumé.
Tailor a résumé to fit a specific job opening.

49. Writing Guidelines Write clearly and concisely
Give specific examples and numbers
Use powerful action verbs

50. Write Clearly and Concisely
Use phrases—not complete sentences
Avoid clichés, dated expressions, and overly complex terms
Do not omit pertinent information

51. Write Clearly and Concisely
Complex
Concise
Utilized
Used
Equitable
Fair
Initiated
Started

52. Write Clearly and Concisely
Dated/Cliché
Concise
At this point in time
Now
Explore every avenue
Explore the options
Last, but not least
Finally

53. Give Specific Examples and Numbers
More forceful & persuasive resume
Numbers enhance credibility
If necessary, use an estimation
Approximately, more than, averages, up to

54. Specific Examples and Numbers
General
Specific
Reduced costs significantly
Reduced costs by 35%
The leading producer
Top producer of 45 employees
Reduced filming time
Reduced filming time by 50%
Processed more orders than any other member of the team
Processed approximately 25% more orders than any other member of the team

55. Use Action Verbs Include persuasive action statements
Show how you take initiative and actively participate in problem-solving and decision-making
Usually end in “-ed”
Omit any use of I, me, or my

56. Action Verbs Trained Adapted Established Scheduled Served Led Managed
Directed
Presented
Advised
Planned
Researched
Invented
Edited
Instructed
Coordinated
Designed
Hired
Prepared
Represented
Organized
Recruited
Solved
Generated
Collected
Accomplished
Contracted
Tested

57. Action Verb Examples General Specific
My duties included reviewing purchasing trends, analyzing customer data, and preparing annual trend reports.
Conducted extensive purchasing research; analyzed, diagrammed, and reported results of customer data; and wrote annual trend reports.
I was in charge of the school’s student-body elections and ballot processing.
Coordinated school’s student-body elections and reduced final ballot processing time by 30%.

58. Specific Examples & Numbers
The Bottom Line
Keys to an effectively written résumé
Clear & Concise
Specific Examples & Numbers
Action Verbs

59. Keywords
Keywords: specific words or phrases that represent the required skills, knowledge, and capabilities for a position
Employers search résumés for keywords manually and electronically
Include as many appropriate keywords as possible

60. Types of Keywords Job titles Skills/specialties
Education/certifications, licenses, and coursework
Work and volunteer experience
Community and other clubs/activities
Computer/software/hardware skills
Personal qualities
Accomplishments/awards
Industry/professional organizations

61. Locating Specific Keywords
Job descriptions and
advertisements
Industry Terminology
Researching
Keywords
Professional
Organizations
Company Websites

62. Sample Research Job Description
A clean driving record: You’ll need a valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle. Friendly demeanor: Smile, tell a joke—treat our customers like you would your family and friends. Keen sense of direction: You should know how to read a map and find your way around your delivery area. Age restrictions: Our delivery drivers need to be at least 18 years old. Just a few more things: You’ll need some basic math skills, the desire to work as part of a team and enthusiasm for learning.
Job Description

63. Sample Research Job Requirements
Ensuring that our customers have a satisfying experience that will keep them coming back time after time
1-2 years of soft-lines retail management experience
Proven leader within their store
Strong merchandising skills
Proven track record of success of driving sales, UPTs, and ADSs
Ability to recruit, train, motivate, and retain a team
Communication skills
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends
Job Requirements

64. Sample Research Job Description
Are you looking for a rewarding management opportunity? We are currently seeking experienced, enthusiastic, career-minded Store Managers to join our team. If you have superior leadership skills, operational excellence and can increase sales and profitability while managing a dynamic sales team, this could be the position for you! Responsibilities of the Store Manager include recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, store operations, store merchandising, inventory management, directing and maximizing sales, and customer care.
Job Description

65. Tips for Including Keywords
Repeat critical keywords
Use synonyms for words
Supervisor for Manager
BS for Bachelor of Science
Résumé search programs often look for nouns
Emphasize the “what”
Accountant – CPA, spreadsheet, computer, database, tax code, etc.

66. The Bottom Line Keywords Types Skills Job Titles Education Etc.
Locations
Websites
Organizations
Advertisements
Industry
Tips
Repetition
Synonyms
Nouns

68. Résumé Formatting and Distribution
Lesson Objectives
Design a résumé with an appealing format.
List steps to prepare and format an electronic résumé.
Recognize how the Internet is used to distribute résumés.

69. Writing a Cover Letter Sending a Cover Letter
Differentiate between networking, application, and prospecting cover letters.
Describe how to appropriately format an electronic cover letter.
Portfolio Activity: Writing a Cover Letter
Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio.
Write a cover letter which can be sent to a potential employer.
Evaluate performance through the use of a rubric.

70. Portfolio Activity: Writing a Résumé
Lesson Objectives
Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio.
Write a résumé which can be used to apply for a job.
Evaluate performance through the use of a rubric.

71. Portfolio Activity: Writing a Résumé
Lesson Objectives
Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio.
Write a résumé which can be used to apply for a job.
Evaluate performance through the use of a rubric.