1. RESUME WRITING

2. Objectives Understand the purpose of a resume Discuss stages of resume writing: Preparation, Format, Content, and Evaluation Identify resume sections and their respective content Help you identify next steps and available resources

3. The Purpose of a Resume Provide a summary of experiences and qualifications; tell your career story Communicate your potential value Marketing tool to obtain an interview Helps prepare you for interviews

4. Effective Resume Writing Communicates specific and relevant competencies & accomplishments Well organized, concise and easy to read Indicates career direction & interests Employers spend about 30 seconds or less reviewing your resume.

5. Preparation Research the career area Identify target audience Review job descriptions for the field Gain an understanding of what skills are needed to obtain employment in your area of interest

6. Content Possibilities Contact Information* Objective Education* Experience* Activities Honors Awards Skills A resume should not include everything and anything! Employers are looking for a concise resume. * Denotes typical categories on a resume

7. Contact Information Chris McCormick c-mccormick@northwestern.edu Campus Address Permanent Address 192 Orrington Avenue 888 Santa Cruz Road Evanston, IL 60201 Arcadia, CA 91007 (847) 888-5041 (826) 888-0767 Chris S. McCormick 2133 Sheridan Road Evanston, IL 60208 (847) 491-3366 C-mccormick@email.com

8. Objective  An “at a glance” picture of you and your career interests  A good objective statement answers questions: –What position(s) are you applying for? –What are your main qualifications? –What is your professional identity? Optional but helpful when applying for Co-op or Internship through MCD

9. Objective Examples Weak: To find a job in business with opportunity for advancement Strong: To secure a Co-op in the field of industrial engineering which utilizes interest in logistics and supply chain management.

10. Education EDUCATIONNorthwestern University, Evanston IL Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Anticipated June 2012 Current GPA: 3.3/4.0 Relevant Courses: List key courses Courses allow you to emphasize your skills and background Course titles in engineering

11. Experience Emphasizes past and present employment and/or activities Identify transferable skills May also be called: Professional Experience, Relevant Experience, Leadership Experience, Work History, etc.. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Chicago, Illinois Intern, June 2007 – August 2007  Analyzed statistical data from Contractor Performance Reports to compile a database providing benchmarking data for subscribing Medicare contractors  Contributed to the development of current and new services related to the Medicare business

12. Bullet Point Description Weak:Answered phones and wrote messages Strong:Served as liaison between clients and 14 staff members by effectively communicating inquiries and issues to the appropriate department Action verbs Positive modifiers Quantitative/qualitative indicators Answer journalistic questions Achievement Focused Terminology of your chosen field Elements of Description

13. Activities and/or Honors  Focus on content that is relevant to position/employer  Emphasize skills acquired, leadership/team roles, achievements  Include: clubs, sports, volunteer, community activities Site Leader, Community Development Corps Coordinator, Used Winter Coat Drive Volunteer, Alternative Student Break ACTIVITIES HONORS Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholar, March 2005 University Women Scholarship, May 2005 Excellence in Leadership Scholarship, June 2005

14. Skills Computers Technical/Lab Languages Hardware, software operating systems, languages Equipment, standard process Level of ability (fluent, proficient, conversant, reading/writing ability) Skills should address qualifications you have training on and/or considerable experience utilizing, as well as relevance to the position/employer.

15. Do Not Include… SSN Pictures Ethnicity/Race Height/weight Reasons for leaving previous employer(s) Birth date Salary history References Religion

16. Final Draft – Do’s and Don’ts DO Tailor for each position Highlight section headings Use action verbs Quantify accomplishments Use technical language Proofread multiple times DON’T Use acronyms Use a template Repeat information Exaggerate or lie Use fancy/unusual fonts Hurry/rush to send it out