MICHAEL OGBAA Resume Writing workshop

What is a Resume/CV? 2 A marketing document used for getting you a job, into an interview or into a selection test.

TO PRESENT THE BEST OF YOU IN THE BEST OF LIGHT 3 The essence

What is a Resume? The answer to “What can you do for me?” Highlights the relevant facts about you, your education, and your experience. Makes the first impression about you. Positions you in the mind of the employer, thus creating a value. The interview gets you the job, the resume gets you the interview! 4

It IS: It IS NOT: brief and to the point. specific to the objective. based on facts. based on your accomplishments. a document that can be changed and revised. simple and easy to read. a long-winded biography. general and vague. based on opinions. based solely upon your past duties. a document that is “set in stone”. a document that has clip art or pictures on it. 5 What is a Resume?

Unbreakable Rules Relevant, Clear and Concise. No typing errors. No misspellings. Do not tell a lie or mistruth. Verifiable information Do not include any negative information. 6

7 Should I Have More Than One version of My Resume? YES! Create a targeted resume each time you apply for an opportunity. Develop a 'generic' resume

Use Action Verbs! 8 OrganizedCommunicated Directed PlannedCreated Assisted SupportedInitiated Solved ReportedEdited Analyzed DescribedDeveloped Managed LedSold Designed

PUT IN EVERYTHING THAT WOULD POINT OUT WHY YOU WOULD BE GOOD AT THE JOB. 9 General Categories

General categories Summary Contact information Personal information Work experience  Before NYSC  NYSC  Post NYSC Education References 10

Summary/Profile 11 Is a concise section about what you have to offer to a prospective employer in terms of Experience, Skills, Results, Interests or your job Objective.

Contact Information 12 Name (largest font) Address Mobile Number Address

The Career Objective 13 Not compulsory Keep it short. Keep it unique

Employment History/Work experience 14 Reverse chronological order  Most recent first Five Components:  Job Title  Name of Employer  Location  Dates of employment  Description Exclude  Street address, supervisor names, telephone number or reason for leaving.

Education 15 List most recent education first Mention Date of Completion and University/College name. Academic honors Don’t include primary school

Activities and Honors 16 Only if relevant to job.  Mention scholarships, memberships etc.  Community work, volunteer work etc You may mention extra-curricular activities, which would highlight your suitability for the job.

References 17 “available on request” is ok Mention if it would further your suitability  Phones not necessary Between 2-3 references,  Work (formal or informal)  School  Associations Ask the permission of references before giving their names and numbers.

Do’s of Resume Writing page font size. Be consistent with fonts/size/bold/italics etc. Spread out information. Indented or bulleted statements. Bolding, different size fonts. Your name should be largest font on page. Write in third person.

Avoid 19 Height, weight, place of birth, marital status, race, caste, religion and health. Fancy Fonts, Clip art or non-traditional paper. Don’t fold resume, don’t stuff into envelope, don’t crumple. The word "Resume" at the top! Any statement that begins with "I" or "My“ Reasons for leaving previous job(s). Salary Information. References.

The Ultimate CV Test 20 Will it attract and sustain a manager’s attention? – Aruosa Osemwegie

The Test 21 Does your resume answer these questions:  Does it clearly and quickly communicate to employer that you can do the job?  Do your strengths come across?  Does everything support the job you are targeting?  Should anything be removed?  Does it really sell your skills?

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