Effective Techniques to Resume/Cover Letter Writing The Nuts & Bolts of Resume Writing Presented by the C.L.A.S.S. Career Center Spring 2006 “SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS”

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understanding the purposes of a resume & cover letter The Do’s and Don’ts of resume & cover letter writing The many ways to write an effective resume & cover letter Important tips!

GOALS OF A RESUME Grab the readers’ interest and make a good impression quickly Show why they should hire you by focusing on your talents and abilities It is an advertisement that your skills are available to a company

THE BASICS 1) HEADING 4) PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & ORGANIZATIONS 2) EDUCATION 5) COMPUTER COMPETENCIES 3) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 6) HONORS & AWARDS

“Chronological” Resume “Functional” Resume “Hybrid” Resume 3 Types of Resumes “Chronological” Resume “Functional” Resume “Hybrid” Resume

Chronological Resume Essentials For students or new college grads Job Objective (Optional) -for new college grads -changing careers Education - include major/minors, degrees, and dates of graduation list GPA higher than 3.0 only list professional experiences in chronological order, starting with most current experience

Who should consider a Functional Format? If you want to highlight skills and experiences in specific areas Those with gaps in their work history Those with very diverse experiences that don’t add up to a clear cut career path Individuals who have remained in the same or similar position for a long time College students with minimal experience and/or experience unrelated to their chosen field Education (Top or Bottom of resume depending on experience)

Functional Resume Essentials Skills and Experience in Specific Areas Career or Job Objective (Optional) Education (Top or Bottom of resume depending on experience)

What is a Hybrid Resume? The hybrid resume compensates for the functional resume's deficiency in explaining when and where successes occurred.

Hybrid Resume Fundamentals Include Resume “Basics” Career Objective List Professional Experience in Specific Categories

Common mistakes of resume writing—The Don’ts! Don’t use complicated formats Don’t list irrelevant information Don’t list personal information (hobbies, personal interest) Don’t Exaggerate

The Do’s Limit resume to 1 page Use bullets with brief descriptions Begin descriptions with action verbs Have someone edit your resume Give your resume a KISS—(Keep It Short & Simple)

“Things to Remember” Presentation font (Times Roman, Bookman) paper color (white, ivory or light gray) electronic resumes (no boldface or underlining) Format - keep font between 10 and 12 point type - don’t clutter your resume (leave white space) Spelling, Grammar and Syntax -first-person tense -choose language that’s appropriate to the position your seeking -double check for misspelled words

“Things to Remember” Content list only relevant experience for job seeking include specifics (numbers, percentages, details) “A resume should be more than a list of past jobs. It should serve as a personal sales and marketing tool that attracts and impresses employers”

Six steps in Writing Cover Letters Step 1 - Identify Your Key Selling Points Step 2 - Pre-Plan (Research) Step 3 - Write the Opening Paragraph Step 4 - Write the “Meat” Step 5 - Write the Closing Step 6 - Polish, Proofread, and Finalize

Last Thoughts Say more by saying less Proofread, Proofread, Proofread Highlight accomplishments Never exaggerate Every statement should sell yourself START NOW!!!

Come See Us If you’re seeking further guidance on Resume/Cover Letter Writing, please visit the CLASS Career Center at Agnes Arnold Hall, room 613. Phone # 713.743.4058 Or visit the website at www.class.uh.edu/ccsc/