1 Peirce College, Career Development Services The Basics of Writing a Resume

2 Why Write a Resume? Your resume is a personal pitch intended to persuade a potential employer that you are the best one to do the job. A resume helps you to keep track of your professional experience and skills you have acquired. No matter how long you have been at your current job, you should always keep it updated. “Good resumes open doors to job interviews; interviews open doors to jobs.”

3 First Rate Resumes 1. Format 2. Content 3. Winning Words 4. Do’s & Don’ts 5. Proofread! Proofread!

4 Resume Formats There are three different formats when writing a resume. The three formats are: Chronological Functional Combination

5 Chronological Format This is the most common type. It begins with the most recent job listed first in the Work Experience section. It is best for job seekers who have advanced through one field. It is also suitable for people who have not gone through many job changes or long gaps.

6 Functional Format The attention is focused more on the skills developed at different jobs. The dates of employment play a minor role. This is suitable for entry level, career changers, and mature professionals with various experiences.

7 Combination Format This type of format focuses on putting your work experiences in chronological order, but emphasizes skills like one would with a functional resume. Dates and process are both important.

8 Resume Content All resumes should include the following: Heading Objective (in most cases) Summary of Qualifications (optional) Education Work Experience Optional inclusions: Skills/Qualifications Activities/Organizations Honors

9 Heading Your name should appear on the first line, larger and bolded (usually no bigger than 14pt font). Include address, phone number, and . If you are moving, give current and permanent addresses and/or dates. If scanning your resume, always center your heading. Do not abbreviate (except for the state). Do not use Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Miss.

10 Anita Job 123 Main Street Philadelphia, PA phone: Heading Example The name is bolded and in a larger font than the rest of the heading No use of Mr., Miss, or Mrs. to avoid discrimination

11 Objective An objective is one or two sentences about the specific job you want and what you can contribute to the employer in return for the job. Use an objective when… You are pursuing a specific job goal. You know the exact title of the position for which you are applying. Make it your objective. You have a diverse career background that needs direction. You are a new graduate and need to formalize your goals.

12 Examples of Objectives Bad Objectives: To obtain a job utilizing my skills and abilities. Seeking a position where I can advance. Good Objectives: Sales management position using expertise in motivating sales personnel in order to increase profit sharing. To obtain an Accountant position in which my knowledge and skills as a Financial Analyst can be applied in order to benefit the mission of the organization.

13 Anita Job 123 Main Street Philadelphia, PA phone: Objective A senior position in sales/marketing management in a mid-size pharmaceutical company Heading and Objective

14 Summary of Qualifications A summary of your experience and qualifications that relate the most to the job for which you are applying. A brief (3 or 4 lines) statement. May be used in place of or following your objective.

15 Example of a Summary of Qualifications Summary of Qualifications Extensive experience in the high performance marketing industry with a proven ability to increase sales. Able to obtain excellent sales results through direct calls on users and management of third-party distribution channels.

16 Education Include: Name of institution Location (city and state) Date of graduation, or potential graduation Degree awarded Field of study GPA optional If your GPA is a 3.0 or better, you can include it.

17 Example of Education Section Education Peirce College Philadelphia, PA B.S. Paralegal Studies, GPA: 3.8 Degree expected June 2009

18 Work Experience The order of jobs depends on the resume format Chronological: List most recent job first, generally the last 3 jobs or last 10 years, description of duties should relate to your objective and the position you seek. Functional: Focus on positions that relate closest to the job you seek, list other work experience under a separate heading in less detail.

19 The Basics Name of company Position held Location of company (city and state) Dates of employment (month and year) Description of duties & responsibilities

20 Description of Duties Bad Descriptions: Use “I” Use complete sentences Are too general Are too long and hard to follow Good Descriptions Use action verbs Are specific and measurable Describe what you did and your successes Are positive and sell your skills Relate your past skills and experiences to the job you seek

21 Work Experience Sales Manager1998-Present Seldane ResearchSanta Fe, NM Manage Staff of 10 with volume of over $25 million Negotiate large contracts; represent company; corporate field contact for service and maintenance Set forecasts; coach sales staff and critique their abilities Oversee and write all performance evaluations, salary reviews and expense accounts Example of Work Experience

22 Skills/Qualifications Before writing your resume it is important to recognize valuable skills. Skills categories can include: Specialized skills (ex: certifications, computer software) Computer skills Office skills Communications skills Avoid overgeneralized phrases Be specific about what you know and relate it to the job you want

23 Activities/Organizations Include hobbies and personal interests if they are employment related, non- controversial, and they show skills and experience National affiliations/professional organizations Relevant positions held in clubs Honor/academic societies

24 Honors Dean’s List Who’s who Scholarships Awards

25 Winning Words When describing your responsibilities, start each statement with an action word. This is the active voice and demonstrates initiative and drive Keep verbs the same tense Current job=present tense Past job(s)=past tense Use NOUNS for an electronic resume because of the scanning function

26 Do’s & Don’ts Do Keep it brief; 1-2 pages Include your name and contact information at the top of the first page Put your name and page number at the top of the second page Open with a strong objective and/or summary Include a cover letter when mailing your resume Use the right format for your skills and objective Be neat, organized and professional Use the same font and verb tense throughout Be creative Don’t Use a template Lie Misspell Use colored paper or fancy fonts Supply personal information Include salary information List discriminatory affiliations Include the phrase “references available upon request” Include hobbies or personal interests unless they relate to your objective

27 PROOFREAD Read your resume over for spelling mistakes, repeated words, capitalization and content errors Give your resume to a reliable person to proofread for you Read your resume backwards to check for errors Proofread it again