Resume Writing Patty Counihan Director, University of Maine Career Center March 12, 2013 Third Floor Memorial Union umaine.edu/career

Resume Writing Outline Resume Tips Content/Categories of a Resume Improving the First Draft Making Effective Use of Your Resume Resume Formats Questions and Discussion

What Resumes Do For You It is a self marketing tool. It is designed to get you a job interview. It selects and interprets past experiences as they relate to your career objective.

Quick Tips Sell yourself Use active language Be consistent Present information in reverse chronological order Check for grammar Make sure it is neat and visually appealing Present information to the employer from most important to least important

What Employers Are Looking For Communication Skills Work Experience Motivation/Initiative Teamwork Skills Leadership Abilities GPA/Academic Credentials Technical Skills Interpersonal Skills Analytical Skills Ethics

Contents of a Resume Basic Information Name, current address and phone number Permanent address (if you plan on moving) address Objective /Summary of Qualifications Career Goal List of Qualifications

Contents of a Resume Educational Background Degree, major, and date of (expected) graduation Institution’s name, city and state Work Experience Title, employer, address Time period Skills utilized Accomplishments Honors Honors, recognition, awards Scholarships, Dean’s List

Contents of a Resume Activities Clubs, organizations, teams Community involvement Special Skills Research and writing Computer skills Languages

Optional Categories Community Activities Accomplishments Professional Memberships Seminars/Conferences Languages Presentations Publications Technical Skills Related Courses Travel Military Interests/Hobbies Certificates References Summary of Qualifications Volunteer Activities Internship Experience Related Projects

Action Verbs Collected Critiqued Diagnosed Evaluated Examined Extracted Identified Interviewed Investigated Organized Reviewed Summarized Surveyed Systematized Research Skills Assembled Built Calculated Computed Designed Devised Engineered Fabricated Maintained Operated Overhauled Programmed Remodeled Repaired Upgraded Technical Skills

Action Verbs Administered Analyzed Attained Chaired Contracted Coordinated Delegated Evaluated Improved Increased Organized Oversaw Prioritized Recommended Supervised Management Skills Addressed Arbitrated Authored Convinced Developed Directed Enlisted Formulated Mediated Moderated Negotiated Promoted Publicized Recruited Translated Communication Skills

Action Verbs Approved Arranged Catalogued Compiled Executed Generated Monitored Organized Prepared Processed Recorded Retrieved Specified Systematized Tabulated Administrative Skills Assessed Assisted Clarified Coached Counseled Demonstrated Diagnosed Educated Expedited Facilitated Familiarized Guided Motivated Referred Rehabilitated Helping Skills

Action Verbs Adapted Advised Clarified Communicated Demystified Developed Encouraged Evaluated Explained Facilitated Guided Instructed Simulated Trained Teaching Skills Acted Conceptualized Customized Designed Developed Directed Established Fashioned Initiated Instituted Integrated Invented Originated Performed Revitalized Creative Skills

Paper and Layout Paper weight: Use matching paper for resumes and cover letters (rag bond, textured, etc.) Color: Use white, off-white, tan, beige, or light gray to achieve a professional, businesslike appearance Spacing: Center your resume on the page leaving adequate “white space.” Make sure top and bottom margins are equal.

A Convincing Resume The four “ C’s ”: Complete Concise Consistent Correct Proofread carefully and proofread again! A simple error can cause your resume to be recycled!