Resume Tips and Tools For students participating in SKILLS USA Mindi Federman Askelson Director of Placement and Student Life

Purpose of a Resume Resumes are effective tools for employers to use as a screening device to control the deluge of responses to job postings. Applicants use resumes to introduce themselves to the employer in hopes of be granted an interview.

Resume Secrets There is a good chance that a support staff person, not the hiring manager, will review your resume and compare it to the job description. Resumes are not read thoroughly, so it is important you bring your qualifications out front and center.

Phases of Building Resumes Targeting a specific employer or employment opportunity. Developing the content that documents your skills and abilities. Designing and editing the document.

In this power point will cover developing and designing a resume.

Types of Resumes According to Resume Magic, 99% of business resumes fall into two distinct genres: Chronological Functional

Chronological A historical timeline of your experiences. Does not necessarily need to include dates. Descriptions of what you did and how you did it should be listed under Experience or Employment History section. Most recent employer is listed first and least recent is listed last. Example of a Chronological Resume

Functional Relies on skills-based section to demonstrate qualifications. Company names, employment titles, and dates are intentionally omitted. Often the best choice for individuals with minimal or no paid experience. Example of a functional resume

Choosing a Type of Resume To learn which resume style best suites your needs go to: Choosing a resume style

Parts of a Resume A resume can contain any or all of the following sections: Resume Header Objective or Focus Statement Professional Experience Skills, Abilities, and Special Interests Education, Credentials, and Licenses Affiliations Awards and Honors

Resume Header A resume header can contain any or all of the following sections Name Address Landline number Cell phone number Work phone number Fax address John Doe Pitt 123 Green Tree Rd New York, NJ (343)

Using Action Verbs Today’s job descriptions begin with action verbs, so should your resume. Start sentences with action verbs that list results and complete the sentence with the method used to achieve the results. Ex: Increased sales 17% through introduction of consultative sales approach.

Action Words The internet is full of good examples of action oriented words for resumes. Here are just a few links: tml tml s/Resume%20Action%20Words%20and%20Phrases.pdf s/Resume%20Action%20Words%20and%20Phrases.pdf

Objective or Focus Statement Needs to grab the readers attention. Is focused on the employer’s needs. Is directed toward what the employer wants or is looking for and how you can be an asset to them. Should be brief, one or two sentences. Includes:  the position you want.  the key skills that qualify you.  the benefits or value to an employer.

Professional Experience Largest portion of the chronological format. Can include both paid and volunteer positions related to your career goal. Includes job title, company name, company location and dates employed.

Skills Offers employers a “menu” of your talents. Largest portion of the functional format. Provides a format for individuals with limited paid or recent job experience to showcase their abilities.

Turning Experiences Into Words Need help brainstorming experiences that will look good on a resume? Having trouble turning college experiences and coursework into transferable skills? Not sure what extracurricular and volunteer activities to list on your resume? We have some worksheets that can help!

Worksheets College experience worksheet Transferable skills worksheet Examining extracurricular, volunteer and community activities worksheet Examining extracurricular, volunteer and community activities worksheet Portray your skills as transferable worksheet Writing an objective or focus statement worksheet Writing an objective or focus statement worksheet Previous work accomplishment worksheet

Education, Credentials, and Licenses Where recent graduates can showcase their talents and experiences. Includes and trade school or college training. Should include required course work, internships, or testing process. Can include name of schools, college major, honors, GPA, co-curricular activities, languages studied, degree received.

Turning Education, Credentials, and Licenses Into Words 552/7-resume-writing-tips-for-your- education-section.cfm 552/7-resume-writing-tips-for-your- education-section.cfm ation2.shtml ation2.shtml grad_resume_FAQ.html grad_resume_FAQ.html

Affiliations If you have numerous affiliations split them into two sections: career and civic ◦ Career – organizations dedicated to a profession or industry. ◦ Civic – community, nonprofit, or for-fun groups.

Turning Affiliations Into Words Listing affiliations Where to put affiliations

Awards and Honors Can include awards related to career accomplishments, community based volunteering, contributions to service organizations, or academic awards and scholarships.

What Not to Include on a Resume Date of birth Marital status Personal data Photograph Salary history or requirements

More Resume Don’ts Quintcareers Do’s and Don'ts Forbes Do's and Don'ts Resume Mistakes and Don'ts 6 Resume Don'ts TTG Consultants Effective Resumes

For More Information about writing resumes go to: ces/resume/ rid=142