Resumes That ROCK! Touch the Future Career Fair

Why a Resume that ROCKS ? Catch the attention of an employer Get an interview

Definition of a Resume A resume is an advertisement for yourself, designed to communicate your school and work history and skills in a way that motivates the employer to invite you for an interview. Or here’s why you should hire me for the job.

No One-Size-Fits-All RESUME Tailor the resume to the position. Incorporate language from the job posting/ position description into headings and action bullets.

An Effective Resume Is clear, organized, direct & professional. Has accurate information. Looks good on paper. Focuses on accomplishments by using action verbs. Is brief and easy to read.

Resume Writing Steps Target your job. Choose a format. Draft your resume. Edit and critique.

Choose a Resume Format Chronological  Work history – most recent first  Format preferred by many employers  Best for those who’ve advanced in titles and have a good work history Functional  Centers around skill areas  Works best for those with limited education or experience  Not well received – work with a career advisor if you use this style Combination  Combines work history & skills

Rocking Resume Contents One-page format (two at most) Name, relevant addresses and phone numbers Web page & address Objective Education Experience Skills Activities Honors

Objectives In one statement, define your career goals clearly & concisely, or briefly describe a particular position you are considering for employment. Ex: To obtain an entry level retail sales position that provides opportunities for advancement

Education List high school & graduation date. State GPA if 3.0 or better. List any special honors, ex: Honor Roll. List pertinent courses completed related to job you’re applying for.  Holt High School, Holt, Michigan Graduation Expected: June 2007  Computer Classes: Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint

Experience Action verbs & statements Show potential for more responsibility.  Advanced from Youth Leader to 4-H Council Youth Representative Show results.  Provided club leadership for Habitat for Humanity Community Service project resulting in 50 hours of donated services  Promoted from caddie to grounds student supervisor

Skills Not just a list of duties performed Be specific and results-oriented.  Promoted from hostess to waitress in two months  Proficient in MS-Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Photoshop  Wrote youth column for high school newsletter for three years

Activities & Honors Demonstrate your leadership and community involvement.  4-H Michigan State University Junior Scholarship, 2006  Outstanding Service Volunteer, Harvest House, Holt, MI, 2005

Resume Do’s Stick to one page. Use one-inch margins. Use consistent format. Use bullets instead of paragraphs. Avoid italics and underlining. Use all caps and bold to make important words stand out. Make headers & contact info larger. Choose an easy-to- read font.  Arial, Times New Roman, Palatino, Tahoma or Verdana  No less than 11 points for smaller fonts  Larger fonts can be 10 points

Resume Killers Spelling, typos or poor grammar (proof backwards) Poor presentation (poor formatting, too wordy or poor paper selection) Unprofessional address Unqualified candidates

References List references on a separate page. Ask permission & give them a copy of your resume. Choose wisely. Recommendation letters need to be originals.

Cover & Thank-You Letters A cover letter draws attention to the resume and convinces the employer to grant you an interview. Use a one-page cover letter when you mail, fax or a resume or application. Thank-you letters leave a positive impression and set you apart from others.

Conclusion…. Resumes evolve and are developed over time. Good resumes get interview opportunities. Your interview “performance” secures the job. What you put into your career management is what you will get out of it.  “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to the light I have.” - Abraham Lincoln