Dust Off That Resume!

Resume Writing Why Write a Resume? Writing a Solid Resume Choosing a Resume Format Common Questions Last Minute Tips “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Main Function of a Resume A written summary of your self-analysis Assumption: You have done some self-analysis! “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Why Write a Resume? Resumes are a vital part of corporate America –Like it or not, they are needed –They present your experience and background to future employers “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Why Write a Resume? A well prepared and presented resume will: –Present a positive image –Capture the interest of the recipient –Tell what you have done –Share your accomplishments –Result in interviews –Trigger a positive action “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Why Write a Resume? The resume is intended to “Open the Door” to new opportunities. “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford It is often the first impression that you will make on the prospective employer.

Writing a Solid Resume Evaluate the needs of the employer –Determine how you can fill those needs Use action verbs: –Wrote management reports –Designed new protocol –Managed Accounting Division –Cut costs by over 20% –Planned meetings and events

How Resumes are Read Two ways resumes are read: –The Quick Scan (average time spent reviewing resumes: 20 seconds) –The Long Read Your initial objective is to have your resume pass the “Quick Scan” and get to the “Long Read.”

Choosing a Resume Format There are three basic types: –Chronological –Functional –Combination It may be helpful to write one of each Note: Regardless of the format, your resume should be “Web-Ready”

Chronological Resume Organized by job title with the most recent position listed first

Chronological Resume Pros: –Accentuates most recent experience –Shows pattern of progression and associated skills –Gives recruiters and managers an instant look at your credentials –Widely accepted / preferred format

Chronological Resume Cons: –May reveal visible “Gaps” in employment history –Doesn’t work well if your work history has been spotty or stagnant –Doesn’t work well if you are changing careers

Chronological Resume Works Best For: –Job seekers with solid experience and a logical job history, the chronological resume is the most effective. Career changers and those who lack formal on-the-job experience (like new graduates) find this resume the most difficult to write.

Functional Resume Rearranges employment history into sections that highlight areas of skill and accomplishment Example: –Management –Logistics –Human Resources

Functional Resume Begin with the skill you want emphasized the most You may customize for different employers by: –Changing your job objective –Changing the order in which you list the functions

Functional Resume Pros: –Emphasizes your abilities –Useful if you are changing careers Shows how you can transfer your skills Cons: –May hide actual experiences, employers, projects, etc. –If you don’t list your previous jobs, the person reviewing your resume may be suspicious

Functional Resume Works best if: –You have a "mixed bag" work history: no clear thread uniting positions held. –You are a new graduate or entering the workforce. You must show how the skills you have used in the past (in volunteer or coursework) apply to the job you are seeking. –Your job titles, such as such as "Administrative Assistant" or "Marketing Coordinator," do not clearly reflect the level of skills you used. –You are making a career change--either changing industry or changing occupation

Combination Resume Combines a functional resume with a chronological resume Useful if you spent a long time at one job but moved up through the ranks

Common Questions Where should my Educational background go? –If you have a college degree not necessary to include HS information –Place at top of resume if: Education completed less than 5 years ago Your degree is relevant to position You completed your education more than 5 years ago and you worked outside your field of study but you would like to re-enter the field. –Otherwise, place at bottom of resume

Common Questions How long is too long? –General rule of thumb: 1 page Employers only need to see a snapshot –May extend to 2 pages if you have extra “stuff” that you must include Additional relevant work experience Special awards, Achievements Additional relevant community service experience Other pertinent information

Common Questions What about personal information? –Do not include any personal information such as: HeightWeightAge Marital status Religious background –In the U.S. it is Illegal for employers to request this type of information

Common Questions Where do I put salary history? –If requested by an employer, include it as an addendum to resume

Common Questions How do I handle gaps in employment? –Consider using a functional resume instead of a chronological resume –Put emphasis on your strengths –Consider including volunteer activities if it is relevant to the job you’re applying for –Never lie on your resume –Instead of writing specific dates, use years of employment –Be prepared to answer questions regarding your “gaps” – AND don’t apologize – be up front

Last Minute Tips Proof-read your resume –Have a friend proof-read it Put it away for a day, then proof-read it again Keep it updated –Add new skills/experience acquired –Add details of special projects