Resumes: The Fundamentals

What is a Resume? An advertisement that discloses your accomplishments and qualifications to a potential employer A promotional brochure about you An example of your organizational and communication skills

What is the Purpose of a Resume? Your resume does not get you a job. Your resume gets you an interview. Your resume must: – Arouse the curiosity of the reader – Grab attention – Sparkle with interest – Differentiate you from the competition – Make you stand out from the rest

Resume Rules There are few rules that cannot be broken, with good cause Do not hold back. This is not the time to be modest Never tell a lie (never break this rule)

Tips for Writing Resumes Resumes should be concise Resumes should not be detailed. It is not necessary to list every job- only relevant work experience Present information in list format not in paragraphs Do not use declarative sentences (“I developed the…”) Use action verbs!!

Tips for Writing Resumes Avoid passive constructions (“was responsible for managing”) Describe past accomplishments so that they can be measured objectively (“saved the company $3500 for the fiscal year”) Check your resume for proper grammar and correct spelling Use normal page margins (1” and 1.25”)

Tips for Writing Resumes Allow for room between the different sections of the resume Resumes should be printed on high quality paper stock with a matching envelope Use simple, professional looking fonts Use techniques for emphasis (bolding, bullets, capital letters). Avoid underlining. Customize your resume to a specific position. (include only experience that is relevant to the job)

Tips for Writing Resumes Eliminate unnecessary details – age – height – weight – marital status – disabilities – social security number – religion

Tips for Writing Resumes Do not include a grade point average unless it is very good Do not include a picture List hobbies and interests only if they are relevant to the position you are seeking Arrange information on the resume so that the most current, most important, most relevant information is presented first

Tips for Writing Resumes Do not include details that might minimize your experience (part time, seasonal, temporary) You may omit the phrase “References available upon request” if you need more room to describe work experience or education Avoid the “objective statement”. It can be articulated in your cover letter. If you do use an objective statement be specific. “Seeking a rewarding position” is too vague.

Areas to Investigate Work History (paid and unpaid) Education, Seminars, and Training Volunteer and Community Service Research, Publications, and Presentations Languages and Special Skills Licenses and Credentials Professional Organizations Honors and Awards Activities Sports

Resume Content Heading Profile Experience Education

Heading Indicate your name in large, bold letters Use the name by which you are commonly referred Include only one address Include telephone number with area code Include your address if applicable

Profile The profile section of the resume consists of the lines at the top that get the potential employer to read the rest of the resume Potential Headings for the Profile section: – Profile – Interests – Strengths – Areas of Skill/Knowledge, Expertise

What to Include in the Profile Section Rule: Keep it Concise (less than ten lines) List: – Overview or Highlights of Experience – Brief Summary of Qualifications – General Statements/Remarks about Skills – Relevant Personality Traits – Overall Personal and Professional Strengths

Example Profile Entry PROFILE Ten Years Social Work Experience Extensive Clinical Experience Working with Children Thorough Knowledge of Therapeutic Techniques Experienced in Treatment Planning Excellent Interpersonal Communication Skills Stable - Reliable - Dedicated

Experience Potential Headings for the Experience Section: – Experience – Employment – History – Professional History – Experience Highlights

What to Include in the Experience Section NAME OF INSTITUTIONLocation/ Dates – Job Title – Description of Duties, Tasks, Responsibilities – Highlights of Experience – Accomplishments, Achievements – Skills, Training, Special Projects, Awards NAME OF INSTITUTIONLocation/ Dates – Job Title – Description of Duties, Tasks, Responsibilities – Highlights of Experience – Accomplishments, Achievements – Skills, Training, Special Projects, Awards

Example Experience Entry EXPERIENCE ACME DISTRIBUTIONBirmingham, AL / Administrative Assistant Screened and routed incoming calls and visitors Word Processed and proofread correspondence Handled filing and general office administration

Education If your career is well represented by your experience, your education can be stated briefly without dates. If you are a recent college graduate, you can highlight your education and include classes, honors, awards, activities, affiliations, studies abroad, and special projects. Recent graduates may want to consider placing the education section before the experience section. If you completed your undergraduate degree in 15 years, consider omitting the dates If you did not graduate, consider using phrases like “Studies in Computer Programming (two years)” List pertinent workshops, seminars, and training

What to Include in the Education Section EDUCATION NAME OF INSTITUTIONLocation/ Dates Degree / Major Concentration Certifications Awards, Honors, Distinctions Memberships, Organizations, Clubs Extracurricular Activities

Example Education Entry EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLOMontevallo, AL / 2000 Bachelor of Science Degree Political Science Student Government Association College Bowl Team Dean’s and President’s List

Example Resume JANE DOE 123 Falcon Way Montevallo, AL (205) PROFILE Ten Years Social Work Experience Extensive Clinical Experience Working with Children Thorough Knowledge of Therapeutic Techniques Experienced in Treatment Planning Excellent Interpersonal Communication Skills Stable - Reliable - Dedicated EXPERIENCE Gateway Family ServicesPelham, AL / 1994–present Child Therapist Provide out-patient therapeutic services to at-risk youth Develop and implement individual and group treatment plans Coordinate therapeutic activities, programs and interventions Maintain current and accurate case and progress notes Utilize professional contacts to form a web of community-based services Community Youth ServicesPelham, AL /1994 Social Work Intern Aided professional staff with therapeutic activities and programs Assisted with individual and group treatment planning Maintained current and accurate case and progress notes EDUCATION University of MontevalloMontevallo, AL / 1994 Bachelor of Science in Social Work Cumulative GPA: 3.84 Sullivan Humanitarian Award Recipient, 1994 Golden Key Honorary Member, 1994 Phi Alpha Social Work Honorary President, 1994