Resumes For Today’s Job Market Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., Adjunct Counselor Counseling Dept., Cypress College
Resumes Cover Letters Transferrable Skills Online Presence Branding Resources
The “Rules” Have Changed Since the economic recession, resumes are different What A Resume Does Marketing Tool vs. Biography What Should Be Included Summary vs. Objective Statement Only Relevant to Job vs. Whole History What Should Be Emphasized Accomplishments vs. Job Duties
The “Rules” Have Changed (Continued) How They Are Laid Out Emphasize What You Offer Them vs. Self Serving Customized to the Reader vs. Generic When They Are Sent Out Was “Quantity” – Volume increases odds of response Now “Quality” – Better fit and tailored will increase odds How They Are Sent Out Online or vs. ‘Snail Mail’
Resumes Purpose To Get an Interview Contents Brief & Relevant to the Job Experience, Skills, Education & Abilities Types Different Types – Use What Best Represents You
Different Types of Resumes Use Format That Best Represents You Chronological Functional Combination Online Scannable PDF HTML Plain text (ASCII)
Cover Letters Purpose Grab and Direct Reader’s Attention Introduce Yourself Personalize to Them Show Your Writing Style Content Highlight Most Relevant & Important Address Questions or Previously Unmentioned
Online Presence Online Presence Expected to Replace Resumes Your Online Presence Will Impact Your Job Search! Social Media Linked In – Professional Use Only! Others: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Blogging Websites Web Domain Name Address
Transferrable Skills Usable in Many Different Jobs (Writing, Critical Thinking, Computers, Interpersonal Skills, Self Management.) Emphasize Transferrable Skills When: Lacking Experience in the Job Transitioning into a New Direction Gives You an Advantage (i.e. Multi-lingual) See Workshop: “Identifying Your Transferrable Skills” for more information
Personal Branding Complete “Personal Marketing” Tools with “Branding” What Makes You Unique Mission Statement Elevator Speech Resume & Online Presence Graphics (colors, fonts, images, etc.) Most Job Search Websites Give Help with This
Tools & Resources – On Campus Career Planning Center Computerized Programs Links to Job Search/Resume Websites Handouts, Books and Other Resources Workshops (Handouts from Prior Available) Career Counselor Fullerton College – Workforce Center (Job Placement)
Tools & Resources – Off Campus Local One-Stop Career Centers Computerized Programs Handouts, Books and Other Resources Workshops See Handouts Career and Job Coaches for Hire List of Job Search Websites
Handouts Available Website Resources Employment History – Working Document So How Do You Find Your Dream Job or Career?