 Summary of personal information  Outlines your qualifications for a particular job  Usually includes:  Education  Skills  Work experience  Awards & activities

 Resumes should be customized for each position to which you apply.  Resumes change over time and should be updated regularly.  Different positions may call for different resume formatting or layouts.

 Usually first step in the job application process  Organizes facts about you; makes completing job applications easier  Many employers keep resumes on file for a certain period of time

 Saves the employer time before and during an interview  How much time does a hiring manager usually spend looking at a resume?

JOEY JOBLESS 4321 Home Ct. Town, ST (555) JOEY JOBLESS 4321 Home Ct. Town, ST (555) Include your:  Name  Address  Telephone number  address What should stand out the most in your identification section?

 Indicate the type of job you want  Customize this item for each job to which you are applying

 List experience related to the specific job for which you are applying.  You might include:  Past/current job(s)  Internships  Volunteer work

 List schools attended.  Also include:  Dates attended  Diplomas or degrees earned  Courses taken that are directly related to the job

 Organizations of which you are a member  School clubs  Honor societies  Church groups  Extracurricular activities  Indicate length of membership and any leadership roles held

 Any recognition you received at work, school, or extracurricular settings  Examples:  Leadership  Scholarships  Attendance  Honor roll

 Include skills and aptitudes that are not otherwise specifically stated  Examples:  Fluent in Spanish  Proficient with Microsoft Office programs  CPR or First Aid certified

 First opportunity to make contact with an employer  Represents your qualifications for the job  Any mistakes will hinder your job search  You will continue to build upon your initial resume. Why not make a great one?

 Get online and do a quick Internet search for resume writing tips.  Make a list of your top 5 characteristics of good resumes.  Make a list of your top 5 common mistakes on resumes.  You may work with ONE other person. Make good choices

 Easy to read  Logical flow  Includes relevant information  Name stands out  Good use of space

 Spelling and grammatical errors  Writing in the first person  Including unrelated and/or personal information  Repetitiveness  Lacking organization or focus

 Keep it concise – no more than one page  Make it neat!  Be honest about your qualifications  Use action words and phrases to describe your experiences  Customize it to the job description  Have others proofread it!