Resume Writing “The American Way” Peg Dickson May 2002

l A job-hunting tool designed to provide an employer with pertinent screening and qualifying information l A sales pitch Resume Writing Definition/Use

Resume Writing Before Writing Your Resume 1 Think of your objective - it may not be stated, but your resume will reflect it 2 List relevant experiences, both paid and unpaid - focus on accomplishments and results 3 Choose a layout on your computer with good visual appeal

Resume Writing Types of Resumes l Chronological - when past/ present career fields are relevant to new objectives l Functional - when changing career direction, have had several jobs in different careers, or have limited experience

Writing the Resume Header & Job Objective l Header - include name, address, phone #, and address l Job Objective (optional) - short statement in clear, specific language

Writing the Resume Experience section Chronological Resume l Include paid and nonpaid experience l Don’t have to include everything l List: 1) job title, 2) organization name, 3) type of organization (brief), 4) activities performed l Use quantifiers: # of people, duration

Writing the Resume Experience section Functional Resume l Title this section “Skills and Abilities” / “Areas of Expertise” l List most impressive accomplishments l NO company names or dates l Include additional section “Employment and Educational History” at bottom

Writing the Resume Skills Section l Languages - classify as fluent, conversant l Computer skills - be specific to list software (eg., MS Excel - pivot tables and macros, typing at 68 wpm, etc.)

Resume Writing Tips to Remember l Begin with your most persuasive information (eg., degree name vs. university name; job title vs. company name) l Name is bolded, not too many different fonts & no color l When listing education, the highest level is listed first - also be sure to list the degree name, institution name and date graduated - do not list high schools l Most resumes are 1 page and should never exceed 2 l Begin sentences and phrases with strong, action verbs - do not repeat verbs l Resumes are error-free (have a friend or native speaker proofread it!) l Resumes are on white- or cream-colored, high quality paper l DO NOT use underlining anywhere in the resume

Resume Writing 10 Most Common Mistakes l Too Long - preferred length is 1 page l Disorganized - looks unprofessional, poorly typed, and hard to read l Overwritten - long paragraphs & sentences l Too sparse - not enough information l Not oriented for results - Doesn’t show accomplishments l Too many irrelevancies - height, weight, sex, salary, marital status, etc. Include hobbies or vocational/social interests only if they clearly contribute to your work ability for your current job target l Misspellings, typological errors, incorrect contact info - always proofread before mailing l Tries too hard - fancy typesetting, binders, photos, exotic paper l Misdirected - must have some connection to company l Don’t lie - present yourself in a favorable manner, but never lie