RESUME WRITING

Why is a resume important?  It is your marketing tool.  An application is a legal document used to collect the exact same information from each applicant. A resume is used to highlight your skills.  Almost everyone needs a resume in today’s competitive job market. Even teenagers seeking their first “real” job or applying for college benefits by having a resume.

What should a resume include?  Identification  Give your name, address, telephone number and address Jill Culpepper 123 Main Street Rockdale, GA (262)

What should a resume include?  Summary  Include 3 to 5 statements which describe your qualifications. Enthusiastic and hard-working high school student. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Driven to succeed and attain goals. Able to work both independently as well as part of a team.

What should a resume include?  Education  High School name and location  Dual enrollment classes, AP classes  Grade Point Average (if above a 3.0)  Career pathway(s)  Any completed courses that are relevant to the area that you want to go into

What should a resume include?  Experience  Include the name of employer, location, dates of employment, job title.  Describe your responsibilities, specific skills and duties.  Be as specific as you can! action + object + outcomes Example: “Compiled research in the area of childhood obesity and presented information to school officials to increase awareness”

What is considered experience?  A job  Volunteer work  Internships  Relevant career pathway experiences  Work-based learning  Babysitting, yard work, dog walking

What should a resume include?  Achievements/Activities  Awards, clubs, sports, etc.  Examples: National Honor Society 2008, 2009 RCHS Football 2010, 2011 Boy Scouts Skills USA  Make sure to include any leadership positions held! Wrestling team captain 2013 RCA Student Ambassador 2012

What should a resume include?  Skills  Computer skills Skill level: basic, working knowledge, proficient  Leadership skills  Language skills  Examples: Fluent in Spanish Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel Team captain of two varsity school sports

What should a resume include?  Other possible headings…  Leadership  Internship experience  Research experience  Honors  Relevant experience  Certifications You can be creative here!

RESUME DO’S  Develop a rough draft and then have multiple people proof-read it.  Keep the length to one page  Only use one font throughout the resume.  Use a font that is easy to read and use black ink.

RESUME DON’TS  Don’t include your whole life history  Don’t use a template– it’s easier to do on your own!  Don’t lie or embellish!!!  Don’t use pronouns (I, me, my)  Don’t use abbreviations  Don’t use contractions (don’t, can’t, won’t)  Don’t include reasons for leaving your past job(s)  Don’t include previous wage information