Resume Writing

Organizing Your Resume A resume is a concise summary of an applicant’s qualifications for employment A resume is a concise summary of an applicant’s qualifications for employment A good first impression is crucial A good first impression is crucial –Easy to read, attractive, crisp, and clean

Organizing Your Resume Guidelines: Guidelines: –Use a word processing resume template for appropriate formatting –Limit to one page (unless you have extensive experience) –Never use the pronoun I as the first word of a sentence –Correct all spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors

Organizing Your Resume Using Reverse Chronological Order Using Reverse Chronological Order –Lists most recent experience and education first, then works backward to earlier experiences Organize into Sections Organize into Sections –Objective –Work Experience –Education –Activities, Interests, and Achievements

Preparing Your Resume Heading Heading –List your name and contact information Objective Objective –Brief statement that states your interests and goals –Should also benefit the employer Work Experience Work Experience –Paid or volunteer work –Use action verbs to describe past responsibilities and accomplishments

Preparing Your Resume Work Experience (con’d) Work Experience (con’d) –Use reverse chronological order –Be sure to list all of the following  Name of company you worked for  City and state  Dates of employment  Job title  Description of responsibilities and accomplishments

Preparing Your Resume Work Experience (con’d) Work Experience (con’d) –Action words  Examples DesignCreateManageVerifyAssist AdministerSuperviseCompleteMaintainTrain DevelopOperateAnalyzeOrganizeInitiate

Preparing Your Resume Education Education –Use reverse chronological order –Be sure to list all of the following  Each school (high school and beyond)  Degree or certificate earned  Major area of study  Completion dates  Include credit and noncredit workshops or seminars  GPA (if good 3.0 to 4.0 or A)

Activities, Interests, & Achievements Include activities that reflect a willingness to work hard, to be creative and show initiative, and to work well with others Include activities that reflect a willingness to work hard, to be creative and show initiative, and to work well with others –Examples  Achievements, awards, honors  Leadership roles  Public Speaking  Membership in civic organizations