1. Resumes

2. Resume Each resume gets a 20-35 second glance What is a resume?
A summary of your personal, educational, and employment accomplishments & qualifications
Each resume gets a second glance
If it passes it will be looked at again at a later date
Appearance & correctness many times get your resume through the quick scanning phase.
Don’t clutter your resume
A resume is not an autobiography – it’s a sales brochure
Include only those things which relate to the job you are seeking

3. Sections of a Resume Heading
Tell the employer where they can reach you (Contact Info)
Job Objective – What job are you looking for?
1 concise statement to tell the kind of work you’re looking for: “Seeking full-time position in….”, “Seeking an entry-level position in …”, “To obtain a position as…”

4. Sections of a Resume Education Shows that you are capable of learning
Include any training, special workshops, military training, certificates awarded, and degrees.
Provide
Date of completion
Degree awarded
School’s name
City & state

5. Sections of a Resume Experience
Start with your most recent employer or Military Service
In 1 line – provide the date you left the job
If you’re still employed, state “Present”
Your job title, the name of the company, and the city & state
Provide quantitative and qualitative data whenever possible
You’re using quantitative skills when you…
Use Access, Excel, use Java, C++, or any other programming language, etc..
For example, instead of being “responsible for the sales team,” consider “directed the sales team to beat their repeat client objective by 10%”–remember that number thing!

6. Sections of a Resume Use action verbs & write in past tense
i.e. Experienced at analyzing clients' financial needs
i.e. Established market growth strategies that resulted in new units generating first year sales of nearly $50 million
i.e. Increased company’s net worth through leasehold assets by $70-$100 million each year
Different past-tense actions
Minimum of 3 responsibilities per job
Statements should refer to skills you gained, things you were good at, and impacts you had in the job

7. Sections of a Resume Skills Leave off personal information
List the skills needed for the job:
Soft skills - personal attributes, personality traits or communication abilities
Less quantifiable than hard skills that include specific knowledge and abilities.
i.e. attitude, communication, creative thinking, work ethic
Hard Skills - can be defined, evaluated and measured
i.e. computer skills, finance, electrical, finance, familiarity with technical language, proficiency in a foreign language

8. Sections of a Resume References Don’t list references on your resume.
Instead, type “References available upon request”
In a real interview:
Do not use relatives
Provide at least 3 references
Give their name, address, & contact information
Be sure you have that person’s permission to use them as a reference

9. Formatting Use easy to read fonts Margins should be .75-1 inch
Heading should be in the largest font size
There is no official format for a resume – everybody’s resume is different BUT all contain the same type of information.
Examples

10. Cover Letters

11. Basics Your Sales Pitch!
DON’T summarize your background – you’ve already done this on your resume!
When?
Always! Even if advertisement reads “send resume”
Length?
3 to 4 paragraphs – should not exceed one page
3 to 4 sentences/paragraph
Don’t forget to sign it! (Use Black Ink!)

12. Guidelines Always type & use a personalized salutation
Do not use “To whom it may concern”
Use Mr. or Ms. (Do not use Miss or Mrs., even if you happen to know the person’s marital status)
Avoid abbreviations & contractions
Don’t be negative
Never give personal information
Type “enclosure” at the end of the letter to indicate your resume is included
Don’t overuse “I” – Limit of 5
If every other sentence begins with “I” change the focus!
Use “you” emphasis!
What is in it for them? How will they benefit from your skills?”
Do not use fuffy filler words such as, “really”, “quite” or “very”

13. Opening Paragraph – “Why am I writing to you”
Keep it short & hard-hitting
Immediately & concisely state which position you wish to be considered
“Please consider me an applicant for the ________ position at ______ company. My background and experience prepare me well for this exciting opportunity.”
“I am responding to your advertisement regarding the Pharmaceutical Representative position.
“Having majored in Mathematics at Boston University, where I also worked as a research assistant, I am confident that I would make a very successful research trainee in your Economics Research Department.”

14. 2nd Paragraph – “Why I am qualified”
Explain why your skills & background make you perfect for the position
Pick 2-3 points
Discuss how your skills relate to the job’s requirements
BUT BE BRIEF – Save the details for the interview
Longest paragraph – may break it into 2 paragraphs if it looks too lengthy

15. 2nd Paragraph – “Why I am qualified” Examples
“In addition to my strong background in mathematics, I also offer significant business experience, having worked in a data processing firm, a bookstore, and a restaurant. My courses in statistics and computer programming would prove particularly useful in the position of research trainee.”
“My five years of public speaking experience and an extensive background in executive-level support will help grow your business.”
“Your ad specifies five year’s experience in IT and I deliver six years of superior-rated performance in network design and administration.”

16. 3rd paragraph – “Back to business”
Specifically request an interview
Include your phone number & hours you can be reached
Refer to your enclosed resume
Thank them for their time
“I would like to interview with you at your earliest convenience. I am best reached between 3:00 and 5:00 P.M. at (617) Thank you for your consideration.”
“Please find enclosed my resume detailing my education and experience.”