1. Clue In: Resume Skills For Non-Traditional Careers
Curriculum Kit
CRK040

2. The Basics
A non-traditional career is defined as one where at least 75% of the people working are of the opposite gender.
Careers (whether non-traditional or not) have ups and downs, good aspects and bad aspects.
For a look at some careers, complete Traditional Careers, Non-Traditional Careers, and What Might You Expect? worksheets.

3. The Basics
A well-written resume is the first step in letting an employer know that you are interested and qualified for the job.
As you begin to gather your qualifications, also take some time to jot down industry specific terms and “buzz words.”

4. Purpose
The purpose of the resume is to get you an interview with the company.
The resume is a 1-2 page document that includes your contact information, education, work experience, volunteer experience, honors, and awards.

5. Purpose
Writing a resume also helps you focus on your career goals.
When you take the time to organize and focus on your skills, experience, accomplishments, education, etc, a picture begins to emerge.

6. Getting Started
Before you start worrying about format or the kind of paper you will use on your resume, make some lists and get organized.
To complete the background and gather information tasks, complete Experience: Duties & Responsibilities, Education, and References worksheets.

7. Get Started
If you lack paid work experience, use volunteer experience or school experience. On a blank sheet of paper, write down all your experiences.
School yearbook committee
Fed the homeless with the church group
Member of cross-country team
High school graduate

8. Resume Categories
There are seven basic categories of information for the resume:
Contact information
Education
Work experience
Community involvement
Honors & awards
Skills
References
Take a look at chronological and functional resumes with the worksheet titled: Functional Resume.

9. Types of Resumes
While there are many different ways to write a resume, there are two basic styles:
Chronological
Functional

10. Chronological Resume
A listing of your work history usually in order of dates worked.
This type of resume is best if you have a steady work history that is related to the field for which you are applying.

11. Functional Resume
This is also known as a “skills” resume.
This type of resume allows you to highlight specific skills that you have learned that are applicable to the job you want.
If you have an inconsistent work history, this type of resume can be a good choice.

12. A functional resume typically includes the following sections:
Contact information
Skills
Work experience
References
The difference between the two types is that more emphasis is placed on the skills section.

13. Category: Contact Information
Name
Address
Phone Number (make sure a message can be left and the message is professional.)
Use an name that is professional
Professional example:
Unprofessional example:

14. Category: Education
List all of the schools you went to after high school. If you have a college degree, then it is not necessary to list the high school.
Include classes if they are related to the job for which you are applying.
If you are currently in school, list an expected graduation date.

15. Category: Education
If your education is directly related to the job you are applying for, then list it at the top of your resume. If not, list it toward the end of your resume.

16. Category: Work Experience
For a chronological resume, you want to list your most recent experiences first then work backward.
For each position, list your job title, company name, and dates worked.
List 3-5 of your main job duties in bullet list form.

17. Category: Work Experience
Job Duties
Use numbers whenever possible. Example: supervised 11 employees; handled more than 200 shipments on a daily basis
Use active verbs to describe your work experience. Example: created, managed, coordinated, processed
Companion worksheets for the topics covered: Get Into Action, Resume Categories, and Resume Matching.

18. Category: Community Involvement
This section should include any activities that you have done outside of work.
May include club activities, church activities, and volunteer activities.
If you had a specific title, then list it, otherwise write “member” or “volunteer.”
Companion worksheet: Benefits Of Volunteering.

19. Category: Honors & Awards
List any special recognition that you have received at work, school, or through community involvement.
Try to avoid listing awards more than five years old unless they are significant or applicable to the job for which you are applying.

20. List any specific technical or special skills that you possess.
Category: Skills
List any specific technical or special skills that you possess.
Examples include: computer software programs, foreign languages, licenses or certifications, etc.
Companion worksheet : Transferable Skills Checklist.

21. Category: References
References should be noted at the bottom of the resume as “References Available Upon Request.”
A separate reference page should be created listing 3-5 people who can speak about your work. Include name, job title, company, phone number, and address.

22. Category: References
You should make sure each reference is aware that you are using his/her name as a reference to speak to the quality of your work habits and professionalism.

23. Question: Objective or Not?
Opinions about whether to include an objective on your resume vary. Some say that an objective is important because it summarizes the job you want. Others say the objective is duplicated in the cover letter.
Now would be a good time to look at the worksheet: Objectives.

24. Not On Your Resume! Age (illegal to ask!) Gender (illegal to ask!)
Race (illegal to ask!)
Religion (illegal to ask!)
Martial Status (illegal to ask!)
Health
Physical Appearance
Personal Habits
Current Salary (usually on the application)
Complete worksheets: Is That Okay To Ask? and Resume Mistakes.

25. Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to provide feedback.
Get Feedback
It is very important to review your resume for spelling and grammar errors.
Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to provide feedback.
Most community college career centers will provide free resume assistance.
Fix any errors and proof again.
Complete worksheet: Check & Check Again!.

26. Tailor Your Resume
Your resume should be adjusted and changed for every job for which you are applying.
Focus your skills and experience toward the skills required by the job description.

27. A more formal approach is your best default.
Cover Letter
Purpose ~ to introduce yourself and get the employer to read your resume.
Use the same type of paper and format (font, margins, etc.) that you are using for your resume.
A more formal approach is your best default.
Salutation: Dear Ms…. Or Mr.….

28. Cover Letter
The main body of the cover letter should contain at least three paragraphs:
Introduction (first paragraph)
Why you are the best person for the job (second paragraph)
Next steps (final paragraph)

29. Cover Letter: Introduction
Be brief – write the name of the job you are applying for and where you found the job listing.
Example: I am excited to be applying for the position of office clerk. I found this position posted on your website.

30. Cover Letter: Main Body
This is where you can stand out from the others applying.
Write about the specific skills you have that are needed for the job.
Don’t brag, but don’t under-sell yourself either.
Give details about your experience.

31. Cover Letter: Main Body
Include an example of something you have done that demonstrates why you would be an asset to the company.
Example: “Last year I had the opportunity to set up a database system for my church that provides an opportunity to connect with all members on a regular basis.”

32. Cover Letter: Final Paragraph
The purpose of the cover letter (and resume) is to get you an interview.
In closing, thank the reader for looking at your resume.
Describe what you plan to do next. Be proactive.
Example: I will contact you next week to discuss an interview time.
Check out the Sample Cover Letter worksheet.

33. Cover Letter Don’ts
Don’t tell your life story in the cover letter. Focus instead on the skills and experience that are necessary for the job.
Don’t be over-boastful. Use regular language and state facts.

34. Reference List
A list of 3-5 people who can speak about your skills and experiences
You can provide this list with your cover letter and resume, or you can bring it to the interview.

35. Reference Letter
These are letters from employers and others that demonstrate your skills.
Keep a file of reference letters and make copies for job applications.
Even letters that are several years old can help demonstrate your skills.
Avoid using letters from family members.

36. Resume Details
Use high quality paper for the cover letter, resume, and references.
White or off-white is the best choice for color.
Avoid bright colors or fancy fonts that distract the reader from the content.
Hand deliver whenever possible.

37. Electronic Resume Details
Check formatting before sending resumes electronically.
Attach the resume as a PDF (to preserve document format) or Word document.
Send a follow-up to ensure the resume was received.

38. Resume Follow-Up
It is okay to follow up after a few days to be sure the materials were received.
After a week or two, it is permissible to check in and ask where they are in the hiring process.
Do not continually call or . A brief call or once a week is adequate.

39. More Resume Worksheets:
Additional worksheets help to refine the resume
process include:
Achievements
Resume Multiple Choice Quiz
Resume Word Search
Finding Skills
Resume Evaluation