1. Effective Techniques to Resume/Cover Letter Writing
The Nuts & Bolts of Resume Writing
Presented by the C.L.A.S.S. Career Center
Spring 2006
“SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS”

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Understanding the purposes of a resume & cover letter
The Do’s and Don’ts of resume & cover letter writing
The many ways to write an effective resume & cover letter
Important tips!

3. GOALS OF A RESUME
Grab the readers’ interest and make a good impression quickly
Show why they should hire you by focusing on your talents and abilities
It is an advertisement that your skills are available to a company

4. THE BASICS 1) HEADING 4) PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & ORGANIZATIONS
2) EDUCATION
5) COMPUTER COMPETENCIES
3) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
6) HONORS & AWARDS

5. “Chronological” Resume “Functional” Resume “Hybrid” Resume
3 Types of Resumes
“Chronological” Resume
“Functional” Resume
“Hybrid” Resume

6. Chronological Resume Essentials
For students or new college grads
Job Objective (Optional)
-for new college grads
-changing careers
Education
- include major/minors, degrees, and dates of graduation
list GPA higher than 3.0 only
list professional experiences in chronological order, starting with most current experience

7. Who should consider a Functional Format?
If you want to highlight skills and experiences in specific areas
Those with gaps in their work history
Those with very diverse experiences that don’t add up to a clear cut career path
Individuals who have remained in the same or similar position for a long time
College students with minimal experience and/or experience unrelated to their chosen field
Education (Top or Bottom of resume depending on experience)

8. Functional Resume Essentials
Skills and Experience in Specific Areas
Career or Job Objective (Optional)
Education (Top or Bottom of resume depending on experience)

9. What is a Hybrid Resume?
The hybrid resume compensates for the functional resume's deficiency in explaining when and where successes occurred.

10. Hybrid Resume Fundamentals
Include Resume “Basics”
Career Objective
List Professional Experience in Specific Categories

11. Common mistakes of resume writing—The Don’ts!
Don’t use complicated formats
Don’t list irrelevant information
Don’t list personal information (hobbies, personal interest)
Don’t Exaggerate

12. The Do’s Limit resume to 1 page Use bullets with brief descriptions
Begin descriptions with action verbs
Have someone edit your resume
Give your resume a
KISS—(Keep It Short & Simple)

13. “Things to Remember” Presentation font (Times Roman, Bookman)
paper color (white, ivory or light gray)
electronic resumes (no boldface or underlining)
Format
- keep font between 10 and 12 point type
- don’t clutter your resume (leave white space)
Spelling, Grammar and Syntax
-first-person tense
-choose language that’s appropriate to the position your seeking
-double check for misspelled words

14. “Things to Remember” Content
list only relevant experience for job seeking
include specifics (numbers, percentages, details)
“A resume should be more than a list of past jobs. It should serve as a personal sales and marketing tool that attracts and impresses employers”

15. Six steps in Writing Cover Letters
Step 1 - Identify Your Key Selling Points
Step 2 - Pre-Plan (Research)
Step 3 - Write the Opening Paragraph
Step 4 - Write the “Meat”
Step 5 - Write the Closing
Step 6 - Polish, Proofread, and Finalize

16. Last Thoughts Say more by saying less Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Highlight accomplishments
Never exaggerate
Every statement should sell yourself
START NOW!!!

17. Come See Us
If you’re seeking further guidance on Resume/Cover Letter Writing, please visit the CLASS Career Center at Agnes Arnold Hall, room 613.
Phone #
Or visit the website at