1. Introduction to Resume Writing Host: Career and Student Services Coordinator Ms. Sarah-Lynn Brunner bsarahlynn@itu.edu 408.331.1026 Ext:220

2. Overview of Student Success Center Individual Career Counseling Drop-ins Workshops Career Assessment Tools Mock Interviews Career Resource Library Career Fairs ITU Recruiting Job Listings Resume Match On-campus Interviews

3. Agenda Purpose of a resume Resume formats Sections of a resume What not to include in a resume References

4. Purpose of a Resume Introduction to employer Personal advertisement Get you an interview

5. Basic Formats for Resumes Chronological Reverse Date Order Functional Grouped by Skill Category

6. Components of a Resume Necessary Information: Contact information Education Experience (tasks, skills learned) Optional Information: Objective Course highlights Projects/research Computer skills Foreign languages Honors/awards Volunteer work / community service Activities/Interests Many more…

7. Contact Information Name Address: Campus/Permanent Telephone number Email address

8. Objective Convey a match between you and the position Communicate what you have to offer Identify skills that will benefit the organization/industry Tailor your objective to the job/field Example: “Seeking an internship with XYZ Corporation in which I can utilize my proven leadership abilities and recognized customer service skills.”

9. Education Include: –Institution –City, State –Degree –Major title –Graduation date Optional Information: –Minor/Concentrati on –Dean’s List –Grade Point Average –Exchange programs* –Dissertation or Thesis* –Honors, awards, scholarships* List formal education with the highest degree first

10. Experience Full-time, part-time, volunteer, or internship List in reverse chronological order May use “Related Experience” section Need to include: Name of employer City, State, and dates of employment/participation Position titles Position description

11. Position Description Demonstrate achievements, knowledge, skills, highlights, and responsibilities related to the position Use action verbs: use past and present tense consistently and accurately Break up large blocks of texts with bullets

12. Accomplishment Statements Two parts: The results or benefits that came as a result of your work. These results/benefits should be stated in terms of the value added, and in as tangible and quantified a manner as possible. The action you took to achieve those benefits/results. (What steps you took or what techniques you used)

13. Accomplishment Statements Benefits Much better awareness of the skills and abilities that will be the foundation for your job search. Concrete credibility for everything you claim in the way of qualifications and abilities. You will have simple documentation of the value you can bring to an employer. Greater confidence in presenting yourself to potential employers. You will understand better that you are not "asking for a job," but rather you are offering a contribution to an employer.

14. Accomplishment Statements - Increased profits - Reduced errors - Reduced losses - Improved teamwork - Made things easier - Sped things up - Foresaw a problem - Found an easier solution -Received an award -Found a new opportunity -Accomplished more with the same - Prevented a problem - Provided new resources - Developed a new procedure - Overcame obstacles

15. Examples "Saved $60 a year in service charges by proposing and acquiring a checking account at a new bank for College Council." " Instituted residence hall tutoring program that increased average overall GPA from a 2.9 to a 3.3." " Increased membership in ABC student club by 50% through creative advertising." "Presented training for new campus-wide email system to approximately 30% of the student body."

16. Special Categories Course highlights Projects/research Research awards Certifications Computer skills Foreign language proficiency Special skills Volunteering / community involvement Leadership activities Honors, scholarships, awards Activities, interests

17. Interests and Activities Association memberships Academic/social clubs Athletic teams Hobbies Include offices elected to and contributions made to the organization Select your interests and activities carefully

18. What NOT to Include Salary requirements or previous salaries Name or contact information of supervisors Personal information (e.g. birth date, marital status, health status, picture, etc.) References - place them on a separate sheet Note: if applying for jobs outside of the US, these may not necessarily apply – do your research!

19. Points to Remember Use vocabulary of your field or industry Use concise phrases Use numbers to quantify achievements Avoid long paragraphs Omit personal pronouns (I, we, he, she, you) Action verbs

20. Points to Remember (cont.) Use bolding, italics, and underlining to highlight or separate sections Margins should be ½ inch to 1 inch One page length is standard Use only one side of the paper Laser print on quality paper

21. References Have at least three references Ask before using someone as a reference Give resumes to your references and keep them informed of your progress Things to include on reference sheet: Your contact information (same format as on resume is recommended) Name of reference, company or organization, address, phone number, and email address

22. A Strong Cover Letter A Strong Cover Letter are targeted to employers and specific jobs Promotes your abilities Looks organized and professional Enthusiastic and conveys interest Clear and concise articulation of skills Error-free

23. Components of a Cover Letter Your contact information Date Employers’ contact information Salutation Introductory paragraph Body of letter: one or more paragraphs connecting your skills to employer needs Conclusion Closing Signature, if in paper format

24. Opening Paragraph Why are you writing? What position are you applying for? How did you hear of the opening or organization? Example: Dr. Anderson in the Anthropology Department at International Technological University recommended that I contact you. I would like to apply for the archaeology internship available in your office.

25. Middle Paragraph(s) Explain interest in working for this employer and reasons for desiring this position Do NOT iterate entire resume; rather expand on one or two areas that reflect relevant skills learned Emphasize skills or abilities that relate to the job Express confidence and enthusiasm

26. Final Paragraph Persistent, businesslike closing statement Indicate desire for a personal interview Example: I will call you on [date] to discuss this career opportunity with [name of organization]. “Thank you” for consideration Closing: Sincerely, Sign name Type name Enclosure

27. Cover Letter Tips Address letter to a specific person if possible One page only Use industry “buzz words” Follow through with employer Let them know you have done your homework Say something flattering about the organization (e.g.: “Energy Plus has an excellent reputation locally for customer satisfaction, and I would like to become part of your customer service team.”)

28. Good Luck! Let us know how else we can help you! Student Success Center Host: Sarah-Lynn Brunner bsarahlynn@itu.edu http://csc.itu.edu/