Post on 05-Jan-2016
Resume Writing“The American Way”
Peg DicksonMay 2002
A job-hunting tool designed to provide an employer with pertinent screening and qualifying information
A sales pitch
Resume WritingDefinition/Use
Resume WritingBefore Writing Your Resume
1 Think of your objective - it may not be stated, but your resume will reflect it
2 List relevant experiences, both paid and unpaid - focus on accomplishments and results
3 Choose a layout on your computer with good visual appeal
Resume WritingTypes of Resumes
Chronological - when past/ present career fields are relevant to new objectives
Functional - when changing career direction, have had several jobs in different careers, or have limited experience
Writing the ResumeHeader & Job Objective
Header - include name, address, phone #, and e-mail address
Job Objective (optional) - short statement in clear, specific language
Writing the ResumeExperience section
Chronological Resume
Include paid and nonpaid experience
Don’t have to include everything List: 1) job title, 2) organization
name, 3) type of organization (brief), 4) activities performed
Use quantifiers: # of people, duration
Writing the ResumeExperience sectionFunctional Resume
Title this section “Skills and Abilities” / “Areas of Expertise”
List most impressive accomplishments
NO company names or dates Include additional section
“Employment and Educational History” at bottom
Writing the ResumeSkills Section
Languages - classify as fluent, conversant
Computer skills - be specific to list software (eg., MS Excel - pivot tables and macros, typing at 68 wpm, etc.)
Resume WritingTips to Remember
Begin with your most persuasive information (eg., degree name vs. university name; job title vs. company name)
Name is bolded, not too many different fonts & no color When listing education, the highest level is listed first - also be
sure to list the degree name, institution name and date graduated - do not list high schools
Most resumes are 1 page and should never exceed 2 Begin sentences and phrases with strong, action verbs - do not
repeat verbs Resumes are error-free (have a friend or native speaker proofread
it!) Resumes are on white- or cream-colored, high quality paper DO NOT use underlining anywhere in the resume
Resume Writing10 Most Common Mistakes
Too Long - preferred length is 1 page Disorganized - looks unprofessional, poorly typed, and hard to read Overwritten - long paragraphs & sentences Too sparse - not enough information Not oriented for results - Doesn’t show accomplishments Too many irrelevancies - height, weight, sex, salary, marital status,
etc. Include hobbies or vocational/social interests only if they clearly contribute to your work ability for your current job target
Misspellings, typological errors, incorrect contact info - always proofread before mailing
Tries too hard - fancy typesetting, binders, photos, exotic paper Misdirected - must have some connection to company Don’t lie - present yourself in a favorable manner, but never lie