Resume Writing - New Paltz · Common elements of resumes Identifying information Name Address...
Transcript of Resume Writing - New Paltz · Common elements of resumes Identifying information Name Address...
Resume Writing
Purpose of a Resume
To get an interview not to get a job
A brief snapshot of your skills and qualifications (the story of you!)
To provide enough information for the employer to evaluate your qualifications & suitability for the job
Types of resumes
Chronological Traditional, most often
used Lists work history in
reverse order Most useful for people
who do not have breaks in their employment
Functional Presents your experience,
skills, and job history in terms of functions that you actually performed
Most useful for people who are changing careers
Good for highlighting skills
Common elements of resumesIdentifying information Name Address Telephone Number E-mail
Example:Jane Q. Public123 Down Rd.
Anywhere, USA 12345(123) 456-7890 (mobile)[email protected]
Resume contact information
YOUR NAME Campus address: Home address: SUNY at New Paltz 123 Elm Street New Paltz, NY 12561 Rye, NY 10555 (854) 123-4567 (Mobile) [email protected]___________________________________________
Common elements of resumes
Objective A brief statement of your target position.
Examples: A Summer 2009 internship as a computer engineer. To obtain a position as a part time software developer.
Common elements of resumesEducation Schools should be listed in reverse order. Required Information
Name and location of school Month/year of Graduation Degree/certificate awarded G.P.A. 3.0 + Relevant courses (optional)
ExampleSUNY at New Paltz, New Paltz, NY May 2009Candidate for Bachelor of Arts (or Science) degreeMajor: Business Minor: Spanish
Common elements of resumes
Experience Work experience is not only gained through
paid employment. Internships, volunteer activities, fieldwork,
and class projects are important
Example for a Chronological Resume:Engineering Intern, May 2008 - presentCentral Hudson, Poughkeepsie, New York Research components of energy efficiency in heating systems.
Common elementsof resumes
Work Experience Previous places of employment Required information
Your Job Title Name and location of company (city, state) Dates employed (month and year)
Example:Banana Republic, Poughkeepsie, NY June 2008– presentAssistant Manager
Building blocks of a good resume
Name, Address, and Telephone Number employers need to know how to contact you
Job Objective A statement targeting a specific position
Education Experience/Work History Licenses and Certifications (if any) Professional Association (if any) Awards (if any)
Things not to include on your resume
Age Marital Status Race Religion Height, weight, or
body measurements Photos Salary history or
requirements
Personal pronouns Spelling or
grammatical errors Hobbies unrelated to
the job activity White-out Handwritten
comments Erasures
Adding action verbs to your resume
Advised Assessed Built Coordinated Created Directed Edited Handled
Initiated Managed Planned Solved Strengthened Supervised Trained Utilized
Paper Color
Good Bad
Cover Letters
Cover Letters
A cover letter is used to announce your availability and introduce your resume.
The cover letter should indicate that you have researched the organization and are clearly interested in a position there.
Should be individually typed for each job desired or sent with an emailed resume.
Short and to the point.
Cover Letters
The opening paragraph should contain why you are writing and how you became interested in the company.
The second paragraph should briefly summarize your experience and what you have to offer.
The final paragraph should make arrangements for setting up an interview.
Rules for writing a cover letter
Always address the letter to a specific person by name and title.*
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph.
Elaborate briefly on your qualifications in the second paragraph.
Refer the reader to your resume for further information.
Rules for writing a cover letter
Ask for an interview. Tell the reader how to contact you. Say thank you. Sign off nicely.
“Sincerely” “Yours truly”
Ways to wreck a cover letter
Spell the name of the company incorrectly. Send the letter to the wrong address. Send the letter to the Personnel Director
without getting the exact name and title of the person you are contacting.*
Address the letter “Dear Sir:” even when the hiring authority is a woman. Get a name.
Ways to wreck a cover letter
Misspell words or typographical errors. Use wrinkled paper. Use poor grammar. Forget to enclose your resume. Leave out your phone number. Tell them that you will follow up and wait
for them to call you.
Thank You