Resume Writing Workshop

Culinary Arts Institute @ LAMC

Chef Louis Eguaras

What is a Resume?

A resume is a personal summary of your skills, knowledge, training and experience. These attributes are your qualifications for future employment.

The Purpose of a Resume

A resume has two purposes:

1. To highlight your skills, qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to a job.

2. To get you an interview.

What should I know about resumes?

A good resume will highlight specific skills and accomplishments and target them for a specific job or career area.

Don’t write a lengthy history of every job duty you have ever had.

Instead, focus on what you have to offer and what the employer needs. Keep it short and to the point.

Two Types of Resumes

1. Chronological Resume Emphasizes work experience, in reverse chronological

order, order most recent job first.

2. Functional Resume Emphasizes skills and talents you have developed and

de-emphasizes job titles, specific employer names, and dates.– This format can be helpful if you have a little or no job

experience, are a recent graduate, have changed jobs a lot, or are changing careers.

– The main purpose of the a functional resume is to better the chance of candidates by shifting the focus onto general duties you can offer rather than specifics.

Guidelines for Writing your Resume

Check for proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Do not use “I” or “my”; write in phrases, not complete sentences. The goal is a one page resume. Two pages is acceptable if the

information is related to the position. Make sure that all information in your resume relates to your job objective. Keep your resume uncluttered. Limit words, use white space and

adequate margins. Use 11 or 12 font size. Use a laser printer. Go back ten years in your work history (if applicable). Use white or off –white paper. Avoid brightly colored paper and fancy

fonts. Include a phrase such as, “degree anticipated in one year” or “will

graduate in fall” if you are reasonably close to graduation. If you have gaps in your work history, include a positive account, such as

travel, volunteer, full-time student, etc.

The Parts of the Resume

Contact information Objective Highlights/Summary of Qualifications Professional/Employment History Education Personal Achievements and Awards

Contact Information

This section includes your name, address, telephone number, cell # and email (if applicable). If the messages will be picked up by an answering machine, be sure to leave a professional, business-like outgoing message.

Sample:

Johnny Grille

2345 Sauté Avenue

Flambé, CA 91354

johnnygrille@yahoo.com

Objective

This is a very important heading. It tells the employer what position or career you are applying for and it helps you to organize the rest of your resume. Everything in the resume needs to relate to your objective. Include a brief phrase or the exact job title of the type of work you want. The heading can be titled “Career Objective” or “Job Objective.” Avoid lengthy sentence or phrase and do not use the phrase, “looking for a position where I can use my talents and skills…”

Sample:OBJECTIVE: To work as a Sous Chef at Tablao Eguaras.

Highlights/Summary of Qualifications

This section should include a summary of what skills and qualifications you have to offer the employer.

Be brief, either a short paragraph, or bulleted items. Sample:

Summary of Qualifications– Over two years of professional experience performing clerical

duties.– Computer proficient with MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint,

Access, and Internet– Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Work History

Can be titled, “Employment History,” “Work History” or “Professional Experience”

Include the name and address of the employer, your job title, and the dates you were employed. Refer to the chronological and functional formats to see how this information is listed.

NOTE: Volunteer work is appropriate to include in your resume, however, if you do include volunteer work, be sure to use the heading, “Work History” or “Volunteer Work.” The heading, “Employment History” means paid work.

Sample:Work History

Years Name of Company, City, State Zip Job Title Years Name of Company, City, State Zip Job Title

Education

You can list your education in a variety of ways, depending upon the kind of resume format you choose.

Sample:Education

Culinary Arts Institute

LA Mission College, Sylmar, CA 91342

Associate in Arts Graduated: 6/2012

Major: Food Service Management/Culinary Arts

Personal Achievements & Awards

This section is optional and could include awards, clubs or organizations, volunteer work, personal qualities, etc.

Johnny Grille2345 Sauté Avenue, Flambé, CA 91355 (661) 555-5555

Johnny Grille@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE: To work as a Sous Chef at Tablao Eguaras.

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS:– Over two years professional experience performing clerical duties.– Office experience includes typing (45 wpm), filing, creating reports, answering phones, scheduling appointments, mailings and database management.– Computer proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, Windows 2000, and the Internet– Excellent verbal and written communication skills.– Proven ability to manage multiple tasks in fast-paced work environments.– Equally skilled working independently or as a member of a team.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:Receptionist 2001 to PresentMicrosoft Industries, Valencia, CA

– Type all office correspondence, documents and input all statistical and confidential information into the computer database.– Supervise all office operations including:

– Operate and train staff on a variety of computer software programs.– Verify the accuracy of new client files and records.

– Develop interpersonal skills working with a diversity of professionals.– Demonstrate ability to identify, analyze and solve problems.

Secretary 1998 to 1999Publishing Today, Valencia, CA

– Input, filed, mailed and faxed official documents.– Organized meetings and planned agendas for office events.– Served as acting supervisor when director was out of the office, working closely with colleagues and staff to ensure the smooth running of the office.– Interfaced with staff and business representatives on a regular basis helping to create effective and productive working relationships.

EDUCATION

College of the Canyons, Valencia, CA Anticipated Graduation Date: June 2007Associate of Arts DegreeMajor: Business Administration

PERSONAL– Member of “Professionals in Human Resources Association”– Perfect attendance award at my last job.– Employee of the Month at Microsoft Industries – August 2005

Cover Letter – Sample 1Date

Employer’s Full NameCompany NameAddressCity, State Zip

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. Person’s Last Name or Hiring Committee or Hiring Manager or Human Resources Department or To whom it mayconcern:

For your review, I have enclosed my resume for the position of ____job title you’re applying for___ you are currently trying to fill. I have always had an interest in working with (or in the field of) ________________ and feel my background and experience qualify me for this position.

My experience includes (Include the following areas in your middle paragraph)

Over _#_ of years professional experience including… Computer experience includes… Other related skills or information Communication and/or other personal skills Education and training

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications for this position. I can be reached at phone # should you have anyquestions or to set up an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Your NameAddressCity, State ZipEmail (optional)

Enc. Resume

Cover Letter – Sample 2

your addressCity, State Zip

Date Phone

Employer’s Full NameCompany NameAddressCity, State Zip

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. Person’s Last Name or Hiring Committee or Hiring Manager or Human Resources Department or To whom it mayconcern:

I am interested in applying for the _________ position advertised in the _________ newspaper, dated _______. Attached, please find myresume that further details my skills and qualifications for this position.

As an organized and detail-oriented individual with _____ years experience in administration, I believe my qualifications match yourrequirements. My strengths also include independent working habits and superb computer skills. As an Administrative Assistant at ________, I was in charge of all computer support, word processing and database, spreadsheet, and administrative functions. Other skills include purchasing, equipment maintenance, daily office operations, supervising of staff and volunteers, and coordinating various projects.

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss this position with you at your convenience, as it sounds like an exciting opportunity. Ifyou have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at ______.

Sincerely,

Your NameEnc. Resume