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