Career and Financial ManagementRésumé Writing

Résumé Writing

Introduction to Résumé WritingLesson Objectives1. Identify the purpose of writing a

résumé.2. Differentiate between print, scannable,

electronic, and Web résumés.

What is a Résumé?It is a brief summary of: Personal information Education Skills Work experience Activities Interests

It is distributed to potential employers through mail, email, fax, etc.

Résumé’s Purpose What is the purpose of a résumé? It determines whether you receive an

interview or not It is clear, concise, and fits its target No typos or grammatical errors

A résumé gets you an interview, not a job!

StagesStage 1 Eliminate job candidates Scan for 15-30 seconds

Stage 2 Read remaining résumés more thoroughly Determines who will receive an interview

Stage 3 Résumé guides the interview Focus on strengths

Résumé WritingA great résumé quickly shows that you: Possess the qualifications necessary for

the job Can meet the employers needs Are likeable and work well with others Appeal to both human and electronic

reviews

Résumé WritingThe Bottom Line:

1. Write résumé2. Résumé reviewed by employers3. Job interview

VocabularyRésumé: A brief summary of your personal information, education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests.

The traditional spelling is résumé.

VocabularyPrint résumé: A word-processed résumé designed to be visually appealing.

Created using word-processing software

Designed to be: Visually appealing Delivered in person, by mail, as an e-mail

attachment, or by fax May be scanned into a database

VocabularyScannable résumé: A graphic image of your résumé that is scanned and converted into text.

Employers use keyword searches to find potential matches

Can dramatically change résumé’s appearance Special formatting measures

VocabularyElectronic résumé: A very plain-looking résumé designed to be delivered via e-mail or an online e-form.

Many companies only use electronically submitted or emailed résumés Keyword searches Online job sites

Follow directions for submitting résumé carefully

Type your résumé in a standard word processing program

Save in plain text format

VocabularyWeb résumé: A résumé formatted so that it can be posted to the Internet; can contain sophisticated graphics.

Posted to the Internet as a Web document in HTML format

Can be attractively formatted Include portfolio of abilities

Many resources available on the Internet to help create

Journal QuestionWhat “extras” can you include in a Web résumé that would not be included in a traditional résumé?

Answer“Extra” items that you can include in a Web résumé include graphics, buttons, and photos.

Journal QuestionWhy do you think it is so important for a résumé to be free of any grammar and spelling errors?

AnswerRésumés with errors are likely to be eliminated immediately when being reviewed for a position.

ReviewDuring this stage of résumé review, employers use the résumé to guide interview questions:

A. Stage 1B. Stage 2C. Stage 3

ReviewWhich of the following statements about electronic résumés is false?

A. Directions for submitting electronic résumés should be followed carefully.

B. Many companies only use electronically submitted or emailed résumés.

C. Electronic résumés should be typed in a standard word processing program.

D. Electronic résumés should be saved in HTML format.

ReviewDuring this stage of résumé review, résumés are quickly scanned to eliminate as many candidates as possible:

A. Stage 1B. Stage 2C. Stage 3

ReviewA very plain-looking résumé designed to be delivered via e-mail or an online e-form is a _______.

A. Print résuméB. Web résuméC. Electronic résuméD. Scannable résumé

ReviewThe primary purpose of the résumé is to _____.

A. obtain interviewsB. practice stating your skillsC. get a jobD. provide your network with information

ReviewThe purpose of writing a résumé is to get a job.

A. TrueB. False

Lesson Objectives1. Identify essential elements of an

effective résumé.2. Recognize qualifications and

experiences that support a job objective.

3. Differentiate between chronological, skills, and combination résumés.

Parts of a Résumé Contact information Job Objective Education Qualification/Skills Work Experience Other Experience

Honors Related classes Etc.

Contact Information Name Mailing Address Phone (Cell/Home) Email Address Optional

Website Fax

Job Objective Briefly states your goal in relation to the job

you are applying for An objective should

Include a job title or type of work desired Include a specific skill or area of specialization Reflect the needs of the employer

Always write your job objective to fit the specific job you are applying for

Job Objective ExamplesTo obtain knowledge of the day-to-day workings of a publishing firm through a part-time job or summer internship.

Seeking a full-time administrative assistant position where strong communication and organization skills are desired.

Seeking a position teaching Technology Education in a high school that can benefit from experience in student leadership programs and community literacy.

EducationList of the schools you have attended Begin with the most recent List high schools, technical schools,

colleges, and universities attended Years of attendance Degrees or certificates Relevant certifications, specialized

training, and seminars If acceptable, Grade Point Average (GPA)

Education ExampleMaine-Endwell High School, Endwell, NY 2014

High School Diploma GPA 3.85/4.0

Bachelor of Science May 2013

Oswego State University, Oswego, NY Major: Technology Education

Qualifications Highlight why you are the perfect candidate Use to emphasize skills, capabilities, and

accomplishments Items to include

Relevant credentials and degrees Relevant accomplishments in work, volunteer

experiences, community involvement, or other activities

Skills with and knowledge of software/hardware Years of experience in a specialized field Knowledge of specialized skills

Qualifications Examples Honest, hardworking, reliable Excellent interpersonal, verbal and

written communication skills Extensive knowledge of word-processing,

presentation and spreadsheet software, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel

Fluent in English and Spanish Type 70 wpm

Work ExperienceList all work experiences

Reverse chronological layout Dates of employment Employer’s name, city, and state Job title Brief results-oriented description

No paid experience? Relevant volunteer experience, internships,

school projects, classes, etc.

Work Experience ExampleNewspaper Staff Member, Maine-Endwell High School

September 2013-June 2014Features of high school newspaper Researched information for news

articles using library and Web sources Composed and edited informational

articles, columns, editorials, and advertising copy

Other ExperienceHighlight other experiences pertinent to your job objective

These experiences can include: Memberships to professional organizations Leadership opportunities Awards earned Relevant courses Honorary groups Social, service, and school organizations Military service

Sample Headings for Other Experience

Awards and HonorsVolunteer Work

Community ServiceCertificates Earned

ActivitiesProfessional Associations

Other Experience ExampleRelevant High School StudiesTechnical writing; advanced composition; debate; video production; computer classes providing knowledge of word processing, desktop publishing, and Web software

Other Experience ExampleHonors, Awards, and MembershipsU.S. Media Association Scholarship recipient Scholarship based on academic

achievement, community service, and campus participation and leadership in high school communications projects and studies

Personal DataThe following should NOT be included: Age Height Weight Gender Sexual orientation Race Religion Disabilities Photos

ReferencesTypically not includedResearch employer preferencesHave a separate reference sheet preparedReference sheet includes: Name Title Address Contact information

Dr. Ruth HeinzBiology Professor384 Main StreetCincinnati, OH 50000555.555.1234

Résumé WritingChronological résumé: A résumé that focuses on the applicant’s work experience and education.

Chronological RésuméFocuses on the applicant’s work experience and education

A chronological résumé is appropriate if: Your most recent job or jobs are similar to the

position you are applying for Your work history is strong and continuous

with no obvious gaps in employment You are applying for a position with a

conservative company

Résumé WritingFunctional résumé: A résumé that focuses on the job tasks or skills that the applicant can perform.

Functional RésuméFocuses on the job tasks or skills that the applicant can perform

A functional (skills) résumé is appropriate if: You have a mixed work history You are a new graduate or entering the

workforce for the first time Your previous job titles do not clearly reflect

the level of skills you used You are making a career change

Résumé WritingCombination résumé: A résumé that focuses on the skills and work experience of the applicant.

Combination RésuméFocuses on the skills and work experience of the applicant

A combination résumé is appropriate if: You want to emphasize specific skills that

relate to the job you are applying You have a relatively consistent work history,

although not all related You have worked for one company for a long

period of time

Resume WritingJob objective: A statement of your employment goal.

Lesson Objectives1. Describe accomplishments using

numbers, percentages, and action verbs.

2. Identify appropriate keywords to be used in a résumé.

3. Tailor a résumé to fit a specific job opening.

Writing Guidelines Write clearly and concisely Give specific examples and numbers Use powerful action verbs

Write Clearly and Concisely Use phrases—not complete sentences Avoid clichés, dated expressions, and

overly complex terms Do not omit pertinent information

Write Clearly and ConciselyComplex Concise

Utilized Used

Equitable Fair

Initiated Started

Write Clearly and ConciselyDated/Cliché Concise

At this point in time Now

Explore every avenue Explore the options

Last, but not least Finally

Give Specific Examples and Numbers More forceful & persuasive resume Numbers enhance credibility If necessary, use an estimation

Approximately, more than, averages, up to

Specific Examples and NumbersGeneral Specific

Reduced costs significantly Reduced costs by 35%

The leading producer Top producer of 45 employees

Reduced filming time Reduced filming time by 50%

Processed more orders than any other member of the team

Processed approximately 25% more orders than any other member of the team

Use Action Verbs Include persuasive action statements

Show how you take initiative and actively participate in problem-solving and decision-making

Usually end in “-ed” Omit any use of I, me, or my

Action VerbsTrained

Trained Adapted Established Scheduled

Served Led Managed Directed

Presented Advised Planned Researched

Invented Edited Instructed Coordinated

Designed Hired Prepared Represented

Organized Recruited Solved Generated

Collected Accomplished Contracted Tested

Action Verb ExamplesGeneral Specific

My duties included reviewing purchasing trends, analyzing customer data, and preparing annual trend reports.

Conducted extensive purchasing research; analyzed, diagrammed, and reported results of customer data; and wrote annual trend reports.

I was in charge of the school’s student-body elections and ballot processing.

Coordinated school’s student-body elections and reduced final ballot processing time by 30%.

The Bottom LineKeys to an effectively written résumé

Clear & Concise Specific Examples & Numbers

Action Verbs

Keywords Keywords: specific words or phrases that

represent the required skills, knowledge, and capabilities for a position Employers search résumés for keywords

manually and electronically

Include as many appropriate keywords as possible

Types of Keywords Job titles Skills/specialties Education/certifications, licenses, and

coursework Work and volunteer experience Community and other clubs/activities Computer/software/hardware skills Personal qualities Accomplishments/awards Industry/professional organizations

Locating Specific Keywords

Job descriptions and advertisements

Industry Terminology

Company WebsitesProfessional

Organizations

ResearchingKeywords

Sample ResearchA clean driving record: You’ll need a valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle.Friendly demeanor: Smile, tell a joke—treat our customers like you would your family and friends.Keen sense of direction: You should know how to read a map and find your way around your delivery area.Age restrictions: Our delivery drivers need to be at least 18 years old.Just a few more things: You’ll need some basic math skills, the desire to work as part of a team and enthusiasm for learning.Job D

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Sample Research Ensuring that our customers have a satisfying

experience that will keep them coming back time after time

1-2 years of soft-lines retail management experience Proven leader within their store Strong merchandising skills Proven track record of success of driving sales, UPTs,

and ADSs Ability to recruit, train, motivate, and retain a team Communication skills Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and

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Sample ResearchAre you looking for a rewarding management opportunity? We are currently seeking experienced, enthusiastic, career-minded Store Managers to join our team. If you have superior leadership skills, operational excellence and can increase sales and profitability while managing a dynamic sales team, this could be the position for you!

Responsibilities of the Store Manager include recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, store operations, store merchandising, inventory management, directing and maximizing sales, and customer care.Job D

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Tips for Including Keywords Repeat critical keywords Use synonyms for words

Supervisor for Manager BS for Bachelor of Science

Résumé search programs often look for nouns Emphasize the “what”

Accountant – CPA, spreadsheet, computer, database, tax code, etc.

The Bottom LineKeywords

Types• Skills• Job Titles• Education• Etc.

Locations• Websites• Organizations• Advertisement

s• Industry

Tips• Repetition• Synonyms• Nouns

Résumé Formatting and DistributionLesson Objectives1. Design a résumé with an appealing

format.2. List steps to prepare and format an

electronic résumé.3. Recognize how the Internet is used to

distribute résumés.

Writing a Cover Letter Sending a Cover Letter

Differentiate between networking, application, and prospecting cover letters.

Describe how to appropriately format an electronic cover letter.

Portfolio Activity: Writing a Cover Letter Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio. Write a cover letter which can be sent to a

potential employer. Evaluate performance through the use of a

rubric.

Portfolio Activity: Writing a RésuméLesson Objectives1. Identify the purpose of creating a

career portfolio.2. Write a résumé which can be used to

apply for a job.3. Evaluate performance through the use

of a rubric.

Portfolio Activity: Writing a RésuméLesson Objectives1. Identify the purpose of creating a

career portfolio.2. Write a résumé which can be used to

apply for a job.3. Evaluate performance through the use

of a rubric.