Writing Your Résumé
ART 287
Your Résumé• Itemizes the reasons why a prospective
employer should hire you• Establishes your professional knowledge• Provides overview of your background• Sets forth your goals and highlights
your accomplishments
Your Résumé• Organization is very important• Decide on format:
ChronologicalFunctionalCombination
Chronological Résumé• Most widely used format.• Lists work experience as history in reverse-date
form, followed by job titles and responsibilities• Pros: easy for employers to see experience;
good for accomplished designers with strong work history.
• Cons: focuses on what you’ve done, rather than what you can do. Not necessarily best for designers just beginning their careers.
Chr
onol
ogic
al
Résu
mé
Functional Résumé• Describes skills and talents, organized according
to areas of specialization.• Not as popular as chronological résumé.• Pros: good for those who have employment
“gaps” or little “real world” experience. Can effectively show your skills in job-related areas.
• Cons: more difficult to write; more difficult for prospective employers to determine your contributions to previous employers.
Func
tiona
l
Résu
mé
Combination Résumé• Organizes employment history based on skills
utilized in the job• Not as popular as chronological résumé.• Pros: good for those who have diverse job
experiences, or those seeking new career paths.• Cons: more difficult to write and organize;
more difficult for prospective employers to determine your contributions to previous employers.
Com
bina
tion
Résu
mé
Your Résumé• Once you’ve decided on the format,
be sure to include the following parts of the résumé.
• Focus first on carefully crafting the language of the résumé. After the writing is refined, then design the layout.
1) Contact InformationBe sure to include:• Name, address• Phone numbers (home and cell)• Email and web site• Important for the potential employer to
reach you, and for you to respond fast.
2) Objective or Summary• Grab their attention! Mission statement sets
the tone for what is to come• Bullet your accomplishments, highlight your
objectives• Tell what you can do or what you are
looking for in a job.• When a prospect finishes reading this, you
want them to run to the phone to call for an interview!
3) Employment HistoryInclude, in reverse chronological order:• Employer, position, dates.• More importantly, emphasize skill
and experience.• Why will you be valuable to an employer?• Use action verbs to describe your skills and
accomplishments.
3) Employment HistoryWhat kinds of jobs to include?• Positions most relevant to job sought.• If limited history in your field, demonstrate
steady employment record.• Include freelance assignments
3) EducationInclude, in reverse chronological order:• School, City, State, Degree, Major, Year
of Graduation. Consistent arrangement is very important. Set schools apart so each is easily seen.
• If still in school but near graduation, include “A.A.S. (expected May, 2010)”
• Include any seminars or specialty training.
4) Honors & Certifications• What special skills set you apart from
everyone else?• Design awards?• Academic awards?• Give details if reader won’t know meaning
of award.
5) Professional Affiliations• Belong to any professional organizations?• Students can join Advertising Federation,
the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Check online for membership requirements and fees.
6) Additional Information• Hobbies, interests, clubs.• Employers like to see well-rounded
individuals with other interests.• Non-work activities can demonstrate
leadership skills.
6) References• References furnished on request• Have a separate sheet ready (matching your
résumé) that includes three references (names with reliable, accurate contact info).
• Always secure permission to use someone as a reference, and make sure they will available and will give you a good reference!
Do:• Use a direct, active writing style• Pick a format and be consistent!• Write shorter phrases, not complete sentences• Spell check and have a friend proofread• Highlight accomplishments with action words• Tell the truth• Keep the company (audience) in mind: what do
they want/need?
Don’t:• Use “I, my, me”• Give personal data (age, race, health, marital status).
It is against the law!• Include controversial interests or affiliations• Cite high school unless you have no other schooling• Use abbreviations, too big or wrong words• Include your photo, salary or vacation requirements• Volunteer negative information about yourself