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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RESUME?
To get the interviewer to read your resume and call you in for an interview
Demonstrates your fit for the job you are applying for
It is a summary of
• Job you are seeking• Your Education• Skills and Abilities• Experience• Accomplishments
Resume Headings
Contact InformationSummaryEducationExperienceSkills or KnowledgeCommunity Service/Extracurricular
activitiesVolunteer ExperienceInternships, Field Work, ClinicalsHonors/Awards
Functional Resume Format
A functional resume emphasizes your knowledge, skills, and experience in terms of functions you have performed rather than job
title
Relevant Skill #1something I did using that skillsomething I did using that skill
Relevant Skill #2something I did using that skillsomething I did using that skill
Chronological Format
Lists work history in reverse chronological order starting with the most recent. Your work history supports your objective.
Job Title #1something I did on that jobsomething I did on that job
Job Title #2something I did on that jobsomething I did on that job
CHRONOLOGICAL FUNCTIONAL
Emphasizes consistent employment history from relevant work experience
Emphasizes skills obtained from school, jobs or other activities
Good for someone with a seamless work history, one career path and no gaps in their employment
De-emphasizes entry level, gaps, career changes
Not useful for those with no experience or unrelated jobs
Good for those without much related work experience, career changers, and gaps in employment
What should I focus on when creating a resume?
After you have a job objective, you need to find out what skills, knowledge, and experience are needed to do that kind of work.
You can find this information:
In a classified ad or online job posting.
In the company's description for the job.
In an occupational reference book such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook or in O'Net
From someone already working in that field.
Summary of qualifications
Brief list of 4 – 6 key points that show you are qualified for the job
# of years or months of experienceTalents, knowledge, skillsPersonal work style or attitudeAn accomplishment or recognitionEducation, training, or certification
Make it relevant to the job you are seeking
Summary of Qualifications
PARALEGAL EXAMPLE
Strong analytical, writing, and research skills. Thorough in working with details, and able to extract relevant points in legal documentation.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and WESTLAW.
Work well under pressure and enjoy challenging projects. Equally effective working independently or working in cooperation with others.
EDUCATION Most recent education
first unless other education is related to job
Don’t include high school if you graduated more than 2 years ago
EDUCATIONName of school, city, stateMajor, name of degreeGPA if 3.0 or higherDates of attendance or graduation(not both)Relevant coursesHonors, Awards, Extracurricular activitiesInternships, projects
Education Sample
Palm Beach Community College, Lake WorthAS Degree in Accounting Technology expected
8/2009GPA 3.2, Treasurer of Student Government
Related Coursework: Financial Accounting Managerial AccountingCost Accounting Microcomputer OperationsBookkeeping I& II Computerized Bookkeeping
EXPERIENCE (for chronological resumes)
List jobs in reverse chronological order starting with the most recent.
Name of company, city, state
Date Started (mm/yy) to end date (mm/yy)
If still employed – indicate present
Job Title
Job Description (use action verbs)
Job Description (chronological format)
Describe your duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments in simple, powerful action statements that emphasize your uniqueness and contributions to the employer.
Start with an Action Verb Be specific! No two word statements
Do not use the words duties, responsibilities in this section of your resume
Suggestions for the job description
What skills or knowledge did you use to perform this job?
(dealing with angry customers, ability to reconcile bills with purchase orders, troubleshooting software problems)
What were some of your biggest achievements?
(developed a new filing system, saved money for employer, increased sales, managed office efficiently)
Suggestions for the job description
What comments ( written or verbal) have been made about your work?
(“He’s a quick learner!” “She’s always able to smooth things over with an angry customer.” She is accurate and fast and always balances to the penny)
What aspects of your personality were illustrated by your work performance?
(attention to detail, writing skills, creativity, problem solving)
Action Verbs• Use numbers to show the extent.
• Use “Powerhouse Buzzwords” to sell yourself to employers.
Achieved Adapted Advised Assisted BuiltControlled Convinced Coordinated CreatedDelivered Developed Directed EmployedEquipped Established ExpandedExperienced Guided Handled ImprovedInvestigate Led Managed OperatedOrganized Performed PersuadedProcessed Produced RepairedResearched Served Sold Taught Treated Wrote
Retail Sales Job
What would the person do in the job?
How can we change that to be marketable skills?
Sample Job Description
Retail Sales Position
Consistently exceeded daily sales quota by 15-20% Increased number of repeat customers by providing
excellent customer service.Reconciled the physical and computerized inventory
utilizing an Access database.Stimulated customer requests for assistance in
coordinating assembles by wearing merchandise with polished style
Maintained an accurate, consistently balanced cash register.
FUNCTIONAL RESUME
Identify at least 2 -3 skill categories relevant to the job you are seeking.
Examples of categories:
Customer Service
Sales and Marketing
Administrative Support
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Identify Skill CategoriesObjective: Bank TellerCustomer Service Cash Handling Administrative Support
Objective: ParalegalAdministrative SupportWriting and ResearchParalegal Experience
Use ONET and OOH
Writing Action Statements
For each category list accomplishments from your work history, education, extracurricular or community service to illustrate that skill.
Each accomplishment should be a one-liner describing what you did.
The one liner typically starts with an action word such as "Researched" or "Presented" and describes what you did. Be sure to mention specific results whenever possible.
Examples for Action Statements
Paralegal Experience
As a Paralegal Intern for a local law firm - summarized depositions, medical records, and employment records. Devised profiles of estimated earnings, losses, and medical expenditures. Prepared Notice of Entry of Judgment forms.
Writing & Research Skills
Drafted interrogatories, declarations, and memoranda of law in handicap discrimination case. Drafted pleadings, discovery documents, client and demand letters, memoranda of law, and motions with points and authorities, in paralegal course work. Performed research in handicap and sex discriminates cases: motion to compel, response to motion to strike, and application for preliminary relief in U. S. District Court.
Customer ServiceHandled difficult customers with tact
listening to their concerns while maintaining store policy.
Provided prompt, courteous and personalized service to over 100 customers in a four hour shift.
Increased sales in the Natural Foods Department by advising customers on bulk alternatives.
Work History for the Functional Resume
On a functional resume your work history is simply listed providing no details about the duties or tasks performed.
List your most recent job first, then your earlier jobs. Include any unpaid work, including an internship that shows you have the skills for the job.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Randolo, Dobson, P. A., Palm Beach Gardens, FL Paralegal Intern 1/2009 - 05/2009
Bank of America, West Palm Beach, FL Teller0 8/2007 - present
Macy’s Palm Beach Gardens, FL Sales Associate 5/2005 - 7/2007
AWARDS:
Add AWARDS section if applicable
Name of Award Who gave it to you
When received Shows you are leader
and contributor
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
Related ClubsOrganizations
• Dates of membership • Position held• Accomplishments • Contributions
PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT orOTHER TRAINING:
Related training and/or seminars Include skills learned Month/Year Title of Training/Program Who Sponsored Training
First Paragraph
This is the "why I'm writing to you" paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be considered for. This is short - usually 2-3 sentences.
Points to cover: Why you are writing and which position you are
applying for. How you heard about the position is irrelevant
unless it is a mutual contact or recruiting program. Do not write, "I learned of this opportunity through the Career Services Office."
Show from your research why you are interested in this position or organization. The goal is to make a connection - do this Briefly and Specifically or leave it out; sweeping statements will not work.
Second Paragraph
This is the "why I'm qualified" paragraph. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences and qualities as they relate to the position for which you are applying. Choose 2 - 3 points you want to make about Specific experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have exhibited, and provide Specific examples to support those points. This paragraph will change according to the job/employer for which you are applying. This is usually the longest paragraph of the letter. You may break this paragraph into two if it looks too lengthy or if your points work best in separate paragraphs.
Second Paragraph
The body of the paragraph should provide evidence to back up what you've just claimed. Cite specific jobs/internships/activities/projects and accomplishments associated with those experiences. Use your resume to come up with some specifics, but NEVER reiterate passages from your resume word for word. Discuss why what you did is to the employer- relate the facts to the job. Strong examples are important!
The final sentence is a summary of what you've discussed above. It's a good idea to mention the position title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job in question.
Final Paragraph
This is a short 2-4 sentences paragraph. You should refer to the enclosed resume, request an interview and let the reader know what will happen next (Contact them within specific period of time unless it is a recruiting program). It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.
Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name
Tips
Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization.
Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I" or writing in the passive voice (ex. "This experience enabled me to..." or "Through my internship, I was responsible for..."); instead, make yourself the subject of each sentence and use active descriptions (ex., "In this internship, I demonstrated sound judgment and problem-solving skills on a daily basis.").
Tips
Do not use contractions (I'd, didn't, it's).
Spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes are out of the question! Cover letters are a reflection of your writing skills, so make each cover letter an example of your best work.
Keep your letter short and simple. This is not the time to tell your whole life's story.
Get a Career Specialist to look it over if you are having difficulty.
COVER LETTER GUIDELINES
Introduction
The first paragraph states why you are writing to that particular company or organization and the position you are seeking. Express your enthusiasm and interest in this line of work and this company.
Sales Pitch
The second paragraph should expand on your skills and qualifications described in your resume skills. List job requirements and how you meet or exceed them.
COVER LETTERS
Close and Action Steps
The last paragraph indicates your interest in arranging an interview. Provide a phone number, where you can be reached.