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.

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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.

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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.

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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