Resumes Today

Resumes TodayBest Practices & Current

Trends

I. Welcome & Administrative NotesII. Your ExpectationsIII. Resume PreludeIV. Resume Musts, Myths, Do’s & Don’tsV. Resume Writing, Strategy, and FormatsVI. Cover Letters and Thank-you NotesVII. Marketing Yourself

Agenda

A&FRC MarketingBreaks

Smoking AreasCell phones

SIP

Welcome & Administrative Notes

Please complete the Pre-Assessment. At the end of the briefing you will complete the Post Assessment and the correct responses will be provided.

The A&FRC uses this Pre & Post Assessment to ensure you have met the learning objectives we have outlined to be covered during today’s presentations.

The additional questions at the end of the Post

Assessment are used for the purpose of meeting your needs and customer services demographics.

Thank You for your assistance in improving our programs and services.

Pre-Assessment

What are your expectations of this

workshop?

What have you learned about resumes,

cover letters, thank-you notes?

What have you learned about networking?

What are your fears in the job search?

What assumptions do you have?

Your Expectations

Before we proceed any further with writing a resume, you will need to begin by defining your career objective or job objectives-specifically, the types of positions, companies, and industries in which you are interested.

This is critical, because otherwise you will produce a mediocre resume and have more difficulty in your job search.

Resume Prelude

Identify who you are and your value to the employer

Be easy to skim and easy to read Be well-written and error-free Be the foundation for online profiles,

interview messages, networking, cover letters…everything else involved in career transition and career management

Resume Musts

‣“Must be” 1 page.‣ “Must be” 2 pages.‣ “Must have” an objective.‣ “Should never have” and objective.‣ “Must be” chronological.‣ “Should always be” functional for career

changers/return-to-work/new grads.

Resume Myths

There are no rules in resume writing.

The answer to every question: “It depends.”

Best decisions are based upon unique circumstances.

The ultimate purpose of a resume is to make

you appear to be the ideal candidate for your

dream job.It is not a biography or a career obituary…it is a candidatemarketing document.

Resume Do’s

1. Make your resume “Scan-able”

2. List Quantifiable Achievements

3. Use Standard Headings

Resume Do’s Cont’d

4. Speak in Problem Action Result (PAR) terms.

5. Use Strong Verbs.

6. Use Industry Keywords.

7.

Marketing Keywords Brand Management Brand Marketing Budgets Business Writing Case Studies Copyediting Copywriting Communication Community Relations Consensus Building Consumer Products Corporate Communications Crisis Management Customer Sensitivity Demographics Direct Mail Direct Marketing E-Marketing Event Management Global Marketing Plans Innovation Integrated Marketing Internet Publishing Market ResearchResponsible

for

Resume Do’s Cont’d

7. Try To Make A One - Two Page Resume.

8. Use Page Numbers.9. Be Unique.10.Show Personality.

Resume Don’ts

1. Use “dead” words.

2. Develop a strange Resume.

3. Ramble on your Resume.

Responsible forExperienced in

Excellent written communication skills

Team PlayerDetail Oriented

SuccessfulGoal driven

FlexibleMotivated

Strong work ethicReliable

Multi-taskerIndependent

Self motivated




Brad Cronkit

e

Resume Don’ts




Responsible for making and

taking and raking and baking while

snaking and breaking to fit

some of the work and …

Or

• Bullet 1• Bullet 2 • Bullet 3• .• .• .• Bullet 19

Resume Don’ts

4. Leave out accomplishments.

5. List selfish 0bjective.

6. Develop a generic Resume.

I would like a job where I can work and be employed and get some money and use my skills and be able to watch my kids and is close to home.

Resume Don’ts

7.List wrong dates and titles.

8.Spill your guts.9.List too much personal information.

10.Rely on Spell Check.

I was fired!

I like long walks on the

beach

Eye can knot seam two spell

very whale!

Resume Don’ts

1. Who Are You and How Do You Want to be Perceived? (Identify your career interests, goals and objectives.)

◦Who are you: ◦How do you want to be perceived:

Top Strategies for an Effective Resume

2. Sell It to Me…Don’t Tell It to Me◦ If you “tell it,” you are simply stating facts.◦ If you “sell it,” you promote it, advertise it, and draw attention

to it.

Tell It Strategy: Managed start-up of a new employee call center.

Sell It Strategy: Directed team of 12 in successful start-up,staffing, policy/procedure development, budgeting, andoperations design for new $1.4M call center.

Resume Strategy #2: Sell It to Me…Don’t Tell It to Me

Tell It Strategy: Coordinated all secretarial, clerical, and

Administrative functions for large commodities exportcompany.

Sell It Strategy: Implemented a series of processimprovements that reduced staffing requirements 20%,increased daily productivity 30%, and reduced billingerrors 4% for large commodities export company. Fullresponsibility for all secretarial, clerical, andadministrative functions.

Resume Strategy #2 Cont’d: Sell It to Me…Don’t Tell It to Me

3. Use Keywords:◦ Use keywords in your resume, in your cover letter

and during an interview to communicate a specific message. Keywords can be found in duties, experience

and qualification sections of job announcements. • Keywords are a major component of the

resumescanning process.

Incorporate keywords naturally into text within appropriate sections of resume.

Resume Strategy #3: Use Keywords

4. “Use the “Big” and Save the “Little”

◦ Focus on the “big” things – new programs, special projects, cost savings, and productivity.

◦ Give a good, broad-based picture of what you were responsible for and how well you did it.

◦ Save the “little” stuff – the details - for the interview.

Resume Strategy #4: Use the “Big” and Save the “Little”

5. Make Your Resume “Interviewable”◦ Make sure your resume leads the reader where

you want to go and presents just the right organization, content, and appearance to stimulate a productive discussion. Make good use of Strategy #4 (Use the “Big” and

Save the “Little’) to invite further discussion about experiences.

Feature “selling point” prominently and not bury within resume.

Make sure resume is highly readable – plenty white space, adequate font size, and logical flow.

Resume Strategy #5: Make Your Resume “Interviewable”

6. Be Consistent: Put job titles, company names, and dates in the same place for each position.

Make information easy to find by clearly defining different sections of your resume with large, highly visible headings.

Strategy #6: Eliminate Confusion With Structure and Context

7. When you write a resume that focuses only on your job functions, it can be dry and uninteresting, and it will say very little about your unique activities and contributions.

BEFORE: Responsible for all aspects of consumerlending at the branch level.AFTER: Processed and approved more than $30M insecured and unsecured consumer loans for Wachovia’slargest branch operation in Memphis, Tennessee.Achieved and maintained a less-than 2% write off forunrecoverable loans (18% less than the industry

average).

Resume Strategy #7: Use Function to Demonstrate Achievement

We have already established that resume writing is sales. In this market it is imperative that you stay within the realm of reality.

Do not push your skills outside the bounds of what is truthful. You do not want to be in a position where you have to defend something that you’ve written on your resume.

Resume Strategy #8: Remain in the Realm of Reality

You are unique – there is only one individual with the specific combination of employment experience, qualifications, achievements, education and special skills that you have.

To succeed, you must prepare a resume that is written to sell you and highlight your qualifications and your successes as they relate to your goals.

Resume Strategy #9: Be Confident

Content is the text that goes into your resume. ◦ Content standards cover:

The writing style you should use, Items you should be sure to include, Items you should avoid including, and The order and format in which you list your

qualifications.

Content Standards

Writing Style: Always write in the first person, dropping the word “I”.

First PersonSupervise operation, installation, inspections,testing, and repair of $2M of equipment.

Third PersonMr. Davis supervises operation, installation,inspections, testing, and repair of $2M of equipment.

Content Standards

Try Not to Use :◦ “Responsible for”◦ “Duties included”(These words create a passive tone and style. Use verbs to

describe what you did.)

BEFORE: Responsible for all marketing and specialevents for the store, including direct mailing, in-storefashion shows, and new-product introductions andpromotions.AFTER: Orchestrated a series of marketing and special-eventprograms for Macy’s Reston, one of the company’s largestand most profitable operating locations. Managed direct-mailcampaigns, in-store fashions, and new-product introductionsand promotions.

Phrases to Stay Away From

Chronological: Lists your work in reverse chronological order (starting with your current or most recent position).

Functional: Deemphasizes the “where” and “when” of your career and instead groups similar experience, talents, and qualifications regardless of when they occurred.

Combination/Hybrid: Lists both skills and chronology

Resume Style

Business Manager 2000 to 2010Smith Ag Production Company, Garnerville, Arkansas

Purchased run-down, debt-ridden farming operation and transformedit into a near showplace, honored as one of the best commercial Angusoperations in southern Arkansas. Developed a far-reaching networkthroughout the agricultural industry and with leaders with stategovernment, banking, and commercial lending.

Hired, trained and supervised all employees. Managed budgets of $750Kannually and more than $2M in operating lines of credit. Directed thesale/purchase of all commodities to support business operations.

Advantages: Requires least amount of space on page. Brief, succinct,and to the point.Disadvantages: Achievements get lost in text of paragraph. They arenot visually distinctive, nor do they stand alone to draw attention.

Resume Format: Paragraph


Purchased run-down, debt-ridden farming operation and transformed it into a near showplace, honored as one of the best commercial Angus operations in southern Arkansas.

Developed a far-reaching network throughout the agricultural industry and with leaders with state government, banking, and commercial lending.

Hired, trained and supervised all employees. Managed budgets of $750K annually and more than $2M in operating lines of

credit. Directed the sale/purchase of all commodities to support business operations.

Advantages: Quick and easy to peruseDisadvantages: Responsibilities are lumped together, with everything givenequal value. The achievements get lost and are not immediately

recognizable.

Resume Format: Bulleted


Hired, trained, and supervised all employees. Managed budgets of $750K annually

and more than $2M in operating lines of credit. Directed the sale/purchase of all

commodities to support business operations.

Purchased run-down, debt-ridden farming operation and transformed it into a near showplace, honored as one of the best commercial Angus operations in southern Arkansas.

Developed a far-reaching network throughout the agricultural industry and with leaders with state government, banking, and commercial lending.

Advantages: Clearly presents overall responsibilities in introductory paragraph and then

accentuates each achievement as a separate bullet.

Disadvantages: May shine a glaring light on positions where accomplishments are less

notable.

Resume Format: Combination

Presentation focuses on the way your resumelooks.

TypestyleType Size

Type EnhancementsPage LengthPaper Color

GraphicsColor

White Space

Presentation Standards

Arial Arial NarrowBook Antiqua BookmanGaramond GeorgiaTahoma Times New RomanTrebuchet Verdana

Additionally, for headlines/emphasisArial BlackImpact

Increasingly coming into use – now default on newer Windows PCsCalibriCambria

Choose a Commonly Acceptable Typestyle/Font

Very readable in 9-point Verdana:Won the 2009 “Employee of the Year” award at Chrysler’s Indianapolis plant. Honored for innovative contributions to the

design and manufacturability of the Zodiac product line.

Difficult to read in too-small 9-point Gill Sans MT:Won the 2009 “Employee of the Year” award at Chrysler’s Indianapolis plant. Honored for innovative contributions to the

design and manufacturability of the Zodiac product line.

Concise and readable in 12-point Times New Roman:Training & Development consultant specializing in the design, development, and presentation of multimedia training programs

for hourly workers, skilled labor, and craftsmen.

A bit overwhelming in too-large 12-point Bookman Old Style:Training & Development consultant specializing in the design, development, and presentation of

multimedia training programs for hourly workers, skilled labor, and craftsmen.

Type Size

Bold, italics, underlining, and CAPITALIZATIONare ideal to highlight certain words, phrases,achievements, projects, numbers, and otherinformation to which you want to draw specialattention.

NOTE: Resumes intended for electronictransmission and computer scanning havespecific restrictions on typestyle, type size andtype enhancements.

Type Enhancements

Extensive list of technical qualifications that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Extensive educational training and numerous credentials/certifications, all of which are important to include.

Extensive list of special projects, task forces, and committees to include that are important to career objective.

Extensive list of professional honors, awards and commendations.

Reasons for More Than Two Pages

Paper Color: white, ivory, and light gray Graphics: Attractive and relevant Color: Tasteful and does not interfere with

readability. White Space: Readability is everything!

Presentation Standards Cont’d

The very final step, and the most critical, is the

proofreading stage. Must be well-written; visually pleasing; and free of

errors. Proofread a minimum of three times and have two

other people proofread.

Accuracy and Perfection

Your resume is a marketingtool written to sell YOU for

yournext opportunity!

Now, let’s get to work.

The Beginning at the END…

Contact Information (Name, Address, Telephone Number(s), Email Address

Career Summary Professional Experience Education, Credentials, and Certifications The “Extras”

Parts of the Resume

Lynn T. Cowles (Mr.)(Ms.) Quinn Hill

Tzirina (Irene) KahnNdege “Nick” Vernon

Rose M. Hill618-256-8668 * [email protected]

http://www.linkedin.com/in/rosehill

Your Name

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Various Titles:Career Summary Management ProfileCareer Achievements Professional QualificationsCareer Highlights Professional

SummaryCareer Synopsis ProfileExecutive Profile SummaryExpertise Summary of

AchievementsHighlights of ExperienceSummary of Qualifications

Career Summary

Headline Format:INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

Telecommunications Products, Solutions & technologies

MBA, Executive Management, Harvard University Cornell University Executive Sales Leadership

Paragraph Format:CAREER SUMMARY

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL with proven expertise in the design and implementation of cost-effective staff training, e-learning, customer service, sales, management, and marketing programs. Recognized for innovation and creativity in designing real-world training programs that focus on development of core skills and competencies.

Career Summary Formats

Various Titles:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE AND ACHIEVEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE SUMMARYEMPLOYMENT HISTORYRELEVANT EXPERIENCE

EXPERIENCE

Professional Experience

Challenge, Action and Results (CAR) Format:EXPERIENCE AND ACHIEVEMENTSCorporate Sales Manager 2006 to PresentDOLINVEST CORPORATION Chicago, Illinois

Challenge: Plan and execute a complete turnaround, revitalization, and return to profitability of nonperforming Chicago metro region for

$20M specialty gifts manufacturer.

Action: Revitalized relationships with more than 300 accounts, negotiated credit line to support corporate cash requirements, recruited talented staff and management teams, and launched a massive cost-reduction initiative.

Results: * Achieved/surpassed all turnaround objectives and returned operations to profitability in first year.

* Won the company’s 2008 Leadership Achievement Award* Eliminated more than $2.8M in excess spending and reduced annual contractor fees by more than 30%.

Professional Experience Formats

Academic Credentials Format:

EDUCATIONM.S., Counseling Psychology, University of Akron, 2001

B.S., Psychology, University of Miami, 1999

Highlights of Continuing Professional Education:• Organizational Management & Leadership, Ohio Leadership Association, 2008

• Industrial Relations, Purdue University, 2007

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, State of Ohio, 2001 to Present

Licensed Recreational Therapist

Education, Credentials, and Certifications

Executive Education Format:

EDUCATIONExecutive Leadership Program……………………………………………….STANFORD

UNIVERSITY

Executive Development Program……………………………………..NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Master of Business Administration (MBA)…………HARVARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL

Bachelor of Science………………………………..…………………..UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Education, Credentials, and Certifications

Possible Categories:Technology Skills and QualificationsEquipment Skills and QualificationsHonors and AwardsPublic SpeakingPublicationsTeaching and Training ExperienceCommittees and Task ForcesProfessional Affiliations

The “Extras”

Get It Down – Then Polish It Write Your Resume From The Bottom Up

1. Start with the easy things (Education, Technology, Professional Affiliations – those that require little thought.)

2. Write short job descriptions for older positions.3. Write the job descriptions for your most recent

positions.4. Write your career summary. Include notable

“extra” stuff in your career summary.

Writing Tips, Techniques, and Important Lessons

Cover Letter: A document that accompaniesyour resume and is used to highlight yourspecific skills, qualifications, competencies,achievements, and more that relate directly

tothe position for which you are applying.

Write a Winning Cover Letter

Four approaches:◦ Traditional: Briefly state why you are writing◦ Interest-Piquing: Start off with impressive

information to grab immediate attention◦ Drop Names: Let referral do the work.◦ Who You Are: Important to communicate in

every letter.

Writing The Introduction

Keep it brief. Get to the point. If you get stuck, move on to the rest of

the letter and write introduction LAST. If no name is available, avoid

meaningless openings (“Dear Sir or Madam”, “To Whom It May Concern”) – eliminate salutation and begin letter immediately after subject line.

Tips for Writing the Introduation

Don’t’s Don’t tell life story or entire career history. Don’t repeat items word-for-word from the resume. Don’t make paragraphs too long

Do’s Do summarize your strongest qualifications for

position. Do include numbers and specific results. Do use paragraphs and/or bullets. Choose a style that

best showcases the information you have to present.

Writing the Body

Write the cover letter as soon as you’ve finished writing the resume.

The body is the most important part. Summarize achievements

Tips for Writing the Body

Be assertive yet polite Indicate follow-up Establish expectations for the next step

Example: I’d like to explore the values I offeryour organization. With a proven track recordof strong performance in financial sales andservice, I can deliver results to your companyand your clients.

Writing the Close

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire

life is thank you, it will be enough.-Meister Eckhardt

Thank-You Letter

This may be the most important document that is often overlooked.

Used as a reminder to the hiring manager to contact you.

Let’s the hiring manager know you are interestedShould be done after every interview.Common courtesy

Thank You Letter Purpose

◦ Use a Template◦ Be brief◦ Try to use a small Thank You card◦ Use e-mail as last resort◦ Should be sent within 24 hours

Thank You

Thank You Your Name

titleHome Address

Anywhere, State 12345

February 02, 2010 Jane Q. Public

Acme Bottle Washers123 Hip Hop StreetAnywhere, State 11111

Dear <Salutations>, Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule, I look

forward to…

Best Regards,

Your Name

Marketing Yourself

Are you

World’s largest professional networking site More than 200 million members in 200+

countries◦ 74 million in US, 7 million in Canada◦ More than half are outside North America

Used regularly by more than 90% of recruiters◦ 7 billion searches conducted in 2012

Why LinkedIn?

Is – a professional tool for networking Not – a social place to put every minute of your

life Is – a free website Not – always free Is – a great place to document

accomplishments Not – your resume rather a summary Is – effective when you have over 100

connections Not – as effective with fewer connections

Purpose of LinkedIn

LinkedIn Job Search

Applying on the Web

Your Web Application

Go on LinkedIn

to connect

with people

you know.

Meet friends who work at the

company. Get names and information

Ask

“How did you get started at this company?”

“Do you have any advice for my search?”

“How do you like working here?”

“Do you know the hiring manager in “this” department?”

DO NOT Ask

“Can you help me get a job?”

“Why is the company in peril?”

LinkedIn Job Search

Title Keyword or Company

Name Search

Other Online ToolsJob Resources / Skill Transfer

http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/

http://www.mynextmove.org/vets/

Other Online Tools

Search Sites 25 New sites for jobs specific to

your field added each day

Treating LinkedIn like Facebook Putting your entire resume on your profile Poor Grammar / Misspellings Half done profile Not looking professional (picture / words on

blogs) Pestering people Being shy Trying to connect to people not affiliated in

a group without being introduced

LinkedIn No-No’s

Post Assessment

1. E2. E3. D (sort of a trick question because we have already established that “it depends” on your

situation. The rule of thumb is 1-2 pages.)

4. T5. T6. E7. T8. E9. B10. C

Answers