Creating a Winning Resume

CONNECT Class 10 – Inside Track Development

Mike Fellows ~ 719-659-6787

December 03, 2009

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 2

Why is a Resume important?

Your resume is your passport to new opportunitiesHave updated and ready at all times Write something powerful that highlights

Strong skills Key qualifications Capabilities Immediate contributions you will make

Believe in yourself & your abilities Remain self-assured & competitive Ensure your accomplishments are heralded This is your opportunity to sell yourself

04/19/23

CONNECT Class 10– Inside Track

3

What does your resume look like now?

Does it include: Every (relevant) job since you started

working? Does your resume include a generic

“feel good” objective/qualification summary statement?

Specific “keywords”?

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 4

Anatomy of a Resume

HeadingExperienceSummary/ProfileCertificationsTechnical SkillsEducationProfessional Development

ClearancesPublicationsPresentationsProfessional AffiliationsAwards & Recognition

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 5

Resume Formats

The top third of the resume is valuable real estate!It answers “Why should you hire me?”Use this space to sell your credentials and IMPLY your objectiveShow how you can make immediate contributions

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 6

Resume Format

Maximum of 2 pagesClean, clear 12 pt fontWhite spaceClean margins and alignmentHeader with name & page number on page 2

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 7

Accomplishments

Ability to deliver quality work under deadlines

Project planning and documentation experience

Project ownership and responsibility Ability to work as part of a diverse

team Your “fit” with the corporate culture Answer the “So what?” question

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 8

Think about your accomplishments

Did you save money or time? How?Did you design new systems? How?Did you meet budget? Come in under budget? How?Did you recognize potential problems? What was it and how did you resolve it?Did you write or re-write any procedures? Which one? Why?

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 9

Accomplishments, con’t.

Did you start a new program or project? Why? How?Did you increase sales? Generate new business? How?Did you assume new responsibilities? HOW? Result?Did you train or mentor anyone? Who, Why, How?Have you participated in Networking Groups, Professional Development, and Professional Associations? Which ones? Leadership positions?

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 10

Accomplishment statement: Which one is better?

Before: Responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining workstations and systems.After: Improved systems uptime from 91% to 99.9% for 350 corporate and remote users through expert, cross-platform (Windows NT/UNIX) troubleshooting & maintenance

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 11

Accomplishments, con’t.

Before: Responsible for improvements in software architecture and processes

After: Advocated development of new approaches to re-configurable architectures, allowing leveraging of COTS software resulting in 50% cost savings and 4-6 month earlier deliveries

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 12

Accomplishments….

Before: Responsible for system testing and requirements verification via simulation tools

After: Fostered greater use of distributed simulation tools to maximize end-to-end analysis coverage for risk reduction of costly system testing in field and laboratories

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 13

Transferable Skills, con’t.

Human Relations/Interpersonal Skills

Listening Motivating Counseling Representing Others

Organization, Management and Leadership

Coordinating tasks and managing groups Promoting change Managing conflict

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 14

Additional Information

Other tips

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 15

DON’T include: (Tailor your data)

Elaborate fonts, pictures, wild colorsIrrelevant information, too much information or not enough informationMisspellings, typos or poor grammarOutdated infoPPT or PDF versionsUnrelated experience or accomplishments

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 16

DON’T include (Con’t):

ReferencesNames of past supervisorsCompensation informationPersonal informationUnprofessional email addresses or personal websitesReasons for leaving

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 17

Let’s review….Can you answer “Yes!” to these statements?

I provide a combination of job responsibilities and accomplishments for each positionMy resume is targeted to my current goalsI’ve incorporated “buzzwords” that apply to my qualificationsMy resume contains specific examples of how managers benefited from my workI have included measurable outcomes of my work with action verbs

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 18

Resume Quiz..…

I have not included any personal information such as age or marital status on my resumeThere are no pronouns on my resumeMy resume has been carefully proofread and I have shared it with trusted colleagues to make sure it is error-freeI have checked the formatting to be sure that the electronic version is “clean” (macros)

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 19

Don’t forget the Transferable Skills!

Transferable skills: abilities, aptitudes & qualities that can be applied anywhere!Communication

Speaking effectively Writing concisely Facilitating discussion Providing feedback Negotiating

Research and Planning Identifying problems and solutions Gathering information Setting goals and defining needs Analyzing

04/19/23CONNECT Class 10– Inside

Track 20

Wrap Up

Behavioral Questions Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to

meet it. Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a

policy with which you did not agree. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond to get a

job done. What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an

example. Give me an example of a time when something you tried to

accomplish and failed. Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the

lead. Tell me about a situation in which you had to deal with a very upset

customer. Give me an example of a time when you motivated others. Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively. Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and

developed preventive measures. Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular

decision. Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).