Creating an Effective Resume

By the end of the class period you will be able to… understand the purpose of a resume identify critical attributes of a

resume use professional vocabulary and

grammar in your resume correctly format a resume apply the “tips” covered in class create a winning resume

Agenda

Introduction PowerPoint Presentation 20 Second Critique Activity Complete Final Draft Brochures

Purpose of A Resume

To get you an interview Designed as a marketing tool Brief, concise document that

presents, and effectively sells, your most relevant and positive credentials for employment

Establishes your credibility Creates a lasting first impression

What Does A Resume Do?

Summarizes your work-related skills and accomplishments

Describes educational background, relevant experiences, achievements, activities and interests

Helps you get your foot in the door! Gives potential employer a first

impression

Where Do I Begin?

Assess you skills Decide what type of job you want Search to find businesses needing

this type of service Research business

Critical Attributes

Heading Objective Experience Education Skills/Activities References

Heading

Name Address Phone number Email address (optional)

Objective

Brief statement about desired position and organization for which you want to work

Short or long-term goals may also be included

Examples: Objective: To obtain a position as a legal

secretary in real estate law. Objective: Seeking an administrative/managerial

position in a non-profit organization offering opportunity for professional growth.

Experience

Begin by listing four facts:1. Job title2. Company name3. Location of employer4. Dates employed

▪ May be listed by months or years List in reverse chronological order Create statements using “power

words” Bad Example: “Took customer request” Good Example: “Processed customer request”

Experience

May include volunteer, internships and fieldwork experiences

This section should be specific to the particular job you are describing Example: Processed customer

transactions

Education

Highest level of attainment is listed first

Type of degree or certificate Name of institution Location of institution Date of attendance or acceptance Anticipated date of graduation

Skills

Identify 3 – 6 key achievements or skills gained through work experience that support your objective

This section should be a generalization of skills you’ve acquired throughout your experience Example: Exceptional communication

ability

References

Always obtain permission Should be listed on separate sheet Name Title Work/home address Phone number

Power Words Accomplishme

nt Established Improved Restored Transformed Resolved

Management Administered Delegated Executed Implemented Managed Prioritized Scheduled Supervised Strengthened

Communication

Attended Demonstrate

d Facilitated Informed Presented Influenced

Financial Administrate

d Analyzed Budgeted Managed Calculated Planned

Function/Task Collected Compiled Distributed Generated Implemented Operated Organized

Helping Collaborated Demonstrate

d Ensured Facilitated Provided

Polishing Tips

Formatting Use 1” margins Allow plenty of white space Keep on one page whenever possible Use bold for emphasis Use consistency

Polishing Tips

Printing Print on one side only Use quality paper Use neutral colored paper Use laser printer, never photocopy

Polishing Tips

Proofreading Avoid spelling mistakes▪ Use a dictionary▪ Perform spell check▪ Have a friend proofread

Avoid punctuation mistakes▪ Do not use periods when using bulleted lists▪ Avoid using abbreviations▪ Avoid using exclamation points

Polishing Tips

Proofreading continued… Avoid grammatical errors▪ Do not switch tenses▪ Present tense verbs should be used for current duties▪ Past tense verbs should be used for past duties

▪ Capitalize proper nouns▪ Write out numbers one through nine, use

numerals for 10 and above▪ Use consistent date formats