Writing an Effective Resume

Speaker: Sohaib Waheed

A workshop by ACM GIKI Student Chapter

Workshop Topics

Resume and its Sections.Common Resume problems.Submitting E-Resumes.Cover letters.Related Topics.

Resume

Your resume is a tool that helps you to

SELL YOURSELF through pertinent, unique details that STAND OUTRELATE YOUR SKILLS and achievements to the job GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR!

Resume SectionsNameAddressCareer objectiveEducationWork ExperienceSpecial Projects/ CoursesSkillsAwards and ActivitiesReferences

Resume Sections- cont.

NameResumes generally use your full name.

AddressInclude

1) Dates you will be at college and permanent addresses2) Telephone number at each address3) Active email address

Resume Sections- cont.

Career Objective

Relate this section directly to the job you want and make sure you tie in the skills you have acquired from particular jobs, outside activities, or your education.

Resume Sections- Career obj.Examples

A position involving the development of management information systems on mini- or microcomputers, leading to responsibilities as a systems analyst.

A summer internship with a construction company that requires skills in field engineering, cost controlling, planning, scheduling, and estimating.

A position as a systems analyst, stressing technical, communication, and supervisory skills.

Resume Sections- EducationEducation

This is a major section for most of us.Include:

1) name of college;2) degree and graduate date;3) major/minor;4) grade point average (optional).

Resume Sections- Education

What aspect do you want to emphasize:a) your degree?b) your college?c) your GPA?

Examples:XYZ University

Bachelor of Science, May 1999Major: Electronics; GPA: 3.0/4.0

orBachelor of Science in Electronics, May 1999

XYZ University, GPA: 3.0/4.0

Resume Sections- Work Exp.

Work Experience

-List job titles, places worked, and dates.-Use action verbs to describe the work you did.

Break the job into short descriptive sentences that begin with action verbs e.g. supervised, analyzed, researched, designed. Use them to help the employer picture you as an active person on the job.

Resume Sections- Work Exp.Examples:

Research AnalystJon Dear, Inc.; Waterloo, Iowa; Summer 1978.

- Supervised 13 assistants gathering information on cows' eating habits

- Researched most recent information on cows' nutritional needs

- Analyzed data to determine how to reduce number of feeding hours while maintaining nutritional quality

Resume Sections-Special Projects/Courses

List the courses which are different from the ones everyone must take in your major or are high-level courses that are really important. Describe major/related projects briefly, giving the most important facts.

NOTE:Remember the recruiter already knows the basic courses taken in your

major. Let these sections show the special courses or skills you have to offer.

Resume Sections- Skills

Group your skills under 2-3 basic skills categories that relate to the job you are seeking and use these as skill headings.Example: Prog. Languages, Development Softwares , Tools etc.

Resume Sections-Awards and Activities

This section points out your leadership, sociability and energy level as shown in your different activities. You should:

-list organizations in order of importance.-add any official position you have had.-choose activities that support your job

objective.

Resume Sections- References

References: available upon request.

This sentences allows you to be selective as to who gets your list of references.

Common Resume Problems

Little or no Work Experience.

Expand your definition of experience to include paid, non-paid , volunteer ,tutoring, sports, and mosque activities.

Common Resume Problems

Wrong Kind of Experience

Highlight skills learnt that might be applicable to the new job. Use language of the targeted industry.

Common Resume Problems

Wrong kind of degree- Omit major- Mention related Courses- Example:

GIK Institute Bachelor of Science, 2001

Coursework included:Industrial Management

Statistics & Statistical AnalysisProject Management

TQM

E-Resumes

Don't include your resume as an attachment Do include your resume as part of an e-mail. Write a cover letter.Don't forget to make your e-mail address and phone number visible. Do format your resume for the Web. Use ASCII format

E-Resumes

Limit each line in your resume to 72 characters. Take your e-resume out for a test drive. Make a Keyword Resume.

-Examples of keywords include: Microsoft, product management, SQL Server, HR, human resources, communications skills, MBA etc.

Use Appropriate terminology.

Cover letters

A cover letter serves two important functions-It introduces and sells you. Keep it short State the position Explain why you want the job Clearly describe ways you will contribute Keep the tone and content professional

Related Topics- How to start

Start by making a full length resume.Review the job description Present the tangible results of your accomplishments Highlight relevant skills

Related Topics

LengthHeadingsTable ResumeQ&A