Dust Off That Resume!

Dust Off That Resume!

Resume Writing • Why Write a Resume? • Writing a Solid Resume • Choosing a Resume Format • Common Questions • Last Minute Tips “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Main Function of a Resume • A written summary of your self-analysis • Assumption: You have done some self-analysis! “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Why Write a Resume? • Resumes are a vital part of corporate America • Like it or not, they are needed • They present your experience and background to future employers “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Why Write a Resume? • A well prepared and presented resume will: • Present a positive image • Capture the interest of the recipient • Tell what you have done • Share your accomplishments • Result in interviews • Trigger a positive action “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Why Write a Resume? • The resume is intended to “Open the Door” to new opportunities. • It is often the first impression that you will make on the prospective employer. “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” -Henry Ford

Writing a Solid Resume • Evaluate the needs of the employer • Determine how you can fill those needs • Use action verbs: • Wrote management reports • Designed new protocol • Managed Accounting Division • Cut costs by over 20% • Planned meetings and events

How Resumes are Read • Two ways resumes are read: • The Quick Scan • (average time spent reviewing resumes: 20 seconds) • The Long Read • Your initial objective is to have your resume pass the “Quick Scan” and get to the “Long Read.”

Choosing a Resume Format • There are three basic types: • Chronological • Functional • Combination • It may be helpful to write one of each • Note: Regardless of the format, your resume should be “Web-Ready”

Chronological Resume • Organized by job title with the most recent position listed first

Chronological Resume • Pros: • Accentuates most recent experience • Shows pattern of progression and associated skills • Gives recruiters and managers an instant look at your credentials • Widely accepted / preferred format

Chronological Resume • Cons: • May reveal visible “Gaps” in employment history • Doesn’t work well if your work history has been spotty or stagnant • Doesn’t work well if you are changing careers

Chronological Resume • Works Best For: • Job seekers with solid experience and a logical job history, the chronological resume is the most effective. Career changers and those who lack formal on-the-job experience (like new graduates) find this resume the most difficult to write.

Functional Resume • Rearranges employment history into sections that highlight areas of skill and accomplishment • Example: • Management • Logistics • Human Resources

Functional Resume • Begin with the skill you want emphasized the most • You may customize for different employers by: • Changing your job objective • Changing the order in which you list the functions

Functional Resume • Pros: • Emphasizes your abilities • Useful if you are changing careers • Shows how you can transfer your skills • Cons: • May hide actual experiences, employers, projects, etc. • If you don’t list your previous jobs, the person reviewing your resume may be suspicious

Functional Resume • Works best if: • You have a "mixed bag" work history: no clear thread uniting positions held. • You are a new graduate or entering the workforce. You must show how the skills you have used in the past (in volunteer or coursework) apply to the job you are seeking. • Your job titles, such as such as "Administrative Assistant" or "Marketing Coordinator," do not clearly reflect the level of skills you used. • You are making a career change--either changing industry or changing occupation

Combination Resume • Combines a functional resume with a chronological resume • Useful if you spent a long time at one job but moved up through the ranks

Common Questions • Where should my Educational background go? • If you have a college degree not necessary to include HS information • Place at top of resume if: • Education completed less than 5 years ago • Your degree is relevant to position • You completed your education more than 5 years ago and you worked outside your field of study but you would like to re-enter the field. • Otherwise, place at bottom of resume

Common Questions • How long is too long? • General rule of thumb: 1 page • Employers only need to see a snapshot • May extend to 2 pages if you have extra “stuff” that you must include • Additional relevant work experience • Special awards, Achievements • Additional relevant community service experience • Other pertinent information

Common Questions • What about personal information? • Do not include any personal information such as: • Height • Weight • Age • Marital status • Religious background • In the U.S. it is Illegal for employers to request this type of information

Common Questions • Where do I put salary history? • If requested by an employer, include it as an addendum to resume

Common Questions • How do I handle gaps in employment? • Consider using a functional resume instead of a chronological resume • Put emphasis on your strengths • Consider including volunteer activities if it is relevant to the job you’re applying for • Never lie on your resume • Instead of writing specific dates, use years of employment • Be prepared to answer questions regarding your “gaps” – AND don’t apologize – be up front

Last Minute Tips • Proof-read your resume • Have a friend proof-read it • Put it away for a day, then proof-read it again • Keep it updated • Add new skills/experience acquired • Add details of special projects

Dust Off That Resume!