Transcript THE NEW RESUME - University of South Carolina Upstate

THE NEW
RESUME
PREVIOUS RESUMES
Before the job market became so
competitive, the trend in resumes was to
list as many job duties and
responsibilities as possible. This was
supposed to impress the reader. But
instead, the reader did not bother to
read all of this material and most of the
times, it tended to be repetitious and
boring!
EXAMPLE - FORMER STYLE IN RESUMES:
Accounts Payable Assistant, ABC Company, March 2000 to May 2002
Ran quarterly reports to assist the Controller with quarterly financial
statement preparation. Placed items on spreadsheet for analysis.
Called customers on phone to solicit payment of past due accounts.
Recorded payments on data report on a daily basis. Paid bills.
NEW STYLE
• NOW NEED RESULT-BASED RESUME
EXAMPLE:
Accounts Payable Assistant, ABC Company,
March 2000 to May 2002
Process payables and receivables
Create spreadsheets for daily analysis
RESULT: Decreased collections 20%
WHAT HAPPENS?
• HERE, the reader not only gets an idea of
what you did as part of your routine duties,
but he gets a sample of how you improved
company profits.
OLD STYLE
• Customer Service Assistant, Best Buy,
April 2001 to present.
Ran Cash register. Processed returns.
Contacted vendors about problems with
CD’s. Assisted customers with purchases
of electronic equipment. Placed incoming
merchandise on shelves. Conducted
monthly inventory of all items in
department. Promoted holiday sales.
NEW STYLE
Customer Service Assistant, Best Buy, April
2001 to present - Setout merchandise, ran
cash register, made daily deposits.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Kept clean and
neat department & solved customer
problems and concerns.
SAMPLE
RESUME
BARBARA PRICKETT
PO Box 170951
Spartanburg, SC 29301
[email protected] (864) 576-3501
OBJECTIVE:
SKILLS:





Seeking a challenging telecommuting position using word processing,
transcribing, data entry and office management skills.
Exceptional computer software and hardware knowledge.
Successful business owner providing a variety of computer services
to clients for over six years.
Current author under the pen name of Barbara Watson.
Over four years systems analyses experience with local county and
chamber of commerce.
Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Internet.
EXPERIENCE:
1994-2002 Author, Wake Up Barbara! And Help Me Find This Snake!
Wrote articles for website http//wakeupbarbara.com.
1998-1994 Business Owner of BP Data Systems. Provided computer
services including writing software user manuals, maintaining databases,
creating brochures and newsletters and training clients staff.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science Degree, Concentration in Computer Science, The
University of South Carolina, Spartanburg, 1989.
ACTIVITIES,
AWARDS &
PUBLISHED
WORKS:
Extensive civic, writing and computer-related projects. These projects
required skills in planning, organization, administration, forecastin g,
directing others and impacted large groups of people.







Coordinated the shipment of over 16,000 used eyeglasses to Third World
Countries.
Three years of experience maintaining a database of contributions & mailing
lists for local Habitat for Humanity. Coordinated volunteers for organization.
Administered an on-line script-writing workshop.
Edited submissions to fiction, nonfiction, script-writing and novel writing
workshops.
Chaired blood drives for over six years with results exceeding quotas each year.
Awarded “Special Mission Recognition” by local church.
Transcribed over 100 letters for a deaf and blind woman; compiled and
published a book of her memories.
REFERENCES:
List and samples of portfolio will be provided upon request.
WHAT IS A
COVER LETTER ANYWAY?
• A cover letter is a business document that
is used to explain:
– Which job you are applying for
– Why are you applying to XYZ Company
– What are your special skills as they relate to
those requirements listed in the job
description OR if no description is given, what
do you bring to this company?
– Thank the reader for time spent in review
SAMPLE
COVER LETTER
May 10, 2004
Ms. Paula West, Director
Monterey Botanical Gardens 9821
Westfield Court Monterey, CA
90766
Dear Ms. West:
Kevin Lessing recently gave me your name because he is aware of my search for
an entry-level botanist position. I currently work at Lessing
Nursery and have been assisting Mr. Lessing in research and development of orchid
hybrids.
The enclosed resume explains my work at Lessing Nursery and summarizes my relevant
coursework at Harrison College.
I will receive my B.S. in botany from Harrison next month, and I hope to find an entrylevel position as a botanist following graduation. I would appreciate knowing of any
openings at Monterey Botanical Gardens. I would also welcome any advice you have to
offer on securing a job in your field.
I appreciate you guidance and look forward to the possibility of working with you.
Should you need to reach me you may do so at 864-236-5326 or email
[email protected].
Yours truly,
Martin T. Smith
AVOID THESE MISTAKES!
•
•
•
•
No dates for employment
Objective missing
Incorrect spelling (automatic trash can)
Placing references on resume rather than
listing separately
• Missing community, volunteer and club
memberships
• Not listing key courses taken in major
MORE MISTAKES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
No contact information
Too duty oriented – like job description
Unprofessional email addresses
Poorly formatted
Resumes over 2 pages
Long dense paragraphs – no bullet points
Lying and misleading the employer
Gaps in employment
Career Center Help
• Needed to list your
job objective in the
most profession way
• Assist you in pulling
out and developing
skills information
• Provide initial
feedback for resume
Cover Letter and Plan of Action
• JOB STRATEGIES
• Cover letter explored.
• Student draft cover letter
for review.
• List of companies
developed for pro-active
and reactive recruiting.
• Resumes and cover
letters sent to companies.
• Interviews, hire offers
extended, offers
accepted.
EMAIL
• What do you need to know about emailing
your resume?
• Be alert to providing a resume that can be
scanned.
• ASCII – plain text file without any special
formatting – read by any computer
– Open your resume in your program
– File menu chose “Save as” & then Plain Text
– Close the document
ETIQUETTE
BODY LANGUAGE
• The handshake is the only universal
gesture in business.
• Keeping hands in plain sight conveys trust
and open attitude.
• Placing hands in pockets means you are
trying to hide something.
• Cupping a handshake with your left hand
is insulting.
EYE CONTACT
• Americans believe eye contact shows
honesty.
• It also shows confidence.
• However, keep in mind direct eye contact
has different meanings across cultures.
INTRODUCTIONS
• Before making introductions, know how to
introduce a peer, a supervisor and or a
speaker.
• When introducing a co-worker to your
supervisor, begin by saying “Dr. Avery,
may I introduce William Sumerel” then
say, “William, this is our Vice Chancellor
for USC Upstate, Dr. Reginald Avery”.
NETWORKING
• Nametags should be placed on the right
lapel.
• Drinks should be carried in the left hand.
• Approach a person who is alone or a small
group of three or more. A group of two
may be engaged in a personal
conversation.
• Always excuse yourself before leaving.
GRATUITIES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Food Server 15 – 20 %
Room Service if not included in bill
Hotel Porter, Ship Porter, Concierge
Maid to be paid at the end of your stay
Valet who brings your car
Doorman who hails a cab
% should be minimum if poor service
DINING OUT
• Begin eating when last person at your
table has been served.
• Forks, bread and butter plates are to your
left.
• Knives, spoons and glasses are to your
right.
• Desert plates - parallel above your plate
• Use utensils from left to right.
EATING TIPS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tear bread
Cut tomatoes
Leave dropped food alone
Unfold napkin when serving begins
Pass items left first then back to right
Thank servers no more than twice
QUESTIONS