Transcript Slide 1
Creating a Valuable Resume Stephanie H. Drake, MBA Executive Director, ASHHRA Objectives 1. How to create an well-organized resume 2. Writing an professional cover letter 3. Figuring out what you what next The Resume • Is a snap shot of your career • One or two page summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience Writing YOUR Resume • 5 parts: – Objective – Executive Summary or Selected Achievements – Work Experience – Education – Skills and Accomplishments The Objective or Summary • An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do Executive Summary • Or sometimes called Selected Achievements • This is a opportunity to put together 4-6 bullets that taut your greatest accomplishments Be Specific • In today’s market many healthcare organizations have applicant tracking systems that scan resumes looking for key words related to the position you are applying to Work Experience • Briefly give an overview of work that has taught you skills • Include your work experience in reverse chronological • Include: – – – – Title of position, Name of organization Location of work (town, state) Dates of employment Action Words achieved acquired administered analyzed coordinated created cultivated designed devised edited enforced established forecasted founded launched negotiated originated oversaw performed produced reorganized trained Education • Your most recent educational information is listed first • Include your degree (A.S., B.S., M.A., MBA, etc.), major, institution attended, minor/concentration • Mention academic honors Memberships, Certifications and Awards You may want to add: – Key or special skills or competencies – Experience in volunteer organizations – Certifications or awards received Resume Checkup • Run a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your resume • Get a friend to do a grammar review • Ask a mentor to proofread and review Resume Design • • • • Use a font size of 10 to 12 points Use non-decorative typefaces Choose one typeface and stick to it Do not use horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading Common Mistakes Mis-spelled words Not touting accomplishments Vague information about your role References • Ask people if they are willing to serve as references before you give their names to a potential employer • Do not include your reference information on your resume The Cover Letter • This is your opportunity for the employer to see your writing skills and see a snap shot of you What’s in a Cover Letter? • • • • Purpose Audience Content Format Format of a Cover Letter • 1st Paragraph (2 or 3 sentences) – job applying for – personal contacts with the company • Body (2-3 paragraphs) – Qualifications relative to the position • Conclusion (1 paragraph) – State your earnest interest – Request an interview Gatekeepers • Unexplained gaps in dates could indicate that the applicant is hiding something • Degrees listed from unfamiliar colleges or universities could mean no degree at all • Lack of preciseness or vagueness in past job responsibilities could indicate a false job listing What to do next? • Where should you look? • Should you post your resume externally • How to apply to the job? • Should you follow up? • Is networking important? Your Next Career Move • Talk with individuals in roles that interest you • Really try to do some soul searching about what would make you excited Key Areas to Post Your Resume • Linked In • Company Job Postings • Professional Society Job Boards Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek • • • • • • • • • Communication skills (verbal and written) Technical Skills Honesty/integrity Teamwork skills (works well with others) Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) Motivation/initiative Strong work ethic Analytical skills Flexibility/adaptability QUESTIONS .