Transcript Resume Building

A Session on
Resume Building
The First Step Towards Landing Your First Job
Market Yourselves…….
In this workshop, you’ll
discover the “tools” you need
to WOO…… the employer.
You’ll learn how to:
– Write a cover letter
describing how your skills
match the job description.
– Write a resume targeted to a
specific job
Can your resume pass the
10-second test ??
10 Seconds is all
the time an
employer is
going to give
your resume in
deciding to
keep it or pass
on it!
A Resume
• is the first meeting between
you and the employer.
• tells a great deal about you.
• gets you the interview.
• is your calling card, so
remember that “First
impressions are lasting ones.”
Resume Principles
• Convince employer
that you are worth an
interview.
• Keep as brief as
possible without
sacrificing essential
qualifications.
Resume Principles
• No ugly resume – format must be pleasing to
the eye.
• Do not lie, exaggerate or use words that the
interviewer.
• Focus on strengths and
accomplishments.
What Information Should
Be In A Resume?
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Identify Yourself
Education
Continuing Education
Work or Professional
Experience
Volunteer Experience
Activities
Computer Skills
Professional Associations
Optional Sections
• Objective
• Special Skills and Abilities
• Reference Statement
Characteristics Of A
Successful Resume
• Uses action words to define
the responsibilities of your
job-related experience.
• Target your qualifications
for a specific job
• Easy to read and understand.
• One page, or at most 2
pages long.
Characteristics Of A
Successful Resume
• Language is
grammatically correct.
• Must always be 100%
truthful.
• Spelling has been
checked.
• Formal Style
Characteristics Of A
Successful Resume
• Contains no inappropriate
personal information.
• Produced on a computer.
• Data presented in
chronological order (unless
functional).
Be sure to include some
“attitude” in your Resume
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Team Player
Involved with Contributed to –
Served on –
Volunteered to –
Resume Faux Pax
• Typos and Grammar Slips
• Avoid abbreviations and acronyms
• Never use pronouns such as: “I”, “me”, “my”,
“our”
• No fancy fonts, binders, layouts
• Personal, family or health information
• References
• Folded resume
Types of Resumes
Chronological
• most common
• listing of your jobs and experience
with most recent mentioned first
• good for job seekers who have
practical work experience with long
periods of employment
• resume type most preferred by
employers
Types of Resumes
Functional
• Based upon competencies
or skills.
• highlights what they are,
not when you developed
them
• good format for job
seekers with lots of job
experience and many jobs
Cover Letters
• Should give the employer a reason to look at the
resume
• 3 to 5 bulleted points leading to the resume
• If the cover letter does not “speak well,” the
resume will not be read!
How To Write A Cover
Letter - Rules
• Give enough information to interest the reader,
don’t overwhelm.
• Research the company. Address the letter to a
specific person.
• Answer an ad if you have 50% of the skills or
background that the ad requires.
• Mention the person who referred you if
appropriate.
How To Write A Cover
Letter - Contents
• Paragraph 1:
– What you want.
– How you know about the
organization.
– Mention enclosure of your resume.
• Paragraph 2:
– Concise overview of work history
and skills that will help you
perform the job.
How To Write A Cover
Letter - Contents
• Paragraph 3:
– State confidence in your ability.
– Give information on how you
can be contacted.
• Paragraph 4:
– Express appreciation
• Closing, signature, and typed
name
In Summary
• Be sure your resume represents you in the best light
possible.
• Use the correct resume form (functional or
chronological) to highlight your skills, abilities, and
work history.
• Use a good cover letter to get your foot in the door.
Remember: Employers do not hire resumes – they hire
people. It is up to you to show the employer YOU ARE
CAPABLE AND THE STAR!
Questions
&
Answers