Career and Financial Management Rsum Writing Rsum Writing

Career and Financial Management Résumé Writing

Résumé Writing

Introduction to Résumé Writing Lesson Objectives 1. Identify the purpose of writing a résumé. 2. Differentiate between print, scannable, electronic, and Web résumés.

What is a Résumé? It is a brief summary of: Personal information Education Skills Work experience Activities Interests It is distributed to potential employers through mail, email, fax, etc.

Résumé’s Purpose What is the purpose of a résumé? It determines whether you receive an interview or not It is clear, concise, and fits target No typos or grammatical errors A résumé gets you an interview, not a job!

Stages Stage 1 Eliminate job candidates Scan for 15 -30 seconds Stage 2 Read remaining résumés more thoroughly Determines who will receive an interview Stage 3 Résumé guides the interview Focus on strengths

Résumé Writing A great résumé quickly shows that you: Possess the qualifications necessary for the job Can meet the employers needs Are likeable and work well with others Appeal to both human and electronic reviews

Résumé Writing The Bottom Line: 1. 2. 3. Write résumé Résumé reviewed by employers Job interview

Vocabulary Résumé: A brief summary of your personal information, education, skills, work experience, activities, and interests. The traditional spelling is résumé.

Vocabulary Print résumé: A word-processed résumé designed to be visually appealing. Created using word-processing software Designed to be: Visually appealing Delivered in person, by mail, as an e-mail attachment, or by fax May be scanned into a database

Vocabulary Scannable résumé: A graphic image of your résumé that is scanned and converted into text. Employers use keyword searches to find potential matches Can dramatically change résumé’s appearance Special formatting measures

Vocabulary Electronic résumé: A very plain-looking résumé designed to be delivered via e-mail or an online e-form. Many companies only use electronically submitted or emailed résumés Keyword searches Online job sites Follow directions for submitting résumé carefully Type your résumé in a standard word processing program Save in plain text format

Vocabulary Web résumé: A résumé formatted so that it can be posted to the Internet; can contain sophisticated graphics. Posted to the Internet as a Web document in HTML format Can be attractively formatted Include portfolio of abilities Many resources available on the Internet to help create

Journal Question What “extras” can you include in a Web résumé that would not be included in a traditional résumé?

Answer “Extra” items that you can include in a Web résumé include graphics, buttons, and photos.

Journal Question Why do you think it is so important for a résumé to be free of any grammar and spelling errors?

Answer Résumés with errors are likely to be eliminated immediately when being reviewed for a position.

Review During this stage of résumé review, employers use the résumé to guide interview questions: A. Stage 1 B. Stage 2 C. Stage 3

Review Which of the following statements about electronic résumés is false? A. Directions for submitting electronic résumés should be followed carefully. B. Many companies only use electronically submitted or emailed résumés. C. Electronic résumés should be typed in a standard word processing program. D. Electronic résumés should be saved in HTML format.

Review During this stage of résumé review, résumés are quickly scanned to eliminate as many candidates as possible: A. Stage 1 B. Stage 2 C. Stage 3

Review A very plain-looking résumé designed to be delivered via e-mail or an online e-form is a _______. A. B. C. D. Print résumé Web résumé Electronic résumé Scannable résumé

Review The primary purpose of the résumé is to _____. A. B. C. D. obtain interviews practice stating your skills get a job provide your network with information

Review The purpose of writing a résumé is to get a job. A. True B. False

Lesson Objectives 1. 2. 3. Identify essential elements of an effective résumé. Recognize qualifications and experiences that support a job objective. Differentiate between chronological, skills, and combination résumés.

Parts of a Résumé Contact information Job Objective Education Qualification/Skills Work Experience Other Experience Honors Related classes Etc.

Contact Information Name Mailing Address Phone (Cell/Home) Email Address Optional Website Fax

Job Objective Briefly states your goal in relation to the job you are applying for An objective should Include a job title or type of work desired Include a specific skill or area of specialization Reflect the needs of the employer Always write your job objective to fit the specific job you are applying for

Job Objective Examples To obtain knowledge of the day-to-day workings of a publishing firm through a part-time job or summer internship. Seeking a full-time administrative assistant position where strong communication and organization skills are desired. Seeking a position teaching Technology Education in a high school that can benefit from experience in student leadership programs and community literacy.

Education List of the schools you have attended Begin with the most recent List high schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities attended Years of attendance Degrees or certificates Relevant certifications, specialized training, and seminars If acceptable, Grade Point Average (GPA)

Education Example Maine-Endwell High School, Endwell, NY High School Diploma 2014 GPA 3. 85/4. 0 Bachelor of Science May 2013 Oswego State University, Oswego, NY Major: Technology Education

Qualifications Highlight why you are the perfect candidate Use to emphasize skills, capabilities, and accomplishments Items to include Relevant credentials and degrees Relevant accomplishments in work, volunteer experiences, community involvement, or other activities Skills with and knowledge of software/hardware Years of experience in a specialized field Knowledge of specialized skills

Qualifications Examples Honest, hardworking, reliable Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Extensive knowledge of word-processing, presentation and spreadsheet software, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power. Point, and Microsoft Excel Fluent in English and Spanish Type 70 wpm

Work Experience List all work experiences Reverse chronological layout Dates of employment Employer’s name, city, and state Job title Brief results-oriented description No paid experience? Relevant volunteer experience, internships, school projects, classes, etc.

Work Experience Example Newspaper Staff Member, Maine-Endwell High School September 2013 -June 2014 Features of high school newspaper Researched information for news articles using library and Web sources Composed and edited informational articles, columns, editorials, and advertising copy

Other Experience Highlight other experiences pertinent to your job objective These experiences can include: Memberships to professional organizations Leadership opportunities Awards earned Relevant courses Honorary groups Social, service, and school organizations Military service

Sample Headings for Other Experience Awards and Honors Volunteer Work Community Service Certificates Earned Activities Professional Associations

Other Experience Example Relevant High School Studies Technical writing; advanced composition; debate; video production; computer classes providing knowledge of word processing, desktop publishing, and Web software

Other Experience Example Honors, Awards, and Memberships U. S. Media Association Scholarship recipient Scholarship based on academic achievement, community service, and campus participation and leadership in high school communications projects and studies

Personal Data The following should NOT be included: Age Height Weight Gender Sexual orientation Race Religion Disabilities Photos

References Typically not included Research employer preferences Have a separate reference sheet prepared Reference sheet includes: Name Dr. Ruth Heinz Title Biology Professor 384 Main Street Address Cincinnati, OH 50000 Contact information 555. 1234

Résumé Writing Chronological résumé: A résumé that focuses on the applicant’s work experience and education.

Chronological Résumé Focuses on the applicant’s work experience and education A chronological résumé is appropriate if: Your most recent job or jobs are similar to the position you are applying for Your work history is strong and continuous with no obvious gaps in employment You are applying for a position with a conservative company

Résumé Writing Functional résumé: A résumé that focuses on the job tasks or skills that the applicant can perform.

Functional Résumé Focuses on the job tasks or skills that the applicant can perform A functional (skills) résumé is appropriate if: You have a mixed work history You are a new graduate or entering the workforce for the first time Your previous job titles do not clearly reflect the level of skills you used You are making a career change

Résumé Writing Combination résumé: A résumé that focuses on the skills and work experience of the applicant.

Combination Résumé Focuses on the skills and work experience of the applicant A combination résumé is appropriate if: You want to emphasize specific skills that relate to the job you are applying You have a relatively consistent work history, although not all related You have worked for one company for a long period of time

Resume Writing Job objective: A statement of your employment goal.

Lesson Objectives 1. 2. 3. Describe accomplishments using numbers, percentages, and action verbs. Identify appropriate keywords to be used in a résumé. Tailor a résumé to fit a specific job opening.

Writing Guidelines Write clearly and concisely Give specific examples and numbers Use powerful action verbs

Write Clearly and Concisely Use phrases—not complete sentences Avoid clichés, dated expressions, and overly complex terms Do not omit pertinent information

Write Clearly and Concisely Complex Concise Utilized Used Equitable Fair Initiated Started

Write Clearly and Concisely Dated/Cliché Concise At this point in time Now Explore every avenue Explore the options Last, but not least Finally

Give Specific Examples and Numbers More forceful & persuasive resume Numbers enhance credibility If necessary, use an estimation Approximately, more than, averages, up to

Specific Examples and Numbers General Specific Reduced costs significantly Reduced costs by 35% The leading producer Top producer of 45 employees Reduced filming time by 50% Processed more orders than any other member of the team Processed approximately 25% more orders than any other member of the team

Use Action Verbs Include persuasive action statements Show you take initiative and actively participate in problem-solving and decisionmaking Usually end in “-ed” Omit any use of I, me, or my

Action Verbs Trained Adapted Established Scheduled Served Led Managed Directed Presented Advised Planned Researched Invented Edited Instructed Coordinated Designed Hired Prepared Represented Organized Recruited Solved Generated Collected Accomplished Contracted Tested

Action Verb Examples General Specific My duties included reviewing purchasing trends, analyzing customer data, and preparing annual trend reports. Conducted extensive purchasing research; analyzed, diagrammed, and reported results of customer data; and wrote annual trend reports. I was in charge of the school’s student-body elections and ballot processing. Coordinated school’s studentbody elections and reduced final ballot processing time by 30%.

The Bottom Line Keys to an effectively written résumé Clear & Concise Specific Examples & Numbers Action Verbs

Keywords Keywords: specific words or phrases that represent the required skills, knowledge, and capabilities for a position Employers search résumés for keywords manually and electronically Include as many appropriate keywords as possible

Types of Keywords Job titles Skills/specialties Education/certifications, licenses, and coursework Work and volunteer experience Community and other clubs/activities Computer/software/hardware skills Personal qualities Accomplishments/awards Industry/professional organizations

Locating Specific Keywords Job descriptions and advertisements Industry Terminology Researching Keywords Company Websites Professional Organizations

Job Description Sample Research A clean driving record: You’ll need a valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle. Friendly demeanor: Smile, tell a joke—treat our customers like you would your family and friends. Keen sense of direction: You should know how to read a map and find your way around your delivery area. Age restrictions: Our delivery drivers need to be at least 18 years old. Just a few more things: You’ll need some basic math skills, the desire to work as part of a team and enthusiasm for learning.

Job Requirements Sample Research Ensuring that our customers have a satisfying experience that will keep them coming back time after time 1 -2 years of soft-lines retail management experience Proven leader within their store Strong merchandising skills Proven track record of success of driving sales, UPTs, and ADSs Ability to recruit, train, motivate, and retain a team Communication skills Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends

Job Description Sample Research Are you looking for a rewarding management opportunity? We are currently seeking experienced, enthusiastic, career-minded Store Managers to join our team. If you have superior leadership skills, operational excellence and can increase sales and profitability while managing a dynamic sales team, this could be the position for you! Responsibilities of the Store Manager include recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, store operations, store merchandising, inventory management, directing and maximizing sales, and customer care.

Tips for Including Keywords Repeat critical keywords Use synonyms for words Supervisor for Manager BS for Bachelor of Science Résumé nouns search programs often look for Emphasize the “what” Accountant – CPA, spreadsheet, computer, database, tax code, etc.

The Bottom Line Keywords Types • Skills • Job Titles • Education • Etc. Locations • Websites • Organizations • Advertisements • Industry Tips • Repetition • Synonyms • Nouns

Résumé Formatting and Distribution Lesson Objectives 1. Design a résumé with an appealing format. 2. List steps to prepare and format an electronic résumé. 3. Recognize how the Internet is used to distribute résumés.

Writing a Cover Letter Sending a Cover Letter Differentiate between networking, application, and prospecting cover letters. Describe how to appropriately format an electronic cover letter. Portfolio Activity: Writing a Cover Letter Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio. Write a cover letter which can be sent to a potential employer. Evaluate performance through the use of a rubric.

Portfolio Activity: Writing a Résumé Lesson Objectives 1. Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio. 2. Write a résumé which can be used to apply for a job. 3. Evaluate performance through the use of a rubric.

Portfolio Activity: Writing a Résumé Lesson Objectives 1. Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio. 2. Write a résumé which can be used to apply for a job. 3. Evaluate performance through the use of a rubric.