RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS HIGH STAKES WRITING OBJECTIVES

RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS HIGH STAKES WRITING

OBJECTIVES At the end of this class students should: Be aware of the general conventions of a resume including the parts of a resume, organization, and stylistic choices Be aware of what employers like to see in a resume Know where to find resources when crafting their own resume Have begun to generate content (skills/education/experience) to use in preparing master resume

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO GET HIRED 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Analyzing your strengths and restricting your job search Enhancing your image Looking in the right places for jobs. Assembling a dossier and a portfolio Preparing a resume Writing a letter of application (cover letter) and filling out a job application 7. Going to an interview 8. Accepting or declining a job offer

WHAT IS A RESUME? “[the resume] is a factual and concise summary of your qualifications, convincing a prospective employer that you have the education and experience to do the job you are applying for. ” -Kolin p. 174 “Regard your resume a persuasive ad for your professional qualifications. It is a billboard advertising you. ”

WHAT EMPLOYERS EXPECT OF A RESUME Employers will expect an applicant’s resume to be: • Honest • • Attractive Carefully organized Concise Accurate (grammatically correct) Current Relevant Quantifiable

THE PARTS OF A RESUME Contact Information • Full name (no nickname) • Address • Telephone number • Email address

THE PARTS OF A RESUME The Career Objective • The career objective should specify the exact type of job your are looking for and in what ways you are qualified to hold it. • The best career objectives dovetail with the requirements of the position for which you are applying.

THE PARTS OF A RESUME Credentials • Education • Most recent education first • Then (in reverse chronological order) everything significant since high school. This includes military training, other training programs, internships or workshops! • If there are certain courses that highlight the credentials that the job asks for, specify and quantify. • “Completed 28 hours in major courses in business marketing, management, and materials in addition to 12 hours in information science, including web design and publishing” • Mention projects, experiments, or reports that bear directly on the job you are seeking • List your GPA only if it is 3. 0 or above.

THE PARTS OF A RESUME Credentials • Experience • Begin with your most recent position and work backward in reverse chronological order • List company or agency name, location (city and state) your job title, and dates of employment. • For each job or activity provide a short description of your duties and achievements • • Emphasize your responsibilities! Use “action verbs” to describe those responsibilities.

THE PARTS OF A RESUME Related Skills and Achievements • Second or third languages • Extensive travel • Memberships in professional associations • Memberships in community service groups Computer Skills Honors/Awards

THE PARTS OF A RESUME References • Do not list references on resume unless specifically instructed • “Available upon request” • Ask your references’ permission before providing their contact information • Provide them with your current resume, and brief them about the job position. Remind them of the skills and qualifications you demonstrated in your professional relationship with them.

• What classes did you excel in? • What papers, reports, surveys, or presentations earned your highest grades? • What computer skills have you mastered—languages, software, ecommerce, blog or website design, collaborative online editing? • What other technical skills have you acquired? • What relevant jobs have you had? For how long and where? What were your primary duties? Did you supervise other employees? • What did you do to earn a raise or promotion in a previous or current job? • Do you work well with people? What skills do you possess as a member of a team working toward a common job goal? • Can you organize complicated tasks or identify and solve problems quickly? • Have you had experiences or responsibilities managing money— collecting fees or receipts, preparing payrolls, conducting nightly audits? • Have you won any awards or scholarships or received a commendation or other recognition at work?