Skills in Resume Writing What is a resume

Skills in Resume Writing

What is a resume for? A resume is a summary of your education, experience, and skills. Its main purpose is to convince a potential employer that they should learn more about you. Resumes are used to screen applicants and determine which candidates have the backgrounds which most closely match employers’ needs.

What should I include? Any prior experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for. include positions where you developed transferable skills responsibilities and accomplishments do not include EVERY job you’ve ever had.

Sections 1. Name and contact information 2. Objective (optional) 3. Education 4. Work Experience 5. Additional skills

1. NAME AND CONTACT INFO Name, address, phone number, and email address Always include area and zip codes SAMPLE: Carmen Chao 2011 Chicago St. , Apt. 3 B Chicago, IL 60000 (312) 123 -1234 / carmen. chao@gmail. com

2. OBJECTIVE (optional) Be as specific as possible Make sure the objective relates directly to the position you are applying for. ex 1: My objective is to be an excellent worker. I aim to accomplish all my work goals and be successful. ex 2: Develop my managerial skills in an administrative position where I can effectively utilize expertise gained from my studies in business administration.

3. EDUCATION Begin with your most recent educational experience. List any study experiences or other colleges you have attended for at least one full semester Include: the degree you expect to earn/ have earned, your major, the institution, expected date of graduation include GPA only if it is above a 3. 20

3. EDUCATION (cont. ) SAMPLE: Mac. Cormac College (Chicago, IL): AA in Criminal Justice, expected May 2012

4. WORK EXPERIENCE Begin with your most recent position. Include internships, campus leadership offices, and relevant volunteer work, or extended research projects. Include title, name of organization, location, and dates for each position. Emphasize duties, skills, and accomplishments appropriate to the position for which you are applying.

4. WORK EXPERIENCE (cont. ) Use phrases beginning with action verbs, not full sentences. --> www. resumedictionary. com Do not use pronouns in your job descriptions. (ie. I worked at. . . ) You may separate this section into multiple sections such as “Leadership Experience”, “Managerial Experience”, “Clerical Experience”, etc. depending on the position you’re applying for.

4. WORK EXPERIENCE (cont. ) SAMPLE: Intern at Dewey, Cheetam, and Howe Attorneys (08/2010 - 02/2011) • Organized sensitive case information and entered case information into firm database to streamline access. • Updated text, pictures, and links in the firm website • Managed cataloguing and check out system of firm library

5. ADDITIONAL SKILLS Foreign languages, computer skills, typing speed, etc. List level of fluency/proficiency with languages and computer skills. (Do not overstate your competence. ) SAMPLE: Languages Spanish (fluent), French (conversational) Information Technology Mac and PC platforms; Microsoft Office Suite; Adobe In. Design; Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Photoshop; Quickbooks. Proficient in HTML coding.

IMPORTANT Tips Keep the resume to only one page Include only the most crucial information Use professional, legible font Proofread. Then proofread again.