a session on resume building the first step towards landing your first job

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 betweenyou and the employer.

• tells a great deal about you.

• gets you the interview.

• is your calling card, soremember that “Firstimpressions 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?• 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 ASuccessful 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

• 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 CoverLetter - 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 CoverLetter - 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 CoverLetter - 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