How to Write a
Resume? Workshop Presentation
MHS 6340CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Fall 2008
Warm-Up
On a piece of paper participants write the definition for a Resume and the purpose for writing one.
Ask Before Telling In order to elicit information participants are asked jot down words, phrases and sections that they think should be included in a resume. (3 min.) Participants group share responses. (3 min.)
A personal summary of a person’s professional history and qualifications.
It includes information about a person’s career goals, education, work experience, activities, honors, and special skills.
It is used to apply for a job.
What is a
Resume?
General Guidelines Length: It is best to limit an entry-level
resume to one typed page. Be as concise as possible in stating information in each section.
Font: Avoid fonts smaller than 10 point and larger than 12 point.
Paper: Use 8 1/2” x 11” 20 lb paper. Print the resume with a laser or high quality ink-jet printer.
Information to Consider
General job information.
Desired qualifications and skills.
Key values and words.
Company Literature, Trade Journals, Newsletters, and Directories.
Parts of a Resume Contact Information Objective Statement Summary of Qualifications Education Information Course Work Employment Experience Honor and Special Skills References
Contact InformationAt the top of the resume include:
Your name Permanent and campus addresses Phone numbers Email address
Objective Statement
Write a one to three sentence summary of your area of expertise and career interest.
Write complete and clear sentences.
Relate your skills directly to the job you are applying for.
List what you can do for the company.
Write a Specific Objective
State your goal clearly:
For example: A position which allows me to apply my background in counseling students in grades K-5 who may be experiencing academic, social or emotional problems.
Summary of Qualifications
Write a bulleted list of your qualifications.
Emphasize skills you possess that aren’t obvious from your past work experiences.
For example:In addition to educational software and websites I have experience in using variouscomputer programs such as: Power Point & Excel.
Include: Schools attended Degrees earned (major & minors) Grade Point Average Date of Program Completion
List the highest level of educational achievement at the top.
Education
Provide a list of additional courses that you have taken and may be relevant for the job you are applying for.
Do no repeat the courses that are part of your major and minor.
Course Work
Employment Experience
Include positions you have held which are related to the job you are seeking.
Both paid and volunteer positions can be listed.
Provide the company’s name and location, and job title, dates, and responsibilities.
Highlight the duties you performed.
Honors and Special Skills
Include relevant activities and honors that you could discuss with your prospective employer or that have given you valuable experience or skills.
List the languages you speak, organizations you belong to, etc.
Qualifications
Identify: Your strengths.
Abilities gained through past employment, campus organizations, and classroom experience.
What the employer needs.
Skills that make you a successful candidate.
References
State that references are available upon request.
Use professional references such as professors, people from previous jobs or from volunteering experiences.
References Cont…
Include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of people listed in the references.
Inform the people listed and ask permission to provide their contact information.
Personalize and Practice
Work in groups of 3-4 people. Select one group member: Gather information about the
person’s education. List jobs held in a chronological
order-including recent ones at the top.
Personalize and Practice Cont…
Identify the person’s talents, skills, and qualities.
Be ready to share with the rest of the group.
Resume Omissions Height, weight, age, date of birth, place of
birth, marital status, sex, race.
Reasons for leaving previous job(s).
Salary Information for previous positions or Salary Expectations.
Names of people listed on the Reference section.
Religion, church affiliations, or political affiliations.
Resume Styles Chronological Functional Targeted
Refer to the provided handouts toselect your style and preference.
Cover Letter Is an introduction to the resume. Provides a sample of a person’s writing
skills.
When the resume is sent via email, thecover letter is the email message itself.The resume is included as an
attachment.
Process and Summarize
Participants answer questions 1-6 in Summarize Handout.
Resume Writing Resources
http://career-advice.monster.com/resume-tips/home.aspx?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_n=olmsrchsk&s_kwcid=resume%20writing%7C987907939
http://www.quintcareers.com/resres.html http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/
681/01/ http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/resumes/
Writing_Resumes.htm
Resume Resources Cont… http://www.jobprofiles.org/library/guidance/
resume-resources.htm http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htm?
TopNode=/&terms=high%20school%20student%20resume&SUName=
http://www.collegueboard.com/parents/apply/ www.capital.edu/careers
Evaluation Refer to Evaluation Handout and
answer the provided questions.