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An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via

the Florida Relay Service at 711. 100-014 Training Agreement Revised 1/2014

careersourcesuncoast.com

Resume Basics Career Services Workshop

Resume Basics Workshop 1


Welcome!

Are you just getting started with your resume?

- OR –

Do you want to fine-tune your current resume?

Then, you are in the right place! This workshop will guide you through the process of

creating a professional resume that highlights your key skills, accomplishments,

employment history and educational achievements that are relevant to the

occupation – or occupations – you are seeking.

Workshop Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop you will be able to:

Identify the purpose of a resume

Determine the best resume format for your targeted career search

Organize individual information including dates of employment, companies

worked for, positions held and education or training experiences

Draft accomplishment statements that demonstrate quantifiable results using

the STAR format – Situation/Task, Action and Results

Write a qualifying summary and list key skills that target specific positions using

resources such as O*Net Online, Employ Florida Marketplace and other online

resources for job descriptions

Use supporting career search campaign correspondence such as cover letters,

reference sheets and thank you notes



The Basics – Resume Q & A

What is a resume?

It is a visual presentation of your skills and experience. A good resume demonstrates

how your skills and abilities match the requirements and qualifications of the job(s) to

which you are applying.

What is the purpose of a resume?

To get an interview!! Therefore, it is crucial that your resume makes that all-important

first impression for you. You don’t get a job solely based on your resume. A good

resume stimulates the interest of a potential employer to talk with you further.

What are employers looking for in a resume?

Most human resources professionals, recruiters and hiring managers spend a maximum

of 10 seconds on the initial scan of a resume. Make your resume stand out in those

critical 10 seconds by ensuring it is:

Easy to read – use a professional format that is clean and crisp

Well-written and concise – free of grammatical and punctuation errors, and not

needlessly wordy

Professional and accurate – highlight your unique accomplishments using facts

and figures to back up your claims

Well-organized – use bullets, bold print and indentations to quickly guide the

eye to main points

Electronically searchable – use a font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, which

can be picked up by electronic resume scanners. Font size should not be smaller

than ten

Proofread! – Proofread! – Proofread! – or ask someone else to do it – another pair

of eyes always helps

How long should a resume be?

The best resumes are usually no longer than one or two pages. Some electronic

resume readers and online applications will only read one page, so the second page

information may be lost. In most instances a one-page resume will suffice, however

yours should never be longer than two pages.



Resume Q & A – continued

Do I need to change my resume every time I apply for a different position?

A generic resume will not be as successful as a customized, targeted resume. A

resume that demonstrates how your skills and experiences match the duties and

requirements of the position to which you are applying is much more likely to prompt

the hiring manager to call you for an interview.

What if I don't have much experience?

While things like your academic record and work experience are typical ways to show

how suited you are to a particular job, these are not the only things you should

include. There are other ways to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job,

including:

Personal traits – hardworking, honest, enjoy being part of a team, organized

Strengths - things you do well and enjoy – planning events, creating PowerPoint

presentations

Experiences – any volunteer work or extracurricular activities

Key responsibilities and achievements – awards or recognition you've received

that demonstrate your accomplishments

What are things to AVOID on a resume?

Don’t lie or exaggerate – ever!

Don’t use first-person language (I, me, my, etc.)

Don’t use a “cute” e-mail address such as [email protected]. To convey

a professional image your e-mail should contain your name if possible. For

example: [email protected] OR [email protected]

Don’t put your picture or any photographs on your resume

Avoid weird paper or funky fonts – Resumes are formal business documents

Don’t list references on your resume – These should be on a separate sheet that

complements your resume

mailto:[email protected]





Resume Formats

There are three basic types of resumes: Chronological, Functional and Hybrid.

The Chronological Resume

The chronological style is a more traditional resume. The Experience section is the

focus of the resume and each job is described in some detail. There is typically not a

major section highlighting skills or accomplishments. This structure is primarily used

when you are looking to stay in the same occupation/profession, in the same field of

work, and for more conservative fields.

Advantages: May appeal to more traditional readers as it is easy to understand what

you did and in which jobs. The names of your past employers may stand out more,

especially if they are impressive.

Disadvantages: It is much more difficult to highlight what you do best and will most

likely not work well for someone making a career change.

Sections that may be included in a Chronological Resume:

Heading - Contact Information

Qualifying Summary

Work/Employment Experience – including selected accomplishments

Volunteer Work (optional)

Military Experience (if you have it)

Technology/Computer Skills (optional)

Education and Training

Professional Licenses or Certifications

Memberships/Associations (optional)



Sample Chronological Resume



The Functional Resume

The functional style highlights major skills and accomplishments and helps the reader

see clearly what you can do for them, rather than having to read through all of your

past job titles and duties to find out. Actual company names and positions are in a

subordinate position, with no description under each.

Advantages: It is an effective format for career changers, those with a wide range of

skills, students with little work experience, military officers, homemakers returning to the

job market and for those who want to make slight shifts in their career direction.

Disadvantages: Because there isn’t a description of what you did at each of your past

jobs, it may make it difficult for the reader to know exactly what duties you performed

at each position.

Sections that may be included in a Functional Resume:


Qualifying Summary

Selected Accomplishments under specific functional areas of expertise

Work/Employment History









Sample Functional Resume



The Hybrid Resume

Includes elements of both the chronological and functional formats, but is written

using keywords and phrases that allow you to focus the key skills you have for a

particular position.

Advantages: It maximizes the advantages of both resume styles and is easy to

customize for each position to which you are applying.

Sections that may be included in a Hybrid Resume:

Heading – Contact Information

Billboard Showcase – Title and one to two key phrases describing what you bring

to the company

Summary of Skills – Bulleted list of key skills using key words in the job posting or

occupational description

Employment Experiences – Selected accomplishments under specific functional

areas of expertise

Work/Employment History









Sample Hybrid Resume



Jonathan Albright Cell: 941-555-1212

[email protected] Sarasota, FL

Margie Nielson

Any Town, FL

941-111-1111

[email protected]

Gathering Your Information


The Heading answers the question “Who are you and how do I contact you?”

Tips for a professional Heading:

Make sure your contact information clear and easy to read

Your name should stand out by using bold font and one or two font sizes larger

than other resume text

Use the same size font for the rest of your contact information as throughout

your resume – a font that is too large will take up valuable space – a font that is

too small may be difficult to read

It is not necessary to include your street address – just the city and state

Your email address should be professional and contain your name if possible

If you have both a cell and home phone – use the one you use most often

Sample Heading layouts:





Your Employment History/Work Experience

Your resume is your story – not a job application. There is no need to go into detail

about the employers for whom you worked or to reveal information that isn’t relevant.

Focus on YOUR accomplishments and qualifications.

Start with your most current job and go back in time. List all your jobs within the last

seven to 10 years. If you had multiple jobs under one company, list them separately

under that company. It shows progression and development.

If you were not working for a year or more, what did you do during that time? What

activities or groups were you a part of? Unpaid or paid - think about volunteer work or

committees in which you were involved.

Identifying Your Accomplishments

Identifying an accomplishment is similar to telling a story. It emphasized your

achievements and successes by using quantifiable, or measurable, information. The

best way to demonstrate your skills, abilities and valuable experience is being able to

concisely explain your accomplishments. Your best stories will be your

“accomplishment stories”.

You can make your accomplishments stand out by using the STAR Format.

Situation

or

Task

Briefly give an overview of what needed to be done.

What you were being asked to do?

What did you take the initiative to do?

What challenges made this task difficult?

Actions Briefly describe (using good action words) the steps YOU

took to complete the assignment.

Results What happened because of what you did? Can you

quantify, or measure, the results?



Examples of Accomplishment (STAR) Statements

Achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 99.9% by developing a high level of

proficiency on new software during a two-month systems conversion.

Exceeded annual sales quotas consistently by an average of 15% for three years

by initiating a system of follow-up contracts with satisfied customers.

Planned construction of an industrial facility for a real estate developer that

realized $60K net savings in projected construction costs.

Developed a promotional fundraising campaign for a local chapter of the

Society for Busy People that provided contributions exceeding $30K, three times

the previous record.

Fully integrated two organizations within three months after a merger. Reduced

combined headcount to the pre-merger level of 660 without jeopardizing

critical pressroom “know-how”.

Generated high productivity gains merging culturally diverse groups and

developing the best talent. Achieved (-25%) reduction in operating costs;

turned loss of $17M into $21M profit.

Saved the company $2,000 through redesigning the order intake process,

utilizing electronic scanning and thereby reducing the amount of paper used.

Employee of the month for three consecutive months (May, June, July 2009) at

The Gap.

Situation

Task

Action

Result




Your Employment History/Work Experience and Accomplishments

Use the next two pages to list your Work Experiences and Accomplishments starting

with the most recent experience first and going back seven to 10 years.

Company Name, City, State Year – Year

Job Title

Provide a mini-job description 1-3 sentences

List top 3-6 accomplishments stories from this job – Use STAR format




Job Title




Job Title





EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Associates Liberal Arts State College of Florida Sarasota, FL

Certificate Job Readiness Suncoast Workforce Sarasota, FL


Your Education and Training

Education and Training information is the final piece of information to share on your

resume. Start with the highest degree or most recent first, then list the major, minor

and/or course of study and the school with city and state.

Example Education and Training Layout

Use the space below to list your education and training.

Degree Major School City, State






Other Sections Unique to You

Not everyone has military, volunteer or professional association experience or honors

and awards to list. However, if you do and it is relevant to the position(s) to which you

are applying, make sure to include it on your resume. Use this section to capture the

information that is unique to you.

Licenses (or) Certifications

License Issuing Institution City, State Year Issued

License Issuing Institution City, State Year Issued

Military Experience

Honorable

Discharge

Branch of Service Highest Rank Achieved Awards or Special Training

Honors and/or Awards

Award What you did to earn it Company Year

Award What you did to earn it Company Year

Professional Association Memberships

Role Held Name of Organization City, State Year

Role Held Name of Organization City, State Year



The Top 3rd of the Page – Qualifications and Key Skills

Now that you have gathered your information, it is time use that information to

highlight your skills and qualifications that match the job description for which you are

applying.

Qualifying Summary

A Qualifying Summary has taken the place of what we used to call an objective. It is

usually written in a paragraph format, using short statements that summarize why the

employer would want to hire you.

Tips for writing a Qualifying Summary:

Make it specific to the job description when possible. Reviewing the job

description for the position allows you to write the best qualifying summary.

Through highlighting your qualifications, indicate the type of job you are seeking

and tell employers what you can do for them.

Be clear and concise; indicate how your abilities, skills and background relate to

the job to which you are applying.

Based on the job description for the position to which you are applying, summarize

your qualifications for that job. Start with the most important qualification first – usually

this is experience. Then list the other work-related skills that are most important. Pull

key words from the job posting to build your summary. Use the format below to help

you write your summary.

,

Trait Job Title/Occupation

With Most important qualifications (summarized experience)

Expertise in List top three work-related skills or job requirements

Highly skilled in List additional transferable skills

Known for being If there is an accomplishment that is noteworthy or other traits, list here.



Jonathan Albright Cell: 941-555-1212

[email protected] Sarasota, FL

Construction Project Manager

10+ years of experience in Commercial Construction

Lead Field Supervisor for several Publix Super Markets remodels throughout Florida

The Top 3rd of the Page – Qualifications and Key Skills

On the Hybrid Resume format this section is shorter and more specific. It is called the

Billboard Showcase.

Billboard Showcase

The Billboard Showcase highlights what you bring to the company and lists one major

accomplishment, achievement, award or special project. The phrases are short and

focused.

Example Billboard Showcase Format

Skills Summary

Additional skills are easy to read when they are organized in short, concise, bulleted

statements. List up to six skills relevant to the position – again, you can pull this

information from the employer’s job description to make it specific to you and to the

position requirements.




Powerful Words and Phrases

You have gathered your information and have learned how to highlight your skills and

qualifications that match the job description to which you are applying. Now that you

have a great start, it’s time to strengthen to your resume with powerful words and

phrases.

Great resume writing is about choosing strong, descriptive words. Use words that add

impact for the reader, words that would prompt a call to you for an interview. Get rid

of unclear or unnecessary words that do not contribute to this purpose.

Keywords

Technologies responsible for computer-readable resumes operate on the principle of

labeling. At the center of this technology are keywords. Keywords are the experience

and skills that come from the specific terminology used in the job description.

Using the right keywords for your particular experience and education is

critical to the success of your resume. Without the right keywords, your

resume will be forever waiting on the Internet for a hiring manager to find it.

If your resume contains the right words then you will be among the first

candidates whose resumes are reviewed.

Where to find Keywords

There are several sources to search for appropriate keywords and phrases for your

resume including:

O*Net Online: www.onetonline.org

You can search here for specific job descriptions; research occupational

education and training requirements; and learn more about the tasks, skills

and abilities it takes to perform just about any occupation in which you may

be interested.

Professional Association websites for a specific occupation or industry are

also great places to find the buzzwords used in related jobs.

Job Description/Posting searches on the Internet can offer descriptors and

phrasing comparisons from across the country. Find at least five unique

postings for the same job title and locate the keywords in all of them to

uncover industry lingo.

http://www.onetonline.org/



Powerful Words and Phrases

Action-Oriented Accomplishment Statements and Job Descriptions

Use action verbs to add power to your accomplishment statements and past job duty

descriptions. Use the sample list below to get some ideas about how to write your

Action-Oriented Accomplishment Statements and/or to describe your job duties.

Achieved highest sales, an increase in productivity, employee of the month

Administered programs, policies and procedures

Analyzed information, customer needs, procedures, sales figures

Audited cash register for correct totals, bank statements

Budgeted for large company events, project projections, sales projections

Built a new product design, sustaining relationships

Charted sales, patient information, rooms cleaned, supplies ordered

Conducted tours, inspections, training sessions

Coordinated co-worker’s schedules, restaurant side-work, conference calls

Created sales brochures, order forms, new logo design, enhanced customer service

procedures

Designed a simple form to track information, a better way to do a job

Developed a faster way to clean rooms, a solution to a problem, a more efficient way

to catalog information

Directed the work of others, customers to area attractions, the development of a

project

Expanded the ways customers could get what they needed, the ways we learned

about customer needs

Expedited the flow of information, materials, or people

Guided project team, customers, management

Identified customer needs, customer problems, better ways to accomplish the job

Implemented a new way of doing a task, a new way of solving a problem

Improved how money was spent, how people were served, how information flowed

Increased profits, productivity, customer satisfaction, efficiency, output/production

Initiated a new way of doing a job, a new solution to a problem

Innovated a new way of doing work, a new way of communicating tasks to be done,

a new solution to a problem



Instructed co-workers in proper procedures, children in lessons, customers in use of

equipment

Investigated customer complaints, problems, errors

Launched new product line, advertising campaign, employee recognition program

Maintained accurate records, clear procedures

Modified procedures to increase profits, service to better meet customer needs

Monitored procedures, money handling, customer satisfaction, income and expenses

Motivated a work team, self

Negotiated solutions to problems, conflicts between co-workers, conflicts with

customers

Obtained approval, necessary resources, support, customer agreement

Ordered necessary supplies and materials

Organized people, paper, records, work tasks, work areas

Planned set goals, new ways of doing things, new program or procedure

Presented ideas to management to improve some aspect of the work system,

information to customers

Proposed a product, a service, an idea

Promoted a product, a service, an idea

Qualified applicants for enrollment, proposals

Recommended a solution, a product, a service, an idea

Reduced waste (of time, materials, money), errors, customer complaints, employee

turnover

Reported information, mistakes, sales figures, project progress

Saved time, money, customers

Solved problems with work system, problems between people, complaints from

customers

Streamlined processes, procedures, manufacturing operations, product development

Tested water, food, services, supplies

Translated documents, conversations

Utilized computer programs (name them specifically), equipment (name

specifically), system to improve productivity

Verified documents, purchase orders, data entry, budget numbers

Wrote memos, newsletter articles, instructions, orders, manuals



Cover Letters Basics - Q & A

What is a cover letter?

This is a letter of introduction that accompanies your resume. It tells who you are,

shares your interest in the specific job, and briefly highlights the skills and experience

you have that you believe will benefit the reader.

When do I include a cover letter?

Always. A cover letter should always be used when applying for a job, whether in

person, via the Internet, by sending an email or fax, or when mailing a hard copy of

your resume.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

At its best, a stand-out cover letter is strategic, persuasive and concise, and should

achieve three key objectives; your cover letter should:

Provide an effective introduction to and compelling context for your resume

Engage the reader so that she or he will want to find out more about you by

reviewing your resume and, hopefully, invite you for an interview

Help position you as a strong contender and a good fit

How do I write a cover letter?

Spend quality time on your cover letter. Remember that your cover letter is the first

impression of you. Depending on how well you know yourself, your selling points, and

how strong a writer you are, plan for a minimum of 30 minutes for each letter.



Tips for writing your cover letter:

Customize a letter for each job - write one that is unique to the company

and to the role you are looking to fill

Use standard business letter format and keep it to less than one page

Make your cover letter mirror your resume in style/format and use the same

font and paper as your resume

Address the letter to a specific person, if possible. If you are unable to

determine a specific person, you may address the letter to “Hiring

Professional”. This is preferable to “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it May

Concern”

Use correct salutation (Dr., Ms., or Mr.), if known

Check the correct spelling of name and title

Tone should be clear and professional – stay away from uncommon

buzzwords and anything too personal

Let your warmth, enthusiasm and energy shine through

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and explain why the job is of

interest to you

Do not rehash your resume. Craft a few compelling statements for your letter

to help the recruiter/reader quickly assess who you are and what you have

to offer – persuade the person to want to read your resume and learn more

about you

Make every word count. If there is a word or phrase that does not prove a

point or does not add solid proof of your strong candidacy, then it is clutter.

Streamline your letter as much as possible

Ask others to read your letter. Get feedback about what they think the

content conveys about you. Take this opportunity to find and fix typos and

grammatical errors, the overuse of certain words, or anything that sounds

boastful or too good to be true.



Anatomy of a Cover Letter



Sample Cover Letter



Reference Sheet Basics – Q & A

Who should my references be?

Your references should be people who can and will speak highly of your current

and/or past work performance. A character reference should only be provided if

requested or if your choices are limited.

Work Supervisors

Co-Workers

Owners of Companies

Vendors

How many references should I have?

You should have a minimum of three professional references. Four to six is best.

Should I ask them first?

Yes! Always ask if someone will serve as a positive reference for you. Do not provide a

person’s name as a reference to a potential employer without asking permission.

Remember to confirm with the reference that you have correct job titles and contact

information. Give each reference person a copy of your updated resume.

Should my references be on my resume?

No. References should be provided separately. You do not need to put “References

Available Upon Request” on the bottom of your resume. It is assumed.

How should my reference page look?

Use the same paper, font and formatting as your resume

Put your name and contact information on the top of your reference page -

it should mirror your resume in font and format

Make sure you have the correct phone number and spelling of each

reference’s name and where they wish to be contacted (e-mail address,

etc.)

When do I give my references to the employer?

Follow the employer’s instructions. If asked, send references with your resume. Some

employers like references provided with the resume and the application. You should

always take a copy of your of your references to an interview. At the conclusion of the

interview, ask the interviewer(s) if they would like a copy of your reference list.



Sample Reference Sheet

Margie Nielson

Any Town, FL

941-111-1111

[email protected]

References

Mr. John Smith

Former Owner, Sunshine Autos

941-123-4567

email: [email protected]

Ms. Jane Smith

Former Supervisor, ACME Corporation

941-111-1234


Mr. Jon Doe

Former Co-worker, Fictitious Art Supplies, Inc.

941-555-1212




Thank You Note Basics – Q & A

Why write a thank you note?

Writing a thank you note reflects courtesy and good manners. It is also a chance to

keep your name in the forefront with a potential employer and provide another good

impression. With less than half of candidates taking the time to write a thank you note,

you’ll be remembered in a positive light!

To whom do I send a thank you note?

Send a note to each person with whom you interviewed and to anyone who provided

beneficial information to you in getting the interview.

When do I send it?

The best time to send a Thank You note is within 24 hours of your interview or

informational meeting.

What should I say?

Your Thank You is a chance to reaffirm your candidacy and highlight your

skills, experience and enthusiasm for the job and the organization

Be personable, making mention of what you liked about the company and

specific things you discussed at the interview

Be sure to include any information that the employer requested or provide

anything relevant that you may have forgotten to mention in the interview

Handwritten or Typed?

Most employers feel a handwritten thank you note is the most personal, if your

handwriting is poor, it may look more professional to use a computer with a standard

business letter format.

Did You Know?

72% of employers expect to receive a thank you note from job seekers.

But, only about half that many (38%) bother sending a note.

– Monster TRAK survey



Sample Thank You Note



My Action Plan

One thing I will do immediately to work towards creating or improving my resume is…

Additional next steps I am going to take for my career search campaign are…

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via

the Florida Relay Service at 711. 100-014 Training Agreement Revised 1/2014


I Got a Job!

Tell Us Your Success Story!

Tell us about your new job so we can ensure that your success is recorded accurately in the

Employ Florida Marketplace.

Two ways to share your success:

1. Online at careersourcesuncoast.com and Click on “Tell Us Your Success Story”.

2. Complete this form and return it to one of the career centers by mail, fax or in person.

Your Name:

Phone number: Last 4 of SS#:

email address:

Employ Florida Market Place User ID:

Company Name:

Address:

Contact name:

Phone number: Start date:

Job title:

Hourly wage: Hours per week:

Bradenton Career Center

1112 Manatee Ave. East

Bradenton, FL 34208

941.714.7449 Fax: 941.714.7458

Sarasota Career Center

3660 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234

941.358.4200 Fax: 941.358.2820

Venice Career Center

897 East Venice Avenue

Venice, FL 34292

941.486.2682 Fax: 941.480.3098

http://www.suncoastworkforce.org/

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