Resumes For Today’s Job Market

Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., Adjunct Counselor

Counseling Dept., Cypress College

Resumes

• Resumes

• Cover Letters

• Transferrable Skills

• Online Presence

• Branding

• Resources

The “Rules” Have ChangedSince the economic recession, resumes are different

• What A Resume Does

• Marketing Tool vs. Biography

• What Should Be Included

• Summary vs. Objective Statement

• Only Relevant to Job vs. Whole History

• What Should Be Emphasized

• Accomplishments vs. Job Duties

The “Rules” Have Changed(Continued)

• How They Are Laid Out

• Emphasize What You Offer Them vs. Self Serving

• Customized to the Reader vs. Generic

• When They Are Sent Out

• Was “Quantity” – Volume increases odds of response

• Now “Quality” – Better fit and tailored will increase odds

• How They Are Sent Out

• Online or email vs. ‘Snail Mail’

Resumes

• Purpose

• To Get an Interview

• Contents

• Brief & Relevant to the Job

• Experience, Skills, Education & Abilities

• Types

• Different Types – Use What Best Represents You

Different Types of Resumes

Use Format That Best Represents You

• Chronological

• Functional

• Combination

• Online

• Scannable

• PDF

• HTML

• Plain text (ASCII)

• Email

Cover Letters

• Purpose

• Grab and Direct Reader’s Attention

• Introduce Yourself

• Personalize to Them

• Show Your Writing Style

• Content

• Highlight Most Relevant & Important

• Address Questions or Previously Unmentioned

Online PresenceOnline Presence Expected to Replace Resumes

Your Online Presence Will Impact Your Job Search!

• Social Media

• Linked In – Professional Use Only!

• Others: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

• Blogging

• Websites

• Web Domain Name

• Email Address

Transferrable Skills•Usable in Many Different Jobs

(Writing, Critical Thinking, Computers, Interpersonal Skills, Self Management.)

•Emphasize Transferrable Skills When:

•Lacking Experience in the Job

•Transitioning into a New Direction

•Gives You an Advantage (i.e. Multi-lingual)

•See Workshop: “Identifying Your Transferrable Skills” for more information

Personal Branding

Complete “Personal Marketing” Tools with “Branding”

• What Makes You Unique

• Mission Statement

• Elevator Speech

• Resume & Online Presence

• Graphics (colors, fonts, images, etc.)

• Most Job Search Websites Give Help with This

Tools & Resources –On Campus

• Career Planning Center

• Computerized Programs

• Links to Job Search/Resume Websites

• Handouts, Books and Other Resources

• Workshops (Handouts from Prior Available)

• Career Counselor

• Fullerton College – Workforce Center (Job Placement)

Tools & Resources –Off Campus

• Local One-Stop Career Centers

• Computerized Programs

• Handouts, Books and Other Resources

• Workshops

• See Handouts

• Career and Job Coaches for Hire

• List of Job Search Websites

Handouts Available

• Website Resources

• Employment History – Working Document

• So How Do You Find Your Dream Job or Career?