Resume Writing

Resume Writing Class Objectives:

The goal of this class is to educate students on the unique jobseeking skills needed in the 21st Century. We will discuss writing resumes in both paper and electronic formats, and we will also learn the many online and in-person resources available for job seekers. This packet provides sample resumes, step-by-step instruction on creating a resume using a template in Word 2007, as well as information on posting your resume online and attaching it to an email.

Additional Resources for Job Seekers:

In the Library: 15-minute cover letter : write an effective cover letter right now / Michael Farr and Louise M. Kursmark. Call Number: 650.14 F24f 2009 Rsum magic : trade secrets of a professional rsum writer / Susan Britton Whitcomb. Call Number: 650.14 W581r 2007 The Everything Resume Book: create a winning resume that stands out from the crowd / Nancy Schuman. Call Number: 650.14 Sch86e 2008 The Big Book of Jobs / the editors of McGraw-Hill & the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Call Number: 331.702 B48 2009 Rebound: a proven plan for starting over after job loss / Martha I. Finney. Call Number: 650.14 F497r 2009

On the Web: Kentucky Office of Employment and Training http://oet.ky.gov provides job services, unemployment insurance services, Labor Market Information, and training opportunities for the Kentucky unemployed; also provides a quick link to unemployment information. Popular job-seeking sites (includes nationwide postings): o http://www.careerbuilder.com a website that allows users to browse job listings, apply for jobs and post resumes. o http://www.mycareernetwork.com a website that lists job opportunities in Kentucky. Users can post resumes on this site as well as apply for jobs. o http://www.snagajob.com a website that primarily lists hourly and part-time job opportunities. o http://www.simplyhired.com a metasearch engine that searches thousands of other jobseeking sites as well as company sites, providing a very thorough results list of jobs in your area and field

**For more information about computer and online resources for job seekers, ask a library staff member for a Resources for Jobseekers brochure**

Resume Styles: Resume Components

A resume consists of a few basic parts: contact information, a summary or professional profile, work experience, education, and sometimes a section describing relevant skills, training and licenses. Below is an explanation of each. Contact Information Your contact information needs to be accurate and should include your name, address, phone number and email address. Make sure that your voicemail is set up and that you have a clear, professional greeting. You also should be certain that your email address is professional; try to stick with your first and last name. Summary/Professional Profile The summary or professional profile needs to hook the reader and encourage her to read further. It is a brief, clear statement that outlines the type of employment you are seeking as well as the types of goals you are looking to accomplish. Also it is a good idea to include with this section a bulleted list of relevant professional skills (see sample resumes for details). The summary/professional profile is becoming increasingly important in this competitive job market; keep in mind that this may be the only section read by the prospective employer. Work Experience This section should include, in list form, your previous work experience beginning (in most cases) with your most recent position. Include your job title, the name of the employer, the location, and the range of your employment in terms of month/year. Most importantly, describe in detail -- but with brevity -- your 3-5 primary job responsibilities. Education List your most recent educational info first; include your degree, the name of the institution, and briefly describe any achievements. You may include high school and any post-secondary education, even if you did not complete your degree. References Your list of references typically should not be included with your resume; add a line at the end of your resume that reads References available upon request. It is a good idea though to have your reference list ready should the prospective employer ask for it during an interview. References should include the persons name, title, company, address, phone number and email. Be sure to contact your references in advance to confirm that they are willing to assist you.

Resume Styles: Sample Resumes

Sample Chronological Resume: Chronological Resumes are organized by job title with the most recent position listed first. JOHN DOE 555 E MAIN ST. LEXINGTON, KY 45454 555-555-5555
Professional Profile: Using many adjectives, explain your professional self. List as many professional skills as possible; language, computer, communication, management, etc Skill 2 Skill 3 Skill 4 Work History Acme Computer Store

Skill 5 Skill 6 Skill 7 Skill 8

Assistant Manager

9/2007-Present Job Duty, explanation 4 Job Duty, explanation 5 Job Duty, explanation 6

List out the job duties. A good way to think about this is recalling your job description. Its always a good idea to list accomplishments as well. Job duty, explanation 2 Job duty, explanation 3 Assistant Manager

Acme Book Store Job duty, explanation 1 Job duty, explanation 2 Job duty, explanation 3

4/2005-9/2007 Job Duty, explanation 4 Job Duty, explanation 5 Job Duty, explanation 6 4/2005-9/2007 Job Duty, explanation 4 Job Duty, explanation 5 Job Duty, explanation 6

Acme Book Store Job duty, explanation 1 Job duty, explanation 2 Job duty, explanation 3

Assistant Manager

Education University of Kentucky

Bachelors Degree, English

Graduated May 2006

References available upon request.

Sample Functional Resume: Rearranges employment experience/history into sections that focus on skills and accomplishments.
JOSEPH A. SCHMO 100 Main St. San Francisco, CA 94178 (415)999-9999 jschmo@hotmail.com OBJECTIVE Position as trainer/instructional designer for an environmental compliance division of a hazardous waste management company, using skills in training and teaching, administration and hazardous waste management, writing, and computers. RELEVANT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Teaching and Training Taught evening graduate level class, Introduction to Instructional Technologies, each semester. Taught evening class in basic Macintosh skills at non-profit vocational school for adults enrolled in multimedia and desktop publishing certificate programs. Writing and Instructional Design Designed training workshops to teach non-chemists how to identify and classify hazardous wastes according to regulatory criteria. Developed learner-controlled cross-training programs for superintendent and supervisor candidates for major utility company. Administration and Hazardous Waste Management Managed contracts to provide technical assistance to San Francisco businesses in hazardous waste management and reduction. Circulated Requests for Proposals, drafted and negotiated contracts, managed task orders, schedules, and budgets. Coordinated and counseled interns about environmental careers and department expectations, served as liaison between interns and fellow managers. Computers Proficient in IBM and Macintosh software for database management, desktop and web publishing, spreadsheets, and the Internet. Designed and developed web page for hazardous waste program (www.sfhazwaste.org), trained staff in HTML and maintaining web pages. EDUCATION M.A., Education (Instructional Technologies), San Francisco State University, 1989 B.S., Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, 1982. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Assistant Manager, Hazardous Waste Management Program, City of San Francisco, 5/96-present Faculty, Department of Instructional Technologies, SFSU, 9/91-present Computer Instructor, Center for Electronic Arts, San Francisco, 3/94-6/96 Hazardous Waste Program Coordinator, Sanitary Fill Company, San Francisco, 3/92-5/96 Technical Writer, Sanitary Fill Company, San Francisco, 7/90-3/92 Training Consultant, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Ramon, 5/89-6/90 Graduate Assistant, Department of Instructional Technologies, SFSU, 1/87-5/89 REFERENCES Available on request

Sample Targeted Resume: Focuses on a specific position or job objective, presenting your capabilities and accomplishments supporting that position. GEORGE BLACKWELL 25 Veronica Road Lexington, KY 40000 (859)555-5555 gblackwell@hotmail.com Summary: Outgoing leader and successful fundraiser ready for the challenges of a full-time marketing position with an emphasis in market research and product planning. Bachelor of Arts, June 2006 Major: Psychology University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40507 Research and analyze merchandising trends and consumer needs Develop services and products to expand customer base Supervise and train personnel Develop marketing and advertising plans Apply statistical procedures to sales forecasting Understand consumer behavior through academic course work and practical experience

Education:

Capabilities:

Achievements: Developed a marketing and advertising plan for the University admissions office Persuaded consumers to respond to a 20-minute interview to assess their home finance needs Opened highest number of new charge accounts in one month Drafted report for market research firm Work History: Research Assistant, Marketing Concepts Inc., Lexington, KY, 1/06 Present Assistant Manager, Smiths Department Store, Lexington, KY, 12/03-12/05 References: Available upon request.

Resume Styles: Frequently Asked Questions

References: These should not be included in your resume. At the end of the resume, note that references are available upon request. Ideally, your resume should be kept to one page. Two pages is the standard limit for resumes. How do you know when to use the second page? As a rule, positions which require more experience and greater responsibility call for a two page resume. Entry-level positions usually call for a single page resume. Cover letters are typically a good idea. In your cover letter, tell the employer three things: what position you are applying for and how you knew about it, what relevant abilities and experience you have to offer the employer, and a polite but firm request for an interview along with your contact information. Curriculum Vitae (CV) vs. Resume: if an employer wants a CV they will ask for it. A CV contains a biographical description of educational and work backgrounds. It is normally much longer and much more in-depth than a resume.

Resume Composition Tips:

Be clear and concise remember that employers may scan your resume instead of read it in depth. Make sure that pertinent information stands out and there is little filler. Use action verbs (examples are listed on the next page) to explain your skills and experiences. Use standard fonts, such as Times New Roman, Arial and Calibri. Try to avoid decorative fonts, as they may muddle the content of your resume. Use a layout that is clean and appealing. Avoid templates with overly busy layouts. Send your resume and cover letter to the correct person. Make every effort to find out the name and address of the hiring manager. Avoid generic greetings like to whom it may concern. If you are applying online or emailing your resume, make sure that you save the file in the correct format. When using Word 2007, save the file as a Word 1997-2003 document to ensure that the prospective employer can open and read your resume. Also Word 2007 can automatically convert files into .pdf format, which generally maintain the format and layout of the original document. Most importantly PROOFREAD. Make sure you have dotted every i and crossed every t. If you are applying for jobs online, make sure that you have answered every part of every question. When you are finished, PROOFREAD again. Before you send your resume, PROOFREAD! 6

Action Verbs:
Note: This list was compiled from the Eastern Oregon University Job Handbook.
Management Skills Administered; analyzed; assigned; attained; chaired; contracted; consolidated; coordinated; delegated; developed; directed; evaluated; executed; improved; increased; organized; oversaw; planned; prioritized; produced; recommended; reviewed; scheduled; strengthened; supervised Communication Skills Addressed; arbitrated; arranged; authored; corresponded; developed; directed; drafted; edited; enlisted; formulated; influenced; interpreted; lectured; mediated; moderated; motivated; negotiated; persuaded; promoted; publicized; reconciled; recruited; spoke; translated; wrote Research Skills Clarified; collected; critiqued; diagnosed; evaluated; examined; extracted; identified; inspected; interpreted; interviewed; investigated; organized; reviewed; summarized; surveyed; systematized Technical Skills Assembled; built; calculated; computed; designed; devised; engineered; fabricated; maintained; operated; overhauled; programmed; remodeled; repaired; solved; trained; upgraded Teaching Skills Adapted; advised; clarified; coached; communicated; coordinated; developed; enabled; encouraged; evaluated; explained; facilitated; guided; informed; initiated; instructed; persuaded; set goals; stimulated Financial Skills Administered; allocated; analyzed; appraised; audited; balanced; budgeted; calculated; computed; developed; forecasted; managed; marketed; planned; projected; researched Creative Skills Acted; conceptualized; created; designed; developed; directed; established; fashioned; founded; illustrated; instituted; integrated; introduced; invented; originated; performed; planned; revitalized; shaped Helping Skills Assessed; assisted; clarified; coached; counseled; demonstrated; diagnosed; educated; expedited; facilitated; familiarized; guided; referred; rehabilitated; represented Clerical or Detail Skills Approved; arranged; cataloged; classified; collected; compiled; dispatched; executed; generated; implemented; inspected; monitored; operated; organized; prepared; processed; purchased; recorded; retrieved; screened; specified; systematized; tabulated; validated

Using Resume Templates in Word 2007

Note: While templates are easy to use, not all templates translate well from format to format, especially when transmitting electronically. Loading an already-installed template: o Go to the Office Button, click New: New gives you a dialogue box with the different types of documents you can create. To find resume templates, click on Installed Templates from the navigation pane on the left. When Installed Templates appear in the dialogue box, scan through the thumbnails and find a resume template you like. When a template is clicked, a preview appears on the right. To begin using the template to write your resume, click Create (see a screen shot of this dialogue box be

**Note: you may also search for resume templates on Office Online, using the search box located in the top center of the screen. **

Adding your resume information to the template: o The templates are laid out in text boxes. To add your information over the generic information, click on the text box to select it, and then begin typing (see below).

Templates are still flexible you are usually able to move text boxes around the page. Sometimes, however, several adjustments to the layout of a template can alter important parts as well. Saving the resume: o Save as Word 1997-2003 document (.doc) This format ensures that users of any version of Word can open and read the resume when sent through an attachment. However, since the resume was created using a template, all of the formats may not translate; your resume may therefore become unreadable. o Save as Word 2007 document (.docx) Uses XML computer language so that your resume easily posts online. Files saved in XML are also smaller and take up less memory, which is handy in terms of email attachments. o Save as Adobe Acrobat document (.pdf) Word 2007 can automatically convert your Word document into a .pdf file. These file types generally maintain the format of your original document, and are easily transferred. o Always be aware of the preferred file format, as some employers may ask for specific file types.

Sharing Your Resume on the Internet: Attaching, Posting and Applying Online
Once again, make sure that your email address is professional. Try to use a combination of your first and last name. Attaching a resume to an email: o First, compose a professional email with information about why you are interested in the job. It is also a good idea to note that your resume is attached. o Attach your resume using the attach file button typically found near the top of your email message. The attach button usually looks like a paper clip: o After clicking attach file, a dialogue box will open. Find the browse button and click on it. o Browse will bring you to your saved documents. Find your resume, click on it, and then click on open. o You will now see your resumes file name in the text box next to the browse button. Next, click on attach (located at the bottom right corner of the dialogue box) to attach the file to your email. o In most email accounts, your attachments will appear near the subject line at the top of the email message.

**Note: the screen shot above is an example of how an attachment looks in Outlook. Depending on what type of email account you have, your screen may look a little different. ** Posting your resume online: 10

This means that you are leaving your resume open for any employer to view (some sites will allow you to narrow the field of prospective employers to those who fall within your preferred career). Although this can be a great opportunity to get your name out to many employers at once, keep in mind that your information is accessible. On most websites, posting works just like attaching. After you find the post resume button on the webpage, you will typically be sent to another page with a browse button. This browse button allows you to find your resume file just as you did when you attached it to an email. Again, be sure to proofread your resume. Ensure primarily that all of your contact information is correct. Also keep in mind that most employers will briefly scan your resume for job-specific key words; make sure that your information is clear and concise! Some sites will ask you to create an account before you post a resume. You may be asked to create a username and password, as well as a title for your resume. Make sure that your title is catchy and inspires prospective employers to find out more about you!

Applying for jobs online: o Many companies use only this method. It is important to practice filling out online forms before you submit applications! o Company websites that require you to apply online may also ask you to create a username and password. Again make sure that your username is professional and you can easily remember your password. o Think of online applications as pages of text boxes. To add text to the application, click in the boxes. Use the Tab key or your mouse to proceed from box to box. o Make sure that you answer every question, as well as every part of the question. Review the application at least twice before clicking submit. o Some online applications will include a section where you can copy and paste or attach a resume or cover letter. This works just like attaching a file to an email. Use the browse button to find your resume and click open to add it to your application. More online tips: o Most employers will contact you through email when you post online. Make sure that your email account is dependable! Also make sure to check your Junk Mail folder. Sometimes email accounts will filter email that you need! o Although email is typically the preferred method, employers may call you as well. Make sure that your voicemail is professional. When you answer your phone keep in mind that a prospective employer could be on the other line! o Again, keep in mind that the prospective employer may scan your application rather than reading it in-depth. Answer questions briefly but completely, and make sure that information on your application applies to the job for which you are applying. Also make sure that application information matches your resume!

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Skill Set: Resume Writing

Skill Using print and online resources for resume and job-seeking assistance Understanding the different resume styles and contents of resumes Using templates on Word 2007 to create a resume Comfortable Confused Need More Instruction

Posting and attaching resumes electronically; applying for jobs online

**Note: Please dont hesitate to seek additional instruction if you are less than comfortable with any of these skills. For more direct and specific assistance with resume writing and other job-seeking skills, please visit Job Lab @ Central Library on Mondays and Thursdays from 3 PM to 5 PM. Dont forget that the Lexington Public Library offers many resources in addition to resume and job application assistancewith your library card you can access computers with Office 2007 software computers with internet access books to help with job searches, interviews, resume writing, and more periodicals, including trade journals and newspapers from many cities computer classes to improve your job skills and make you more marketable All of these resources can help you obtain employment, and all of them are available for free.

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