Building a Resume That Gets Attention

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Building a Resume That Gets Attention
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Resume Quiz

• How long does an employer look at a resume?
• 30 seconds
• 2 minutes
• 5 minutes
• 30 minutes

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Resume Quiz

• Thats right! 30 Seconds!

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Resume Know-How

• How do I grab the employers attention?
• Easy to read
• Logical flow
• Focused on accomplishments
• Targeted to reader
• Intriguing
• Sample Resumes

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KEY POINTS THE DOS

• Clean format that is easy to read/easy to scan.
• Most important information first.
• Choose strong headings.
• Stress results, skills, and accomplishments
  rather than duties.
• Write to an outsider.
• Use consistent tense.
• Begin sentences with action verbs.
• Laser print on quality paper.

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KEY POINTS THE DONTS

• 1 Resume mistake???? ERRORS!!!
• Do not include personal information.
• Avoid personal pronouns.
• Try to keep it to 1 page
• Avoid use of abbreviations, slang or jargon.
• Do not include long wordy paragraphs.

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Categories of a Resume

• Identifying Information
• Objective
• Education
• Experience
• Skills
• Activities, Honors, Interests
• References

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Identifying Information

• Name
• Permanent address
• Temporary address (if applies)
• Phone number
• E-mail address
• Web sites- be careful

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Objective

• A clear, concise statement expressing your goal
• Gives resume structure
• Be specific
• 4 ways to focus
• Position, Industry, Skills, Long-term goals

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Sample Objectives

• To obtain a challenging position in technical
  sales utilizing my scientific knowledge and
  communication skills.
• Seeking an entry level position in wellness
  education.
• To obtain a laboratory position in the
  biotechnology industry.

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Education

• University and BS degree
• Graduation Date
• Majors Minors
• Include GPA if 3.0
• Relevant Coursework
• Can include honors
• Expenses Paid
• Research Projects (here or experience section)

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Sample Education

• North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
• Bachelor of Science in Agronomy, May 2008
• Concentration in Turfgrass Management
• GPA 3.4/4.0
• Multiple Scholarship Recipient, Deans List

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Experience

• Paid Jobs
• Volunteer Work
• Internships, Co-ops
• Family Business
• Family Farm
• Student Groups
• Leadership Roles

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Formatting Experience

• Title of position
• Name/Location of organization
• What you accomplished on the job
• Use action words

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Action Words

• Correct
• Weighed animals scheduled appointments assisted
  vet with lab analysis.

• Incorrect
• I took the weight of the animals. I made
  appointments. I checked blood samples.
  

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Better Action Words

• Stress accomplishments over duties
• Computerized office record-keeping procedures
  earned vet assistant certificate via on-the-job
  experience.
• Managed research project investigating water
  quality managed budget, supervised internship
  staff, presented findings to board.

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ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS

• Past tense still doing or did before
• Use action verbs
• Quantify qualify
• Responsible for campers
• Becomes . . . . . .
• Planned and coordinated activities and
  fieldtrips for 30 children ages 6 12
• Operated cash register
• Becomes. . . . .
• Provided prompt and friendly service to patrons
  and averaged 1000 in daily sales

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EXPERIENCE - Sample

• Server, Houlihans, Jobsville, PA, 9/04
  present.
• Handled orders for over 200 patrons daily,
  including business, family, and tourist clientele
• Succeeded in providing excellent communicative,
  tactful and proficient services
• Independently resolved customer complaints and
  dissatisfaction
• Averaged 600 in daily sales

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What Do Employers Want?

• Use ONET online (online.onetcenter.org/find) to
  identify job tasks
• Look at multiple job descriptions by searching
  online (Google the job title you are applying for
  with the words job description). What stands
  out in all of them?
• Search online for resumes of people in your
  field. What do they focus on what you
  like/dislike.
• See what your industrys professional
  associations focus on.
• Include transferable skills (see a list at
  www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills.html)

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Strengthen You Statements

• Why is this experience/skill meaningful?
• What was the advantage/result of your
  tasks/accomplishment?
• How were you different/better than someone else?
  What strength did you bring?
• How did your task further the overall
  goal/mission of the company?
• Did your actions improve anything? How what
  was the measurable benefit?
• From your future employers standpoint What
  can this candidate do for me?

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Skills

• Computer
• Technical
• Laboratory
• Communication
• Leadership
• Language

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Sample Skills

• Proficient with analytical methods such as ELISA,
  HPLC, GC, and Titrations.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel,
  PowerPoint, Access and several Database Programs.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

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Activities, Honors, Interests

• Clubs
• Leadership Roles
• Professional Associations
• Unusual hobbies
• Include only if active member
• Avoid padding

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ACTIVITIES Can be placed in experience section to
draw attention to something meaningful

• NCSU Intercollegiate Soccer Team 2001-2005
• Awarded a four year athletic scholarship
• Trained year round, approximately 25 hours a week
• Selected as a Wolfpack Team Representative
  (Student Athlete Advisory Committee)
• Managed a demanding schedule as an athlete and
  full time student, maintaining a 3.4 GPA
• Demonstrated leadership skills as the team
  captain, junior and senior year of college

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References

• Available on request
• At least 3 to support your candidacy
• Talk with your references FIRST
• On separate page
• Bring to interview
• Include all particulars (name, title, company,
  address, phone, email)

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Formatting Resumes

• Needs to look professional
• One page is preferable
• Organize for reader
• Visually pleasing
• Use quality paper
• Proof, edit, proof, edit..

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• Now Create Your Own Resume!
• Click here to register and upload your resume to
  ePack.

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Business Cards

• Invaluable asset when you are at events where a
  resume would be inappropriate
• Always carry a couple in your wallet or purse
• They provide all of your important information

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Business Cards

• A business card typically includes
• student's name
• school affiliation (usually with a logo)
• contact information
• local and permanent addresses
• telephone number
• professional e-mail address.

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Business Cards

• A white background is appropriate and
  professional
• Color lettering will make it stand out
• A unique design will catch the readers attention