Creating a Strong Resume

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Creating a Strong Resume

• CSUSM Career Center
• Phone[phone]
• CRA 1400
• www.csusm.edu/careers

2
The purpose

• To obtain an interview
• Keep it clear
• Well organized
• Easy to read
• Dynamic and filled with action verbs make your
  accomplishments come alive.

3
CONTENT OVERVIEW

• Think of your resume as a snapshot of your
  life... show your best assets.
• First, start thinking of yourself in glowing
  terms.
• Always emphasize the positive about yourself and
  your accomplishments.
• List truthful information, that you would not be
  embarrassed to explain in detail.

• Be concise and put the most important information
  first.
• Know your audience!!! Use appropriate terminology
  for the industry.
• Focus on where you want to go, not where youve
  been.
• PROOFREAD EVERYTHING!!! - Its best to have
  someone proofread for you.

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The Resume

• The standard length of an undergraduate resume is
  one page. Some special circumstances require two
  pages, but one page is usually the maximum.
• Divide your resume information into clearly
  labeled categories. These categories may include
  some or all of the following (not necessarily in
  this order) Education, Experience, Honors and
  Awards, Activities, Skills, Interests.
• Selectively CAPITALIZE, bold, italicize, bullet
  and indent for emphasis, but do not over-do it or
  use all of these methods in one resume. Stick to
  a few methods to keep it clean, simple, and
  consistent.
• Margins no less than .5 all around
• Use a professional-looking font such as Times,
  Bookman, Helvetica, Palatino. No smaller than 10
  font
• Laser print your resume on quality 8.5 X 11 inch
  bond paper that is white, off-white, or possibly
  light gray.

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Getting Started

• Make a list of
• Jobs
• Internships
• Volunteer Experiences
• Research Projects
• Relevant Classes
• Activities leadership positions
• Honors/Awards
• Trainings

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Getting Started

• Choose your job search field
• Tailor your resume to specific occupation/field
• Select relevant information from your list
• Business leadership, teamwork, work under
  pressure, with people
• Teaching welfare of others, commitment to
  education, working with children

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Types of Resumes

• Chronological educational history and
  experience listed in reverse sequence
• Functional/Skills highlights relevant skills
• Combination list work experience by specific
  skills

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Content

• Identifying Information
• Name
• Current address and phone number
• Permanent address and phone number
• E-mail
• Objective
• Helps employer know type of position you are
  seeking
• Position
• Skills
• Organization
• A Program Coordinator position requiring
  creativity, oral/written communication,
  organization and leadership skills.

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Content

• Summary of Qualifications
• Established focus
• Immediately shows what you have to offer
• Resume should support this section
• Excellent skills in facilitation, communication
  and presentation.
• Education
• Current student - at the top
• List institution(s) and degree(s) reverse chron.
• Study abroad

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Content

• Education (cont)
• Major/minor
• Projected Grad date
• Relevant courses
• GPA
• Projects/senior thesis
• Academic Honors

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Content

• Experience
• Title, Organization, Dates of employment,
  location
• Describe responsibilities
• In terms of accomplishments
• Use power verbs
• Phrases
• No personal pronouns
• Quantify
• "increased membership by 15," or "supervised 50
  residence hall students."

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Content

• Experience (cont)
• Jobs
• Internships/Volunteer Exp.
• Research/Projects
• Leadership
• Escondido High School, Escondido, CA. Teacher's
  Aide First Grade level (ages 6 to 10)Supervised
  orthopedically-handicapped children with
  schoolwork and play, established and maintained
  positive schooling environment, conducted reading
  and math sessions, Fall 2001ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Taught multiplication tables to 10 students
• Created athletic games that students could play
  while in wheelchairs

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STAR statements (Situation/Task, Action,
Result)

• Give specific examples of how the company
  benefited from your performance, efforts,
  involvement or leadership.
• Quantify accomplishments in dollars or
  percentages. From what to what. ?
• Think about past experiences
• 1- How did you perform the job better than
  others?
• 2- What contributions did you make that made
  a difference?
• 3- What awards, special recognitions,
  promotions resulted from your performance?

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WORK EXPERIENCE ACTION STATEMENTS WITH
WITHOUT STAR
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Content

• Additional Info.
• Languages
• Computer Skills
• Professional Affiliations
• Honors/Awards
• Community Services
• Skills

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Content

• Additional Info. (cont)
• LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCEYOUTH ACTION FORUM
  CONFERENCE, San Marcos, CA 2002-presentOversaw
  finances for leadership conference held for
  international students sponsored by World Youth
  Network. Raised 1000 from four
  corporations.WORLD YOUTH NETWORK, San Marcos,
  CA. 2000-2002Co-founder and co-editor of
  international newsletter featuring articles
  written by studentsMODEL UNITED NATIONS,
  Claremont, CA. 2000-2001Chaired
  Economic-Financial Committee in MUN Conference
  held for high school studentsCOMPUTER
  SKILLSProficient in Excel, Delta Graph, Word,
  QuarkXpressLANGUAGESProficient in Russian,
  working knowledge of French

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RESUME SAMPLEChronological Business graduate
CARMEN HOPE
12345 South 132nd Street
Home [phone] San Diego, California 92114
Messages [phone] Hope002_at_mailhost1.csusm.e
du EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration, June 19XX Option
Accountancy Cumulative Grade Point Average
3.61 California State University, San
Marcos RELATED Employed full-time while in
school to pay 100 of college expenses. EXPERIENC
E Consultant Fall 19XX-Spring 19XX Senior
Experience, California State University, San
Marcos, California Served on a four member team
which developed a detailed marketing and budget
plan for future business ventures for the San
Diego Convention Center. Accounting
Clerk 8/XX-present Chartwell Travel Services,
San Marcos, California Handled collections,
billing, payroll and correspondence. Prepared
budgets for tours and monitored actual
expenditures. Bookkeeper 5/XX-8/XX World Banking
Corporation, Nassau, Bahamas Recognized as
Outstanding Employee in 19XX. Maintained accounts
receivable and wire confirmations. Designed
simpler, more comprehensive record-keeping system.
Performed audit with CPAs. Salesperson 1/XX-5/XX
Bullock's Department Stores, San Diego,
California Generated retail sales in men's
clothing department. Performed extensive customer
service and directed inventory control and
displays. HONORS Dean's Honor List, (
of)semesters, California State University, San
Marcos Mortarboard, National Honors
Society ACTIVITIES/ Member of National
Association of Black Accountants INTERESTS Califor
nia State University, San Marcos, Associated
Student, Inc. (dates) Organizations
Commissioner Student Affirmative Action
Committee Annual Blood Drive Coordinator
SPECIAL Speaking and writing ability in
Spanish. SKILLS Excellent writing skills achieved
through 2500-word writing requirement in all
upper division classes. Computer literate in
Windows, Access and Excel.
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RESUME SAMPLEBachelor's degree in Liberal
Studies with emphasis in Visual and Performing
Arts
ART STUDENT 555 Theatre Way [phone] Escondi
do, CA 92027 student001_at_mailhost1.csusm.edu O
BJECTIVE A position in stage production and
management with the La Jolla Playhouse Theatre
and Arts Foundation PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies -
May 19XX Emphasis in Visual and Performing
Arts Minor in Literature and Writing
Studies California State University, San
Marcos Relevant Coursework Administrative
Management Play and Screenwriting Arts in
the Community Studio Work in the
Arts Computer and the Visual Arts Theatre
and the Community Movement for Actors Theatre
Production Workshop EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Educational expenses 100 personally funded Set
Designer/ Coordinator 19XX - present San Marcos
Community Center, San Marcos, CA Assist with
planning, creating and designing the theatre set
to reflect the play or performance theme.
Coordinate stage, lighting, sound, and
appropriate backdrops for various scenes. Stage
Production Intern Spring 19XX Escondido Center
for the Arts, Escondido, CA Worked closely with
the stage production manager and staff on
designing and preparing sets for various
performances. Learned that time management,
planning, coordination, and teamwork are all
vital for a successful production. Waiter 19XX
- present Fish House Vera Cruz, Carlsbad, CA
Develop extensive public contact involving all
facets of dining room management for specialty
restaurant. Assure ultimate customer
satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.
Generate wine sales with suggestions for
appropriate selection. Maintain high visibility
in the resolution of customer concerns and
complaints.
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RESUME SAMPLECollege graduate with relevant
volunteer experience
JOE STUDENT 999 College Avenue, College Town,
California 99999 [phone] student002_at_mai
lhost1.csusm.edu Career Social services case
worker trainee in a social welfare agency.
Objective Education Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology, May 19XX Special Emphasis Problem
Counseling and Social Services California State
University, San Marcos Educational Psi Chi
National Honors Society, Psychology -
Member Highlights Computer-Assisted
Research Developmental Psychology Learning,
Memory and Motivation Psychology of
Personality Social Psychology Experiential Servi
ce Worker Highlights San Diego County Department
of Social Welfare Fall 19XX Counseled
adolescents on a caseload covering a variety of
problems. Assistant to Coordinator of
Tenant-Landlord Abuse Program San Diego Fair
Housing Council Spring 19XX Helped with caseload
and created slide presentations to show the
existence of poor housing in San Diego
County. Counseling Intern Youth Service Center,
Teen Help Fall 19XX Counseled youths between the
ages of 11 and 17 at an agency devoted
to prevention of drug abuse. Presenter Psychology
Research Fair, CSU San Marcos Fall
19XX Presented psychological research project on
adolescents and mental health. Other
Work Youth Director YMCA, Youth Center, San
Diego, California Summers 19XX-XX Coordinated all
programs for children ages 10-14. Managed all
budgetary concerns for programs.
Skills Computer literate in Word, Excel, and
Filemaker Pro
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RESUME SAMPLE Combination skills and experience
resume created for a specific position.
NANCY LITERATE 1000 College Park Way Our Town,
California 91000 Day [phone] Evening
[phone] literate001_at_mailhost1.csusm.edu OB
JECTIVE Guideline Administrator with
TRW SUMMARY Five years of professional
background in producing self-help and training
manuals Excellent presentation skills small
groups to 200 Exceptionally well organized
and resourceful ability to prioritize
Reliable and adaptable learn new systems quickly
and take initiative RELEVANT SKILLS AND
EXPERIENCE ADMINISTRATIVE Managed all aspects
of training and self-help manual production from
initial composition to product
distribution Supervised staff of 15 and
achieved highest productivity level of any
department in company Interpreted and clarified
daily work activities for completion of contract
requirements Maintained direct communications
with operations managers and key staff to ensure
product integrity TECHNICAL Extensive
experience using Microsoft Word, Excel,
Pagemaker, and Photoshop Performed
instructional and motivational presentations for
new employees Knowledge of English language
including grammar, punctuation, and principles of
composition for authoring or editing purposes
Prepared graphic designs and layouts using IBM
PC and Macintosh computers EMPLOYMENT
HISTORY Publications Coordinator, Hughes
Aircraft, Carlsbad, CA 8/19XX-Present Administrati
ve Assistant, Foodmaker Corp., San Diego,
CA 7/19XX-8/19XX Customer Service Representative,
Colorcraft Inc., Vista, CA 8/19XX-8/19XX EDUCATIO
N AND TRAINING Bachelor of Arts in English, cum
laude, May 19XX, California State University,
San Marcos Additional coursework Computer
Graphics, University of California, San
Diego AFFILIATIONS American Society for Training
and Development CSU San Marcos Alumni
Association National Association of Female
Executives
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SCANNABLE RESUMES

• Use PLAIN text only
• No graphics, bold, underline,
• fancy borders, shading
• Use popular font Times, Palatino, or Helvetica
• Font size 10-14 point
• Top line NAME only
• Address and phone number underneath name
• Use JOB SPECIFIC KEY WORDS (nouns, position
  titles)

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SCANNABLE RESUMES

• Use laser printer
• Send an original on PLAIN WHITE paper
• Send 2 versions
• 1) A regular version with a note attached saying
  copy for the hiring manager
• 2) A scannable resume with a note attached
  saying, copy for scanning
• Put same info on both resumes

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CAUTIONS

• Absolutely NO ERRORS
• Avoid using personal pronouns
• Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms
• Use action phrases, not sentences
• No personal information age, marital status,
  health, etc.
• No reasons for leaving previous job

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CAUTIONS

• Eliminate irrelevant details and jargon
• NO salary history
• Top 20 Recruiters Pet Peeves about Resumes
• www.net-temps.com/careerdev/crossroads/index.htm

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COVER LETTER

• Always include cover letter when sending resume
• Use the header of your resume as letterhead
• Make sure name of addressee is correct
• If you dont have a name, use a subject line
  (Attention Job Number 12345)
• Be enthusiastic and personable

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PARTS OF COVER LETTER

• Your reason for writing?
• to apply for the position of ___ as
  posted...
• ...so-and-so suggested that I...
• How your qualifications match the position
  requirements?
• what you can offer or contribute to this company
• Bid for an interview
• you do the follow up, whenever possible

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GENERAL OUTLINE FOR A COVER LETTER
Using the header of your resume as letterhead
gives it a professional look. Use complete title
and address If possible, address it to a
particular person by name--check for correct
spelling Make the addressee want to read your
resume. Be personable and be enthusiastic Be
brief but specific your resume contains
details Always sign letters in black
ink If a resume or other enclosure is used, note
in letter Top and bottom margins should equal
Applicants Address Applicants Area Code and
Phone Number Date of Letter Employers Name and
Title and Address Salutation Opening Paragraph
State why you are writing name the position or
type of work for which you are applying and
mention how you heard of the opening or
organization. Middle Paragraph(s) Explain why
you are interested in working for this employer
and specify your reasons for desiring this type
of work. If you have had relevant work experience
or related education, be sure to point it out,
but do not reiterate your entire resume.
Emphasize skills or abilities you have that
relate to the job for which you are applying. Be
sure to do this in a confident manner and
remember that the reader will view your letter of
application as an example of your writing
skills. Closing Paragraph You may refer the
reader to your enclosed resume (which gives a
summary of your qualifications) or whatever media
you are using to illustrate training, interests
and experience. Ask for or suggest a date and
time for an interview at the convenience of the
employer. Indicate that you will confirm by
telephone. Be specific and be sure to honor your
arrangements. Sincerely, Your name
typed Enclosure
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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR A SPECIFIC JOB LISTING
Job Description
JOB TITLE Retail Management Trainee -
Merchandising REQUIREMENTS B.A. or B.S.
Degree required. Responsible for merchandise
presentation, supervision of sales personnel,
customer service, inventory control and other
retail functions for hardware and building
supplies chain. Requires good business skills,
analytical ability, creative thinking, effective
verbal and written communication skills, and the
ability to motivate and train sales staff.
RALPH SELL 110 University Drive, San Marcos, CA
92069
[phone] April 29, 19xx William P.
Smith, General Manager Weber Building Center 3121
Orchard Los Angeles, CA 92719 Dear Mr. Smith I
read with interest your job announcement for a
Merchandising Management Trainee, listed in the
California State University San Marcos, Career
and Assessment Center. As a college graduate with
the background and skills you are seeking, I
believe I am a strong candidate for the
position. I will receive my Bachelor of Science
in Business Administration this May. My job
experience includes two summers as an assistant
in the hardware store where I was responsible for
merchandise presentation, inventory control and
customer service. My college course work has
complemented my work experience, focusing on
developing basic business knowledge, analytical
ability and good communication skills. In
addition, my student activities included
leadership for my college council, where I
planned and supervised several fund-raising
projects and a membership drive. The enclosed
resume expands upon my qualifications. The
opportunity of joining Weber Building Center is
exciting because of my familiarity with your
product line and your reputation as the leader in
the building supplies field. The success of your
new solar equipment center for home improvement
illustrates a progressive merchandising
philosophy that would utilize my strongest
skills. After you have had an opportunity to
review my resume, I will telephone your office
regarding the most convenient time for an
interview. I look forward to meeting you. Thank
you for your consideration. Sincerely, Ralph
Sell Ralph Sell Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter
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Final Notes

• When completing a job application, be sure to
  fill it out completely
• Type or print VERY neatly
• Do NOT simply say See attached or See Resume
• REMEMBER - a good resume will get you an
  interview... a good interview will get you the
  job!
• Get feedback from others- career counselors,
  professors, friends, family..
• Some Internet Resources .
• www.Jobhuntersbible.com
• www.resumedoctor.com
• www.rileyguide.com

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Final Notes

• Neatness is very important. Use white space.
  Don't skimp on your margins Avoid clutter look
• Proofread! Spell check, grammar check, re-check
  and check again.
• Keep experimenting with your resume format until
  you are confident about it. You should be proud
  to give out your resume as something that
  represents you.