Knowing and Presenting Human Resources Developing Resume

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Knowing and Presenting Human Resources
Developing Resume

• Bill Bertrand
• Tulane University
• June 15,1999

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Writing the Resume

• Purpose
• Preparation for writing
• Format
• Content
• title
• identifying information
• career objective
• education

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Content continued

• Honors and awards
• experience
• professional affiliation and activities
• references
• Other
• Scannable resumes
• format
• content
• sample cover letter

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Purpose of the Resume

• Provide others with information about your
  abilities and experiences. A marketing device
  designed to catch the eye of the reviewer. Is a
  summary geared to the needs of the reader.

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Format

• Two Styles
• Chronological - Follows some sort of time line
• Functional - Emphasizes skill areas and mastery
  of same.

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Chronological

• Most commonly used
• easiest to write
• emphasizes work record
• emphasizes job duties rather than competencies

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Functional Skills

• Emphasizes marketable skills.
• De-emphasizes dates
• Difficult for the individual to interpret.
• Bothers some because of non-traditional format

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Some Suggestions

• Make it neat and clean as a reflection on your
  person.
• Well organized presentation impresses many.
• Error free - Check spelling etc.
• Present information only once
• Use parallel construction
• Use action verbs and present tense

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Some Action Verbs
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Further Suggestions

• Spell out numbers
• Avoid using parenthesis
• Rank order , make most significant issues appear
  first.
• Make as short as possible to include all
• Double check and have someone else review for
  editorial and related errors.

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Further Suggestions

• Use high quality print for final copy on high
  quality paper.
• Remember - The First Impression is a Lasting One.

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Format

• At top of page list name , address, telephone and
  other useful data such as business address.

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Career Objective

• List a generic career statement of objectives.
• Format should be in

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Career Objective

• Should be presented in one or two short phrases.
• Do not imply further plans
• Do not suggest further education is needed
• Should have objectives well aligned with those
  who are paying the bills.

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The Order of Things

• Career objectives are the most important thing
• After career objectives order other content as it
  relates to career objectives.

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Experience

• After 1-3 years out of your educational formation
  experience is always more important than
  education. Having done something successfully is
  the best proof of the ability to do so.
• Exception is when applying to academic
  institutions always put academic record first.

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Education Content

• List degrees in reverse chronological order.
• Include degree granted, time, and institution
• List other training received such as
  specialization,post-graduate training and short
  courses

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Experience

• Use the term experience. Include full and part
  time work.
• Do not go back more than ten years unless it is
  directly related to current work objective.
• Include job title, employer,place,
• Describe functional skills in clear terms
• Convey accomplishments and problem solving
  skills.

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Experience

• Indicate measurable results,I.e. increased
  productivity
• Rank or order experience according to career
  objectives.

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Professional Affiliations and Activities

• Rank order by virtue of leadership position in
  voluntary organizations.
• Best not to refer to specific religions, or
  political groups to avoid prejudice
• Do not include activities which may appear
  hazardous or high risk

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References

• Never name a reference without asking permission
• Give each reference a copy of your resume
• Do not use personal contacts or friends unless
  necessary
• Highly personal information varies. In the US
  there are legal implications to using too much
  personal detail (religion etc.)

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Scannable Resumes

• Large organizations are now using optical
  scanning devices to review resumes.
• Make type clear and categories separated and
  developed
• Organize information using clear categories
• Keep material well developed.