Skills in Resume Writing

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Skills in Resume Writing
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What is a resume for?

• A resume is a summary of your education,
  experience, and skills.
• Its main purpose is to convince a potential
  employer that they should learn more about you.
• Resumes are used to screen applicants and
  determine which candidates have the backgrounds
  which most closely match employers needs.

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What should I include?

• Any prior experience that is relevant to the
  position you are applying for.
• include positions where you developed
  transferable skills
• responsibilities and accomplishments
• do not include EVERY job youve ever had.

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Sections

• 1. Name and contact information
• 2. Objective (optional)
• 3. Education
• 4. Work Experience
• 5. Additional skills

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1. NAME AND CONTACT INFO

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Always include area and zip codes

SAMPLE Carmen Chao2011 Chicago St., Apt.
3BChicago, IL 60000(312) 123-1234 /
carmen.chao_at_gmail.com
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2. OBJECTIVE (optional)

• Be as specific as possible
• Make sure the objective relates directly to the
  position you are applying for.
• ex1 My objective is to be an excellent worker. I
  aim to accomplish all my work goals and be
  successful.
• ex2 Develop my managerial skills in an
  administrative position where I can effectively
  utilize expertise gained from my studies in
  business administration.

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3. EDUCATION

• Begin with your most recent educational
  experience.
• List any study experiences or other colleges you
  have attended for at least one full semester
• Include
• the degree you expect to earn/ have earned, your
  major, the institution, expected date of
  graduation
• include GPA only if it is above a 3.20

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3. EDUCATION (cont.)
SAMPLE MacCormac College (Chicago, IL) AA in
Criminal Justice, expected May 2012
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4. WORK EXPERIENCE

• Begin with your most recent position.
• Include internships, campus leadership offices,
  and relevant volunteer work, or extended research
  projects.
• Include title, name of organization, location,
  and dates for each position.
• Emphasize duties, skills, and accomplishments
  appropriate to the position for which you are
  applying.

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4. WORK EXPERIENCE (cont.)

• Use phrases beginning with action verbs, not full
  sentences. --gt www.resumedictionary.com
• Do not use pronouns in your job descriptions.
• (ie. I worked at...)
• You may separate this section into multiple
  sections such as Leadership Experience,
  Managerial Experience, Clerical Experience,
  etc. depending on the position youre applying
  for.

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4. WORK EXPERIENCE (cont.)
SAMPLE Intern at Dewey, Cheetam, and Howe
Attorneys(08/2010 - 02/2011) Organized
sensitive case information and entered case
information into firm database to streamline
access. Updated text, pictures, and links in
the firm website Managed cataloguing and check
out system of firm library
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5. ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Foreign languages, computer skills, typing speed,
  etc.
• List level of fluency/proficiency with languages
  and computer skills. (Do not overstate your
  competence.)

SAMPLE Languages Spanish (fluent), French
(conversational) Information Technology Mac and
PC platforms Microsoft Office Suite Adobe
InDesign Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop
Quickbooks. Proficient in HTML coding.
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IMPORTANT Tips

• Keep the resume to only one page
• Include only the most crucial information
• Use professional, legible font
• Proofread. Then proofread again.