RESUME PREPARATION

 

 

Despite the controversy over whether or not resumes really work, a resume is usually required in the formal hiring process, especially for larger companies. It helps the employer know more about who you are, what you have done, and what skills you have to offer as a potential employee. Always remember that a resume will not get you a job, but it certainly may get you considered for an interview.

 

Resume Formats

Each student must decide what kind of resume is best suited for his or her job search. You may find that preparing two different formats is helpful. The following formats are possible and a sample of each is provided.

 

Chronological Resume

This format contains information about you in chronological order. Within each heading you display facts or events with the most recent listed first. Employers prefer this format and it is the most common.

 

Functional Resume

A functional resume highlights the competencies and skills you have acquired through employment or educational experiences. You can group your abilities under a skills heading (e.g., Writing, Research) or include a Skills section to emphasize these abilities.

 

Targeted Resume

This format works well for a student who is preparing a resume for a particular position. A targeted resume features some characteristics of a chronological resume but highlights skills and experience as they relate to a specific position.

 

Tips on Writing a Resume

Objective/Job Objective/Career Objective: This is optional and should be used only if you can show you are clearly "directed" in your job search. The best objective should be able to show focus on at least two of the following areas: position title, type of company, location preferred, skills, career field,

and goals. If you have multiple objectives, then prepare multiple resumes.

 

Personal Profile or Career Summary: If you finally decide that a job objective is not useful for you, you may want to consider including a 2-3 line statement section called "Personal Profile" or "Career Summary." This section must grab the employer's attention and convey confidence in one or two of the qualities and talents employers are seeking.

 

Skills Summary: Employers are always interested in the skills that an applicant brings to the workplace. A skills summary section highlights those abilities, competencies, and personal attributes that make you a competitive candidate. See example in the resume formats.

 

Headings: Your resume will be divided into major sections identified by a Heading. You can choose from the following and develop headings that are particularly suited for you: Education, Internships, Experience, Activities, Honors, Athletics, Employment, Travel, Awards, Community Service, Interests, Skills, Publications, and Languages.  

You can modify headings by adding the words "Experience" or "Activities." In a Combination format that shows an objective for a teaching position, grades K-4, all pertinent teaching activities could be grouped under the heading "Teaching Experience." Modifying headings should be directly linked to your objective if they are to be used most effectively.

 

Employers tend to prefer the Chronological and Targeted formats because they tell what you did, who you did it for, and when.  For some individuals, the Functional format might be the best choice and Headings should be developed based on the needs of the position.

 

Entries, Leads, and Dates: Entries are descriptive statements within headings and may describe employment, events, and awards. Leads are the first lines of entries and should be developed to draw attention. Always lead with your strength and with your most professional activities or accomplishments. Use sentences that include action verbs and drop the "I" subject. Since college students rarely have lengthy periods of employment, it is best to de-emphasize dates by including them after the lead, within, or at the end of the entry. Always spell out time periods and never use numbers and slashes.

 

Education: The following information may be included: degree and major; college, city, and state; month/year graduating; GPA (overall and/or major) if over 3.0; honors, awards, and scholarships (if numerous, set up separate heading). High school information may be included if under junior status, if you want to work in your hometown, or if it is of special interest to your audience. Seniors are encouraged to lead with their degree: B.A., Psychology, May 2006 Underclass students generally lead with the name of their institution: Hollins University, Roanoke, VA, Class of 2007.

 

If you have studied abroad, adding your experience under the Education header is appropriate.  You will add this information much like you would list your education at Hollins.  For example, Hollins Abroad Paris, Spring 2006.

 

Work Experience: This section can include paid and unpaid experience such as full/part-time, summer, and work-study employment, internships, and volunteer service. If your work experience is substantial, you may want to set up headings under Employment, Internships, and Community Service. Include the following specifics: title and/or department, company, city, state, dates, duties, and responsibilities.

 

Campus Activities: The following may be grouped together or categorized under more specific headings such as Leadership, Activities, Sports, Volunteer, and Organizations (fraternal, professional, offices held).  If your work experience is limited, consider expanding on your work within a campus organization, especially if you held office or chaired a committee.

 

References: This is optional. If you need this space for more substantial information relative to your skills and qualities, do not include a reference section. If you do have room, keep it simple: "References will be furnished on request." You might consider preparing a sheet that lists the names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of your references to send with a resume or take to an interview.  Be sure to ask permission before using anyone as a reference.

Skills: In addition to personal and work-related attributes, you should list your computer and language skills. Computer skills are valuable in all career fields, and language skills are especially helpful if your career field involves international business activities. Language skills can be defined as "reading and/or speaking knowledge," "extensive oral and/or writing skills," or "highly proficient."

 

Length: College students should make every effort to prepare a one-page resume. If it runs longer than one page, a change in the font size may help condense it to one page.

 

Creating Your Resume

Your resume must be PERFECT - no typographical, grammatical, or spelling errors. Type a final draft and have it reviewed by a Career Center staff member, as well as people whose opinions you value. Resume reviews are completed during walk-in appointment hours Monday - Thursday, 2:00-4:00 p.m., or by appointment. Seldom will everyone agree on what makes an outstanding resume. Be sure that you are satisfied with what it says about you.

 

Although some people use "gimmicks" to make their resumes "stand out," it is generally wise to be conservative in color and typeface unless you are applying for a job in advertising or another creative field. Use matching stationery and envelopes for your mailings. Do not attach photographs because companies do not want to be found guilty of discriminating because of sex, age, or race.

 

You can purchase cream or white bond plain or letterhead stationery in the Career Center as well as a variety of envelopes for preparing and mailing your documents. Stationery is also available at the Bookshop and in Printing and Mailing Services, Main Building, lower level.

 

Resume Reminders
Your resume is a one-time calling card. It should generate interest, promote your capabilities, and create the impression that you are someone who can help solve problems and increase productivity within the organization.
 

Your Resume is a Marketing Tool!

Employers spend 15-30 seconds on a resume – make them count!

 

P   Show what you know, what you can do, and what you have done.

P   Make it clear, concise, and consistent.

P   Use short statements, not full sentences.

P   Avoid unnecessary words such as a, an, and the.

P   Use italics, boldface, caps, and bullets to highlight. Underlining should be minimal.

P   Use a typeface that is easy to read.

P   Information must be accurate and selective; don’t include everything.

P   Use active voice and avoid repeating words.

P   Be sure that your name stands out.

P   Use paper that reflects the position you are seeking.

  

Common Mistakes

- Don’t be just another resume in the bunch.

- Avoid these common mistakes.

-  Too long: one page preferred

- Disorganized; information scattered and hard to
  follow

- Misspellings, typographical errors, poor grammar

- Overwritten; long paragraphs and sentences

- Too sparse; only bare essentials

- Misdirected; no apparent connections to the
   organization
Avoid

Ï   Lies!

Ï   References to race, sex, ethnic origin, religion,

      age, height, weight, marital status, children,

      disability, etc.

Ï   Unsupported grand claims

Ï   Use of the word “I”

Ï   Colored ink, paper or visual tricks

 

 

Creating Your Resume

The following Resume Worksheet offers you the opportunity to compose your education, experience, activities and other relevant information before putting it into a formal format. A list of action verbs is also included to help you get started.

 

When you are ready to formalize your resume, come by the Career Center to pick up sample resumes and/or speak with the director or associate director. Resume reviews are best done during walk-in appointments, Monday-Thursday, 2-4 p.m. Other times are available as needed.