Resume Writing

Writing a good resume does not depend on how well you can follow the rules and formats of resume writing. While there are certain specifications on what belongs into a resume and what doesn’t, a resume is still a one-of-a-kind marketing communication tool, with a unique selling proposition – yourself.

It is important to understand that the first and most essential rule to resume writing is understanding and comprehending what it is that you want to do, why you would be good at it and then to communicate these thoughts to prospective employers that offer the position you are looking for.

While it is important to stir the interests of the employer, the only way to differentiate yourself from the competition is self-promotion. Often, employers simply glance through piles of resumes, waiting for one to stand out. The one that stands out is similar to the advertisements that make you go out and by the product because “you just had to have it, it looked so good”- And this is all you need: An employer that “just had to call you for an interview, because you seemed so perfect”.

Tips for success

The application- The job application is usually your first introduction to the employer. This section provides helpful suggestions for filing out neat and thorough job applications. Learn some of the best ways to present your qualifications to the employer.

Introduction to the Application

First impressions are important. Your appearance is important, even when submitting an application. Every time you make contact with an employer, dress as though you are ready to go to work. The employer may have a job that needs to be filled and want to interview you immediately.

Remember to bring everything with you that you will need when filling out applications. It does not create a business-like impression when a job seeker needs to borrow the employer's pens or telephone books to complete an application. Be organized. Bring the following items with you when you think you might be completing applications:

• Ball point pens (black or blue ink)
• Your fact sheet (See "Fact Sheet" below)
• Copies of your resume (See "Tips for Success," "The Resume")

Your completed application is a reflection of you. Make it a good one!

How to fill out an application:

It is important that you read the entire application form before you start filling it out. Read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly. Completing the application properly is very important, because the application is your first chance to present your skills to the employer.

Employers review the information on job applications when deciding who to schedule for job interviews. Remember that employers often judge the appearance of an application as a clue to how much importance you put on the quality of your work.

Here are some helpful tips to follow when completing applications:

• Greet the receptionist politely when requesting or submitting an application. The receptionist's first impressions are often passed along.
• Be honest in your answers.
• Use blue or black ink pens. (Erasable pens are also helpful.)
• Have all the information on hand that you might need to fill out an application, such as a fact sheet with the names and telephone numbers of your references and past employers.
• Print clearly and legibly.
• Fill out the form neatly and accurately.
• Apply for a specific position, rather than entering "anything," or "open" for the desired position.
• Leave no blanks.
• Write "Does Not Apply" (or "N/A" for Not Applicable) in the space if the question does not apply to you.
• Explain lengthy gaps in your work history, for example, "attending school."
• Read and check the application for completeness before turning it in to the employer.
• Be sure to sign and date the application.

Mail or turn the application into the correct person or place.

The Interview - First impressions at interviews are important! This section offers many useful interview tips on the following topics:

• Proper interview clothing
• The importance of researching the employer
• Possible questions the employer may ask
• Suggestions for questions that you might ask the employer

• Do some research on the business before the interview.
• Practice interviewing.
• Go alone. Do not take children or friends.
• Greet the employer with a handshake.
• Make frequent eye contact.
• Smile, be polite, and try to relax.
• Listen carefully to the questions asked. Ask the interviewer to restate a question if you are confused.
• Answer questions as directly as possible.
• Be upbeat and make positive statements.
• If you've worked before, talk about what you learned from it.
• Use examples of how your skills and abilities would fit the job.
• Bring your "Fact Sheet" with telephone numbers and addresses of your references and former employers, just in case you are asked to complete an application. (See "The

Questions To Ask The Employer:

• Who would supervise me?
• When are you going to make a hiring decision?
• What are the opportunities for advancement?
• What kind of training is provided or available?

Pitfalls (Reasons Why People Don't Get Hired):

• Untidy personal appearance
• Inability to express information clearly
• Lack of genuine interest or enthusiasm
• Unwillingness to start at the bottom
• Negative attitude
• Lack of eye contact
• Incomplete or sloppy application
• Being late for the interview

Closing

At the end of the interview:

• Thank the interviewers for their time.
• Request a business card.
• Shake hands in closing.

The Resume - Resumes are a written summary of your skills and work history. A well written resume is a useful tool that will help you present yourself to an employer. This unit offers helpful suggestions on how to:

• Select the type of resume that best fits your experience and job history.
• Write an attractive resume that displays your skills and abilities in the best light.
• Write a cover letter to show how you meet the employer's needs for a specific job title.

Preparing to Write Your Resume

Writing a resume requires a little time and planning. However, it is well worth the effort. It is a good idea to begin by writing a master resume. Having an attractive resume on hand that stresses your strongest skills, better prepares you to attend job fairs and respond to a large number of jobs advertised in newspapers and on the Internet.

Get organized! Before beginning to write your resume:

• Gather information on your past employment: employer names and addresses, and dates of employment.
• Gather information for personal references: names and addresses.
• Research information on the employer.
• Select a quiet area to gather your thoughts and begin working on your resume.

Decide what type of resume suits you best: chronological, functional, or automated.

Resume Tips

• Make your resume short (one page, if possible, two pages at most).
• Use white or ivory paper.
• Type your resume on a computer, when possible. (If you do not have access to a computer visit your local Job Service office, One-Stop Career Center, or local public library for help.)
• Use action words to describe your work skills. (See "Action Words" below.)
• Stress skills, knowledge, and abilities that fulfill the job requirements.
• Be specific about accomplishments, but do not stretch the truth.
• Provide information about career goals.
• Make it attractive.
• Emphasize most recent jobs.
• Proofread it for grammar, punctuation and spelling errors.
• If possible, have someone else check your resume for errors.
• Save references and personal data for the interview.
• Avoid date of birth.
• Avoid salaries or the reason for leaving the last job.
• Ask yourself "Would I interview this person?"
• Keep your resume current.

Finally, prepare a cover letter to introduce your resume.

Resume Types

When preparing to write your resume, it is very important to select the type of resume that best suits your past work history, and presents your experience and skills in the best light.

Review the resume types listed below to choose the resume type that will work the best for you.

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume lists your most recent job duties and employment dates first. This type of resume tends to be fact-based and may be easily skimmed. It works for those with experience and a steady job history. It is difficult for career changers and those who lack on-the-job experience.

Employers tend to prefer a chronological resume because it is easier to read and review the work history dates and work experience. However, this resume type displays flaws more easily, such as employment gaps.

Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on skills, experience, and accomplishments. A functional resume works best for the following conditions:

• Your work history is not related to the job
• Your related experience is not your most recent job
• You have gaps in your work history
• You have not worked recently
• You are just entering the job market

In a functional resume you are advertising your specific qualifications, not the order in which you obtained them. Functional resumes let you emphasize volunteer or civic experience, training, or education.

The functional resume is not usually the favorite resume type among employers, as it is a little more difficult to read. The work history and career paths are not as clear. However, it is important to select the resume type that displays your special qualities to the best advantage.

Automated Resume (Keyword, or Scannable)

An automated, keyword, or scannable resume is formatted to read well when scanned by a computer system. The resume is scanned and entered in a database that can then be searched by keywords so that the applicant's qualifications are matched with the employer's needs. (Keywords describe skills that are commonly used in the career field.) Generally, it is the larger employers (with 100 or more employees) who scan resumes to retain information in databases for future use.