WRITING TUTORIAL SERVICESOLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY

Resume Workshop

CONTENTFORMAT/DESIGN

EXAMPLEFOR MORE INFORMATION…

QUESTIONS

Resume Writing

Typically how long will an employer look over your resume?

Seconds!

Resume 101

Length: One page Be concise

Font: Serif vs. Sans-serif 11 to 12 point

Paper: Laser or high quality ink-jet printer Via email

What to include:What to include: Example:Example:

NameAddressPhone Number(Professional) Email(Professional)

Website

Sarah Smith735 W 38th StreetNorfolk, VA 23508

757.535.9999Sarah_Smith@gmail.com

Contact Information

What is an Objective Statement?What is an Objective Statement? Example:Example:

An objective statement focuses your resume

Be as specific as possible

State the position you are seeking

Include any relevant skills

Objective: To obtain a _____ position in a _____ which uses my (skill) and (skill).

Objective: To obtain an entry-level position in the publicity department of a commercial publishing house.

Objective Statement

What to include:What to include: Example:Example:

University attendedCity/StateDegree(s) earnedMajor/MinorGrade Point

AverageDate of Graduation

(or anticipated date)

Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Bachelor of Arts, EnglishMinor: CommunicationsGraduation: May 2009GPA: 3.6/4.0Major GPA: 3.8/4.0

Education

What to include:What to include:

Position Title EmployerLocationDates of

Employment

Paid and non-paid positions Volunteer work,

internships, etc.

Bulleted descriptions of each position Be concise

Experience

Experience Continued

Action(!) VerbsPurpose: Creates

attention grabbing descriptions that are… Specific! Impressive

Action verbs will revamp weak or understated experiences

Avoid the generic “Responsibilities included…”

Instead of helped try supported

Instead of did try managed

Awards/Honors & Extracurricular

ScholarshipsDean’s ListContests

Greek LifeClubs/OrganizationsHonor Society

Specify involvement Leadership roles

Skills

Computer Hardware Software

Languages Years studied

Certifications

Be specific

References

“Conclusion” to resume References available

upon request. Portfolio?

Separate page with same header as your resume

NameTitleBusiness AddressPhone NumberFax NumberEmail

CHRONOLOGICALFUNCTIONAL

Format

Format:Format: Pros and Cons:Pros and Cons:

List experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first)

Ideal if you have significant experience in your particular field

_________________

Relevant experience can get overlooked

Chronological

Format:Format: Pros and Cons:Pros and Cons:

Group experiences in skills categories (i.e. management skills, leadership skills, etc.)

Ideal if you have little experience

Highlights transferable skills and not gaps in employment

_________________

Risky An experience’s connection

to a skill not necessarily clear

Functional

MAKE SURE YOUR RESUME IS PERFECT!A RESUME IS NOT A “ONE SIZE FITS ALL”

BE HONEST DON’T FORGET A COVER LETTER!

Final Tips and Suggestions

For More Information

Writing Tutorial Services, BAL 1002 757.683.4013

Career Management Center, Webb 2202 757.683.4388

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/564/01/ Google: OWL Purdue