Developing an Effective Résumé

Skills Employers Want(5 = extremely important)

(Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers)

• Interpersonal (4.67)• Teamwork (4.65)• Analytical (4.56)• Oral Communication

(4.53)• Flexibility (4.52)

• Computer (4.32)• Written Communication

(4.12)• Leadership (4.08)• Work Experience (4.05)• Internship Experience

(3.77)• Co-op Experience (3.37)

Top 10 Personal Characteristics Employers Seek in Job CandidatesSource: Planning Job Choices, National Association of

Colleges and Employers

• Honesty/Integrity• Motivation/Initiative• Communication Skills• Self-Confidence• Flexibility

• Interpersonal Skills• Strong Work Ethic• Teamwork Skills• Leadership Skills• Enthusiasm

Developing an Effective Résumé

• Definition– Résumé—a detailed listing of your

education, work experience, skills, accomplishments, and interests.

• Purpose– The primary purpose of a résumé is to get

an interview.

Before You Develop Your Résumé

• Complete a thorough self-assessment– What are your strengths and weaknesses?– What type of work do you want to do?– Where do you want to work (geographically)?– How much do you expect to be paid?

• Explore the career you are seeking– What skills/qualifications are required?– Will you “fit in”?

Types of Résumés

• Chronological

• Functional

• Targeted

What Should You Include on Your Résumé?

• Heading– Name– Address (permanent and school)– Telephone number– Email address– Cell number

What Should You Include on Your Résumé?

• Objective– Clear, focused objective– Be aware of pitfalls

What Should You Include on Your Résumé?

• Education– Include date of completion of each degree– List credentials in reverse chronological order– Include special awards, honors, recognitions– Organization/club affiliations– Relevant courses– GPA?

What Should You Include on Your Résumé?

• Work experience– List in reverse chronological order– Identify job titles– List duties (use action words)– Provide inclusive dates of employment

What Should You Include on Your Résumé?

• Skills– Include special skills that do not fit in other

categories• Computer languages

• Computer software skills

What Should You Include on Your Résumé?

• Awards/Honors– Include items that do not fit under education,

experience, or other categories

What Should You Include on Your Résumé?

• References– List references only with permission

• Courtesy/professional title

• Name

• Mailing address

• Telephone number

– Use “References Provided Upon Request”

Constructing Your Résumé

• Make it neat and appealing• Print résumé on plain white paper• Use an easy-to-read font• Be creative, but do not overdo graphics or

special designs• Proofread for

grammar/spelling/typographical mistakes

Constructing Your Résumé

• Use a consistent format

• Do not crowd items on the page

• Limit to one page (no more than two)

• Use action words

• Make clean photocopies

Writing the Cover Letter

• Personalize letter for each company/job

• Use a standard format—block or modified block

• Balance the letter on the page

• Include all standard business letter parts

• Use same paper as used for résumé

• PROOFREAD!!

Writing the Cover Letter

• Solicited or Unsolicited?

• Paragraph 1– Apply for the specific job– Tell how you learned of the opening

Writing the Cover Letter

• Paragraphs 2 & 3– Match your education/skills to employer

expectations– Refer to an important point on your résumé– Be positive!– Refrain from negative comments about past or

present employers– Tell how you can help the reader

Writing the Cover Letter

• Paragraphs 2 & 3 (continued)– Include salary requirements if requested– Maintain an “audience-centered” approach

Writing the Cover Letter

• Last paragraph– Request an interview at reader’s convenience– Provide a convenient day/time for yourself– Provide a telephone number

Mailing Your Letter/Résumé

• Mail your documents in a large envelope

• Consider Certified Mail, Return Receipt

Follow-Up Communications

• Telephone or write if you have no return communication within several days

Electronic/On-Line Job Searches

• Faxing your résumé– Fax only if requested to do so– Include a cover letter– Use well-formatted, neat originals– Follow up with a regular printed copy

Electronic/On-Line Job Searches

• Emailing your résumé– Use a WP and attach to email document– Use a simple format

Electronic/On-Line Job Searches

• On-line résumés– Post on your own web site if you have one

– Use a commercial site• www.monster.com

• www.HotJobs.com

• www.CareerSite.com

• www.kforce.com

• www.OfficeTeam.com

• www.americasjobbank.com

Electronic/On-Line Job Searches

• On-line résumés– Use key words throughout your résumé– Employ the KISS principle

Be Persistent