INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD RESUME

Amy Gelb, M.S.Institute for Community

Inclusion/Umass Boston/ UCED

Workforce Action GrantJanuary 26,2005

What is a Good Resume? Highlights the person’s positive

experiences and skills Information is easy to understand and

read Gives enough information to pique

reader’s interest Leaves reader wanting to find out more

GOOD RESUME (cont.) Use proper grammar No spelling mistakes Natural progression/No gaps in

professional activity Clean appearance One-Two pages depending on type of

job person is applying for and skill level and experience

Resume for Person with Little or No Experience Use a personal profile Interests Life Experience Education Volunteer Work Create a “picture” of the person

Employment Gaps Use years, not months List jobs, not dates Explain in summary section Fill in with volunteer work Productive activities, skills, trainings, Educational classes

Types of Resumes

FUNCTIONAL CHRONOLOGICAL COMBINATION

FUNCTIONAL RESUME Skills resume Experience is organized under key skillsAdvantages- Present accomplishments from all

experiences Presents strengths and avoids weaknessesDisadvantages- Some employers may not like them Can be harder to write

CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME Most recent experience is listed first, followed

by previous job

Advantages- The simplest

Disadvantages- Shows gaps in employment Frequent job changes Lack of work experience

COMBINATION RESUME Includes elements of both functional

and chronological resumes Used for someone with a long work

history Emphasizes certain skills Can include other life experiences

besides work to support your skills.

Top 10 things NOT to do Spelling errors, typos, and poor

grammar Too duty oriented Inaccurate or missing contact

information Inaccurate dates or none at all Poor formatting

Top 10 things NOT to do Functional resumes Long resumes Long paragraphs Unqualified candidates Personal information unrelated to the

job

Cover Letters Should be addressed to specific person State what job you are applying for State how you found out about the

position Explain how your experience and

education matches the job requirements

Cover Letters (cont.) Describe your interest in working with

the particular company Thank person for their time Short and to the point is always best No spelling or grammar mistakes