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PREPARING FOR YOUR CAREERWriting a Resume

Lesson 2: Resume Formats

Instructor PowerPoint

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Selecting a Resume Format Selecting a resume format is a critical strategic decision.

There are two common formats:

o Chronological Formato Functional Format.

No single format is right for everyone.

Format depends on your career objectives, whether or not you are a seasoned professional or looking for your first job.

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Common Resume Formats • Chronological formatted resume highlights

your work experience.

– Start with most recent position and list past work experience in date order.

• Functional resume, or skills-based resume, highlights skills and accomplishments rather than work experience.

• Combine the Chronological and Functional Formats to create the Combination format.

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Chronological Format In a chronological format:

• Most used resume format.

• Arranged in date order by employment history.

• List current job first with description of responsibilities and continue in date order.

• Shows career progression and highlights increased responsibility and experience.

• Individuals with little experience, use if you highlight relevant skills that support career objective.

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Chronological Format

Distribute Handout #1: Sample Chronological Resume.

Focus attention on the layout of the Work Experience section see highlighted areas on next slide.

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Mathew Franklin3223 Stevenson Street

Jackson, Mississippi 30928(111) 123-4567

mfranklin@ucc.us.comCareer Objective:Seeking entry-level position as a line operator in the chemical processing industry.

Personal Attributes:Reliable – show up on time.Honest and trustworthy – handle responsibility to get the job done.Good attitude – willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job.Dedicated – hard worker who is eager to learn.

Work Experience: Jobs are listed in Chronological OrderHandyman for Hire –2005-06Worked as a part-time handyman for hire for commercial and residential clients.Cleaned up construction sites.Painted interior and exterior walls.Raked leaves and mowed lawns.

Quick Burger – 2004-05Worked part-time as a server and grill cook for fast food restaurant.Cooked and prepared burgers.Took customer orders.Processed customer cash and charge payments.Cleaned grill and counter area.

Smith’s Grocery – 2002-04Worked part-time after school bagging groceries and stocking shelves.

Education:Jackson State University – Attended two years studying general business.National Career Readiness Certificate – Silver Level

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Chronological FormatPros:

• Easy format for first-time resume writers.

• Best used by individuals who do not have long breaks between jobs.

• Best used when applying for position similar to your most recent job.

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Chronological Format Cons:

• Not good for individuals with large gaps between jobs or many jobs.

• Tends to identify candidate by past positions rather than skills and experience in new targeted career area.

• Can be a repetitive description of responsibilities and duties instead of highlighting accomplishments and transferable skills.

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Distribute Exercise #1: Resume Formats.

You will use this handout throughout the Resume Formats lesson to mark your responses to questions.

Exercise #1: Resume Formats

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Directions:Read this scenario, then answer the question.

Scenario:Mathew is a high school graduate with two years of college at the local community college studying general business. He has had various part-time jobs while in high school and college to offset expenses. He is applying for an entry-level position at the local chemical plant.

Question 1Can Mathew use the Chronological resume format to apply for this job?

Exercise #1: Resume FormatsQuestion 1

A. Yes

B. No

C. Can’t tell.

D. He doesn’t need a resume

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Functional Format• Functional resume also known as a

Skills-Based resume focuses on relevant skills, accomplishments and experiences for a specific job opening.

• Cites specific relevant examples as proof of abilities and qualifications.

• Use when you do not have direct experience in area of position but have relevant transferable skills.

• Use when changing careers, when job titles do not match career objective or when there are large gaps in work history.

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Functional Format

Distribute Handout #2: Sample Functional Resume

Focus attention on the layout of the Qualifications Summary and Relevant Skills & Accomplishments sections see highlighted areas on next slide.

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Sue Anderson525 Hampton Rd., Tampa, FL 33610 – (111) 123-4567

Career ObjectiveSeeking challenging supervisory position in finance and accounting.

Qualifications SummaryCustomer service professional with more than three years of accounting experience. Self-motivated; able to implement decisions and set effective priorities to achieve both immediate and long-term goals. Developed interpersonal skills, having dealt with a diversity of professionals, clients, and staff members. Trustworthy, ethical and discreet, committed to superior customer service. Detail-oriented and resourceful in completing projects; able to multi-task effectively. Capabilities include:

Customer Service & Relations Accounts Payable/ Receivable General Accounting

Manage Budgets Filing & Data Archiving Telephone Reception

Extensive Computer Experience Supervisory Skills Problem Solving Skills

Relevant Skills & Accomplishments

Finance & Accounting• Prepare, monitor, and maintain computerized accounts payables and receivables system. • Verify accuracy of purchase orders and invoices.• Implemented a billing system to manage relations with clients, resulting in a 15% increase in new client acquisition.• Generate income statements, balance sheets, general ledger, checks and reports; enter payable vouchers;

received/deposited checks.• Maintain $10,000 petty cash fund and $15,000 travel budget.

Supervisory Skills

Employment HistoryCustomer Service Representative, Smith & Hughes, Tampa, FLAccounting Clerk, Dr. Robert Jones, M.D., Tampa, FL

EducationUniversity of South Florida, Bachelor’s Degree in BusinessNational Career Readiness Certificate – Gold Level

• Supervise receptionist duties on a daily basis.• Hired, trained and developed receptionist• Customer Service & Relations• Investigate and resolve customer complaints.• Coordinate clients' problem resolution with co-workers and supervisors.• Demonstrated ability to make quick and accurate decisions.• Received letters of commendation for exceptional customer service skills.

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Functional Format Pros:

• Used by individuals who are starting or changing career.

• Highlights skills and abilities to target employer’s needs.

• Includes skills and abilities applicable to career objective obtained outside of employment such as community service, special projects and organizations.

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Functional Formats Cons:

• Some employers like to see job history description to see who, what and when.

• Some employers feel this format hides or covers up important information.

• Employers want to see verifiable information not just assumed abilities.

•This type of format does not give a distinct timeline of progression and longevity.

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Directions:Read this scenario, then answer the question.

Scenario:Sue has been employed full-time as a customer service representative for 3 years at a financial institution. She has been attending college in the evening and on weekends and has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Sue is now applying for supervisory level positions in accounting.

Question 2What type of resume format should Sue use?

Exercise #1: Resume FormatsQuestion 2

A. Chronological

B. Functional

C. Can’t tell.

D. She doesn’t need a resume

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Combination Format • Combination Format is combination of

Chronological and Functional Formats to bring attention to most relevant information to meet employer’s needs.

• Chronological-Combination Resume, retains the date order Employment History section but highlight skills, accomplishments and experiences in a Summary of Qualifications.

• Functional-Combination Resume, present skills, accomplishments and experiences in Summary of Qualifications incorporating Employment History with chronological listing of past positions.

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Combination Format

Distribute Handout #3: Sample Combination Resume

Focus attention on the Functional layout of the Summary of Qualifications and Professional Accomplishments as well as the Chronological Work History section see Highlighted areas on next slide.

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GEORGE S. MARTIN 455 Henry Street, Portland, OR 97201

(111) 111-1111 Email: gsmartin@gsmartin.com

OBJECTIVETo obtain a position where I can utilize my management, customer service and quality control experience in the manufacturing industry.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONSResults-oriented, hands-on professional, with a successful record of accomplishments in the manufacturing and logistics industries.

Major strengths include proven leadership skills, excellent communication skills, supervisory skills including human resource management and other administrative tasks. Thorough knowledge of current manufacturing and logistics practices with a clear vision to accomplish company goals.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS• Facilitated educational projects to ensure safety regulations and OSHA compliance. Reduced accident

rate by 80%.• Established a new personnel program for hiring, training and motivating new employees which reduced

turnover by 40%. • Provided daily operational review/quality control of manufacturing processes as it relates to imposed

government regulatory requirements increasing company profitability by 20%.• Developed a new maintenance program, including streamlined forms and records, which saved the

company $50,000 annually.WORK HISTORY

Operations Manager, UA Manufacturing, Portland, OR: 2000 - Present Transportation Manager, Cross America Transport, Portland, OR: 1995 - 2000 Property Manager, Martin Development, Inc., Portland, OR: 1993- 1995

EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, University of OregonNational Career Readiness Certificate – Gold Level

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Other Resume FormatsAccomplishment Resume

Used by seasoned professionals applying for upper-level management positions.

Focuses on significant contributions that affect bottom line with specific results oriented examples.

Such as,• Improved productivity and efficiency• Saved the company money• Increased sales• Exceeded quality standards• Developed new concepts and products

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Other Resume Formats

Professional Resume

Focus on knowledge (education and training), experience and accomplishments in specific field or industry.

For example, information/ computer technology, accounting, sales, health care, etc.

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Other Resume FormatsCreative Resume

• Individuals specializing in entertainment, publishing, advertising or other industry where creativity is key.

• Includes basic elements as Chronological or Functional resume; however, it is presented in a more visual way.

• Incorporates linear designs and elements, computer assisted design, color, photography and other creative ideas or medium.

• These careers require creative people and resume format projects an image of their creativity.

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Other Resume FormatsCurriculum Vitae

• Utilized by individuals in the medical, scientific, research and academic professions.

• Longer than typical resume includes more detailed picture of background and skills.

• Focuses on education and training, licenses, teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors and professional affiliations.

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Question 3See if you can correctly match the individuals to the best resume format for their profession.

Exercise #1: Resume Formats - Question 3

A. Chronological ResumeB. Functional ResumeC. Combination ResumeD. Accomplishment ResumeE. Professional ResumeF. Creative ResumeG. Curriculum Vitae

_____ Nicole just graduated with a degree in graphic design.

_____ Bob was just laid off from a manufacturer where he worked for 20 years.

_____ Barbara is a financial advisor for an investment firm applying for a ChiefFinancial Officer position.

_____ Jeff just graduated from medical school.

_____ Stephen is a seasoned professional with 20 years of management experience.

_____ Stephanie is an IT professional applying for a system administrator position.

_____ Frank is a line supervisor at an assembly plant applying for a shift supervisorposition.

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Question 3See if you can correctly match the individuals to the best resume format for their profession.

Exercise #1: Question 3 - Answer

A. Chronological ResumeB. Functional ResumeC. Combination ResumeD. Accomplishment ResumeE. Professional ResumeF. Creative ResumeG. Curriculum Vitae

F Nicole just graduated with a degree in graphic design.

B or C Bob was just laid off from a manufacturer where he worked for 20 years.

D Barbara is a financial advisor for an investment firm applying for a ChiefFinancial Officer position.

G Jeff just graduated from medical school.

B or C Stephen is a seasoned professional with 20 years of management experience.

E Stephanie is an IT professional applying for a system administrator position.

A, B or Frank is a line supervisor at an assembly plant applying for a shift supervisor C position.

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As you can see, some of the individuals can use several different resume formats.

When selecting a resume format, be sure it highlights your experience and skills for the position you are applying for.

Explanation

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Electronic Resume • Electronic resumes are being used more by

companies, recruiters, employment offices and online career search engines.

• It’s important to have a Print resume, but equally important to have Electronic formatted resume.

• Electronic format includes same information as a Print resume, however, special characters/formatting are removed.

• Electronic resumes are scanned or typed into candidate database where employers search on keywords to locate qualified candidates.

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Candidate Database • Candidate database organizes resumes received by

recruiter or company.

• A plain text or text only document strips out formatting codes from document to make it easier to scan into a candidate database.

• Appearance does not matter in an electronic resume.

• Electronic resume can be copied and pasted into an email message and copied or scanned into a candidate database.

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Keyword Search • Employers perform keyword search of candidate

database to find most qualified candidates.

• Search for specific words or sets of words.

• Keywords used throughout resume describe skills, experience and knowledge.

• Keywords depend on job opening and what employer is looking for.

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Keyword Search How do you determine the keywords for your field?

Research job announcements for target jobs, make list of qualifications, technical expertise, industry jargon, product or service, knowledge and personality characteristics employer looking for.

Tips for keyword placement in resume:

• Put computer applications together in a list under a separate heading

• Put skills together in list under a separate heading

• Include acronyms with spelled out versions

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Directions:Read the Job Announcement, then compare Rosa Hernandez’s resume to the job functions and requirements.

Question 4Circle all of the keyword search items on Rosa Hernandez’s resume that are included in the Job Announcement.

Job Announcement:ABC Title is looking to add to our team of talented Customer Service Representatives! Candidates for the Customer Service Representative position should be motivated, outgoing and enthusiastic professionals. A background in consumer lending, collections and rent-to-own is a big plus.

Essential Job Functions:

Exercise #1: Resume Formats - Question 4

• Providing friendly service and sales skills via telephone • Preparing required paperwork for loan transactions • Preparing Bank Deposits • Effectively execute telephone and filed collections • Administrative responsibilities as needed

• Customer service and sales experience preferred • Collections and rent-to-own experience is a plus • Successful completion of credit check, driving record check and criminal background check • Reliable vehicle, driver’s license and proof-of-insurance are required

Position Requirements:

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Electronic Resume:Rosa Hernandez111 West Oak StreetPlano, TX 11111(111) 111-1111

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVESeeking a customer service position where I can utilize and expand on my customer service and business experience in the consumer lending industry.

PROFILEEarned National Career Readiness Certificate – Silver Level certifying skills needed for success in the workplace.Fully committed to providing the highest possible standards of customer service.People oriented; enjoy working directly with customers.Excellent telephone sales experience.Self-starter; can be depended on to complete a task under minimal supervision. Languages: fluently reads and writes English and Spanish.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE CredX, Plano, TX 5/06 to Present Customer Service RepresentativeAssist customers with loan application paperwork.Perform telephone sales to increase profitability.Perform credit analysis to determine the approval of customers’ lines of credit. Exercise a mature, diplomatic approach to resolving customer issues.Perform collection calls to overdue customer accounts.

EDUCATION Texas Tech Completed Certification for Business Administration

Exercise #1: Resume Formats - Question 4

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AnswersCustomer ServiceSales ExperienceTelephone SalesConsumer LendingCollection Calls

Participants may come up with several more words, it really depends on what search criteria the employer uses. In this case, Rosa would have had 26 total keyword hits on her resume. Most candidate databases rank the resumes based on the total number of keywords.

Exercise #1: Resume FormatsQuestion 4 - Answer

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Electronic Resume:Rosa Hernandez111 West Oak StreetPlano, TX 11111(111) 111-1111

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE – (2)Seeking a customer service position where I can utilize and expand on my customer service and business experience in the consumer lending industry. – (7)

PROFILEEarned National Career Readiness Certificate – Silver Level certifying skills needed for success in the workplace.Fully committed to providing the highest possible standards of customer service. – (2)People oriented; enjoy working directly with customers. – (1)Excellent telephone sales experience. – (3)Self-starter; can be depended on to complete a task under minimal supervision. Languages: fluently reads and writes English and Spanish.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – (1)CredX, Plano, TX 5/06 to Present Customer Service Representative – (2)Assist customers with loan application paperwork. – (1)Perform telephone sales to increase profitability. – (2)Perform credit analysis to determine the approval of customers’ lines of credit. – (1)Exercise a mature, diplomatic approach to resolving customer issues. – (1)Perform collection calls to overdue customer accounts. – (3)

EDUCATION Texas Tech Completed Certification for Business Administration – Total 26

Exercise #1: Resume FormatsQuestion 4 - Answer

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Resume Formats SummaryKey Points:

• Selecting a resume format is a critical strategic decision.

• No single format is right for everyone.

• Format depends on career objectives and level of experience.

• Employer will only spend 10 to 15 seconds looking at resume.

• Make sure you highlight relevant skills and tasks that support the position at the top of your resume an employer might not make it to the bottom!

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A. Easy format for first-time resume writers

B. Best used by individuals who do not have long breaks between jobs

C. A repetitive description of responsibilities and duties

D. Best if used for applying for a similar position as your most recent job

Question 1

What is the downside of using the Chronological format?

Topic Quiz: Resume Formats

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A. Employers like to see the detailed job history description.

B. Employers feel this format hides or covers up important information.

C. Does not give a distinct timeline of progression and longevity.

D. All of the above.

Question 2

What is the downside of using the Functional format?

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A. Focuses on significant contributions that affect the bottom line with specific results oriented examples.

B. Retains the date order Employment section but highlights skills, accomplishments and experiences in a Summary of Qualifications.

C. Presents skills, accomplishments and experiences in a Summary of Qualifications while incorporating an Employment History section with a chronological listing of past positions.

D. Incorporates linear designs and elements, computer assisted design, color, photography and any other creative ideas or medium.

Question 3

What is a Chronological-Combination Resume?

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A. To help organize the massive amounts of resumes received.

B. To identify the most qualified candidate.

C. To streamline the applicant screening process.

D. All of the above.

Question 4

What is the main purpose of a candidate database?

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A. To find the most qualified candidates in the database.

B. To rank resumes based on number of keywords.

C. To streamline the applicant screening process.

D. All of the above.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a keyword search?