CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

IT’S A NEW WORLD - BE READY!DEVELOPING YOUR RESUME

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUMES

A Well-Written Resume Will:

Stand out!Make a positive first impression.Earn the interview.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUMES

Highlight and Market Your:

Work experienceVolunteer experienceEducationSpecial skillsAccomplishments

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUMES

Get a 15-30 second review.Must be perfect - no errors.Must be business-like and professional.Be concise: < 5 yrs experience = 1 page resume.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUMES

Target and Tailor:

Objective statement to position requirements.Resume to position requirements.Include specific accomplishments, skills and responsibilities.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUME READER

Determines:

Does this candidate’s qualifications fit the job description?What skills will this individual bring to our organization?How is he/she superior to the other candidates?

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUME TYPES

CHRONOLOGICAL: shows employment history from most to least recent. Most common type.

FUNCTIONAL: qualifications organized by skills and experience. Usually for someone who has been in a professional position 5+ years.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

GATHER YOUR INFORM

ATION

School: G.P.A., academic accomplishments, activities.Work History: dates, addresses, responsibilities & accomplishments.Community: service, awards, etc.Related Skills/Accomplishments.Reference Contact Information.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUME GUIDELINES

DON’T:

Include any negative information.Exaggerate or lie!Use the word “I.”Include a photo.Say “References available upon request.”Add borders, clip art, or humor/creative text.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

SECTIONS IN A RESUM

E

1. Job Objective2.Education and Training3.Work/Volunteer History

Optional Sections:4. Skills and Abilities5.Honors and Awards6.Activities

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

OBJECTIVE

Begin with an Objective Statement.

Indicates what you would like to do.Is specific to a job opening.Is concise.

Example: “An internship position at McMahon and Ryan

Legal Firm in order to learn more about the paralegal practice.”

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUME GUIDELINES

Experience or Education

Lead with your most qualifying factorList experience first if you have at least 3 years of work experience.List all paid and unpaid relevant work.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

EXPERIENCE

Experience List:

Use reverse chronological order

Include:Dates of employmentOrganization’s name, city, and stateJob titleJob responsibilities

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

EXPERIENCE

Responsibilities/Skills Descriptions:

• Use short sentences.• Begin sentences with action

verbs.

Examples:• “Maintained a balanced cash drawer and

accurately completed accounting reports.”• “Trained a new employee on end-of-shift

accounting procedures.”

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

EXPERIENCE

analyzed installed provided

assisted maintained repaired

coordinated managed scheduled

designed operated served

developed organized sold

improved prepared trained

USE ACTIVE VERBS:

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

EDUCATION

List:

Dates of attendanceSchool nameCity, stateAny degree you have attainedHigh G.P.A. or honors

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

SPECIAL SKILLS & ACHIEVEM

ENTS

Tailor to Meet Job Requirements:

List:Technology skillsLanguage skillsAcademic honorsCommunity, school, sports involvement.“Soft” skills such as leadership, teamwork, etc.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

RESUME GUIDELINES

Must be Easy to Read:

Plain type: Times New Roman or Ariel.Font size: 11 - 14 point.Wide margins, headings, bold print, bullets.Balanced between margins.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

EDIT AND PROOF

Edit and proof your resume and cover letter.Ask another qualified person to edit and proof your resume.You want to avoid the “round file.”

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

ELECTRONIC RESUMES

Stored in databases, searched by keywords.Use keywords (nouns) to describe skills/experience.Don’t use italics, bold type, underlining, bullets, etc.Include only your e-mail address if sent over the Internet.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

REFERENCES

Supply when requested.Do not include with resume.Ask the person before using them as a reference.Make sure you have their current contact information.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

COVER LETTERS

Always include with your resume.Highlight most important information on resume.Make unique for each reader.

CENTRAL COUNTY ROP

COVER LETTERS

Typically Includes Three Paragraphs:

1. Answers questions: “Who are you?” and “Why are you writing to me?”

2. Summary of qualifications.3. Reinforces why you are a good

fit; asks for an interview.