RESUME

WRITING

WORKSHOPWORKSHOP

Learning Outcomes

� After today's workshop you will be able to:

� Recognize the difference between a resume and a CV

� Explain when you would use a functional resume � Explain when you would use a functional resume versus a chronological resume

� Identify proper the format of a resume and content to include in a resume

� Write a basic resume

� Recognize the three general types of cover letters

WHAT IS A RESUME?

� A summary of your qualifications� Education � Experiences (all types!!!)� Skills

Marketing tool � an advertisement on � Marketing tool � an advertisement on you!� Know your audience� Be prepared to spend ample time preparing resume

HOW IS A RESUME USED?

� Most often used when applying for employment

� Can be used to apply for a co-op or internship or summer position, graduate or internship or summer position, graduate or professional school or leadership positions in particular organizations

� A screening tool – the 10-20 second scan� Resume � Interview � References � Job Offer

WHAT IS A CURRICULUM VITA

(CV)?

� Comprehensive biographical statement� Usually 3 or more pages in length� Emphasizes qualifications and activities� Should address faculty roles such as � Should address faculty roles such as teaching, research, service, professional associations and presentations

HOW IS A CURRICULUM VITA

USED?

� In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, scientific, or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or applicable when applying for fellowships or grants

� When seeking a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume

HOW IS A CURRICULUM VITA

USED?

� Overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as:included on an American resume, such as:

� Date of birth and place of birth

� Nationality

� Marital Status

Remember that US law on what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country

FORMATS

Reverse Chronological

� Emphasizes work experience history

Functional or Skills-Based

� Organizes information around

around dates

� Highlights career progression

� Is what employers prefer

functional headings which highlight skills & abilities

Reverse Chronological

Functional or Skills-Based

Formats (continued)

� Advantages:� Easier to understand

your job historyHelps the name of a

� Advantages:� It will assist you in

achieving a new goal or � Helps the name of a

previous employer stand out

� Typically used when you are staying in the same field

� Disadvantages:� Much more difficult to

highlight what you do best

achieving a new goal or direction

� Skills stand out

� Disadvantages:� Hard for employer to

know exactly what you did in which job which could be a problem for conservative readers

� Past companies are not prominent

STYLE & APPEARANCE

� Stick to 10-12 font size� Times New Roman and Arial are standard fonts

� Use bolding, italics, all CAPS, underlining, � Use bolding, italics, all CAPS, underlining, etc.

� Use lines to separate heading/sections� Use bulleted statements with action-oriented verbs

� ½-1-inch margins all 4 sides are standard� Balance white space and text

STYLE AND APPEARANCE (continued)

� Use neutral, professional resume paper – match to cover letter and reference page

� Use letter size, 20lb., white or light colored paper

� Use same style paper for resume/CV, cover letter and references

WRITING TIPS

� Spend ample time preparing your resume/CV

� Be prepared to write and rewrite

� One-page resume is usually sufficient, CV’s � One-page resume is usually sufficient, CV’s are two or more pages

� Customize your resume/CV for each position

� Catch your reader’s eye

� Accentuate the positive

� Use action-oriented verbs and quantify when possible

� marketed

� organized

� participated

� raised

recommended

Examples of Action Verbs

� accommodated

� accomplished

� assigned

� assisted

broadened

� demonstrated

� earned

� edited

� enhanced

established

� handled

� hired

� honored

� identified

illustrated � recommended

� revised

� summarized

� supervised

� trained

� utilized

� volunteered

� won

� worked

� broadened

� budgeted

� cataloged

� chaired

� coordinated

� created

� decided

� defined

� delegated

� established

� exceeded

� facilitated

� formulated

� founded

� gained

� generated

� governed

� grouped

� illustrated

� implemented

� improved

� led

� learned

� listened

� made

� maintained

� managed

WRITING TIPs (continued)

�Remember the three C’s

� Clarity: make presentation clear and conciseand concise

� Consistency: do not mix categories and dates

� Conciseness: summarize and highlight - do not pad

WRITING TIPs (continued)

�How do I choose what will ultimately go on the final draft?

� What things are most relevant to the � What things are most relevant to the job?

� Which things are most recent chronologically?

� What things make you unique among other candidates?

THE BASICS OF RESUME CONTENT

� Categories used will vary based on your qualifications and/or intended goal

� Consider several versions of resume for different targetsdifferent targets

� Describe more than duties/tasks performed

� indicate skills developed/demonstrated

� indicate value added – accomplishments

RESUME CONTENT

� HEADING

� Cap the top of your resume with:

�Full name (can put nickname in parenthesis if you wish)parenthesis if you wish)

�Complete address (may include both permanent and present address)

�Phone number (can list work/cell phone number - designate each with an “C” “H” or “W”)

�E-mail address

EXAMPLE HEADINGS

Cecilia X. Sample222 Strawberry Lane

Columbia, South Carolina 29208

803.777.3972

Cecilia X. Sample222 Strawberry LaneCola, S.C. 29208803.777.3972

sexiicc@hotmail.com803.777.3972c.xsample@mailbox.sc.edu

sexiicc@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE

� The objective is an optional category that indicates the type of work you are seeking

� Employers prefer objectives that are specific and concise. If you know the Employers prefer objectives that are specific and concise. If you know the exact position you are pursuing or field that you are considering, you may include an objective. Otherwise, you may omit this category

EXAMPLE OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVEAn internship at Computer Sciences Corporation in computer

OBJECTIVEAn internship utilizing my skills and training.OR

programming.ORA management training position at Bank of

America.

A position in financial services where I can learn and progress in my

career.

EDUCATION

� Degrees should be listed in reverse chronology Include only those schools in which you earned a degree

� Names and locations of schools or programs � Names and locations of schools or programs

� Graduation date

� Degrees or certificates

� Major, minor or cognate

� Grade point average (if 3.0 or above)

� Awards/Honors/Scholarships (consider a separate section if more than 3)

� Study abroad experiences

EXAMPLE OF HOW TO SHOW YOUR

EDUCATION

University of South Carolina, Columbia, SCMaster of Public Health, May 2010Department: Health Promotion, Education and Behavior (HPEB)GPA: 4.0/4.0

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VABachelor of Science in Health Sciences, May 2007Concentration: Pre-Physical TherapyGPA: 3.4/4.0

Universidad de las Americas, Puebla, MexicoSummer 2006Enrolled in language, cultural and science courses

RELATED COURSEWORK� This category is optional and can also be part of

the Education section

� Mainly used when you are lacking related experience but want to demonstrate specific knowledgeknowledge

� List the titles of courses you’ve taken that relate to the position for which you are applying

RELATED COURSEWORK:Mathematics: Science:Physics General ChemistryCalculus Organic ChemistryStatistics Biology

EXPERIENCE

� Include full-time and part-time jobs,

summer positions, volunteer work, military

service, internships, self-employment,

research projects, and even activities if they research projects, and even activities if they

are directly related to the position

� In some cases you may wish to divide this

category into two sections: one called

Related Experience and one called

Additional Experience

EXPERIENCE (continued)

EXPERIENCEClinical Pharmacist Assistant, 08/06–presentPalmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital, Columbia, SC• Partner with and help doctors and professors in • Partner with and help doctors and professors in the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

• Develop positive relationships with clients and co-workers

• Developed an archival system for patient data and information

• Trained 12 employees on the treatment of confidential documents

ADDITIONAL CATAGORIES

� HONORS, ACTIVITIES, RESEARCH, PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

� You may specifically want to list:

Activities or leadership positions that � Activities or leadership positions that demonstrate job related skills

� Honors or awards (Scholarships may or may not be relevant)

ADDITIONAL CATAGORIES (continued)

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, awarded August 2005 for Arabic language study at the American University in Cairo in Cairo, Egypt. Study American University in Cairo in Cairo, Egypt. Study period: January to May, 2007

• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, 2006-present

• USC McKissick Scholarship, 2003-present

• Girl Scout Gold Award, 2003

• Howard County Asset Ambassador, May 2003

ADDITIONAL CATAGORIES (continued)

� SKILLS

� We recommend a separate section listing computer skills. Be specific, listing product names and version numbers if possiblenames and version numbers if possible

� Students seeking technology positions specifically should break this list down into subcategories such as programming languages, hardware, software, operating systems, databases, peripherals, etc.

� If you speak more than one language, you should also list them here, indicating your level of proficiency in each

ADDITIONAL CATAGORIES (continued)

SKILLS

Computer• Languages: C++, java, HTML, CSS• Applications: Eclipse, Microsoft Office, Putty, • Applications: Eclipse, Microsoft Office, Putty, MATHLAB

• Machines: Unix, Linux, Solaris

Languages• Fluent in French and Spanish, Basic knowledge of German

Let’s look at some other examples

� http://www.sc.edu/career/SampleResumes/bycollege.html

TYPES OF COVER LETTERS

� There are three general types of cover letters:

� The application letter which responds to The application letter which responds to a known job opening

� The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions

� The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search

APPLICATION -COVER LETTER

� Should be specific to the position

� Explain the reasons for your interest in the organization and in the job you in the organization and in the job you are applying for

� Explains how your skills relate to the criteria listed in the job posting

PROSPECTING -COVER LETTER

� Sent to prospective employers that may be hiring, but, haven't listed a specific job opening to apply for. Should contain information on:

� Why the company interests you

� Why your skills and experience would be an asset to the company

� How you will follow-up and where you can be reached

NETWORKING –COVER LETTER

� Used to set up an informational interview

� Make your request clear� Make your request clear

� Why the career interests you and what you expect to ascertain

� How much time are you requesting (20 minutes is typical)

� How you will follow-up and where you can be reached

FORMAT OF A COVER LETTER

� Use your resume heading as a letterhead

� Three basic paragraphs:� Three basic paragraphs:

1. Why are you writing to them and who are you?

2. Why are you the best fit for their organization and this position?

3. How will you follow up with them from here?

REFERENCE TIPS

� Choose references carefully

� Ask references

� Gather accurate contact information� Gather accurate contact information

� Prepare references

� Keep references informed

� Thank references

Final TIPS

� Employers only look at a resume for 10 -20 seconds, make sure they get what you want them to from that glance!

� Always include a cover letter when mailing � Always include a cover letter when mailing out your resume

� Paper clip, do not staple, your cover letter to your resume

� Use matching paper

CAREER CENTER RESOURCES

� Resume Critiques - On-Call Counseling from 1-4pm, Monday-Friday

� Resume & Cover Letter Writing Books, and � Web resources (www.sc.edu/career)� Resume tip sheet � Resume tip sheet

(http://www.sc.edu/career/tipsheets.html) � Optimal Resume

� A web-based template/tutorial that provides resume writing and formatting assistance

� It is FREE for any current USC student� Select Optimal Resume from the Career Center homepage

� Use USC email address to get started

THANK YOU

FOR

ATTENDING ATTENDING

THIS

WORKSHOP!