Resume Content
Name Block
Use your full first name. Avoid using nicknames that are "cutesy" or "pet names." If you have a preference to be called by a shortened version of your full name, then it is acceptable to put this name in parentheses or quotes (e.g., Elizabeth and prefer to be called "Betty"). Your address should not contain abbreviations. Make sure your phone number includes the area code. Also, provide a phone number where you can be reached at all times, either by an answering machine, or an alternate message number. Do not put your name and address on one line for a scannable resume as the computer may be confused by this format. Typing your name in bold, and/or all capitals will make it stand out.
ELIZABETH "BETTY" APPLICANT
1443 Hire Me Lane
Employability, Minnesota 55555
555-555-5555
Employment or Career Objective
Include an objective when you are pursuing a specific job goal, or when you know the exact title of the position for which you are applying. The objective targets your resume, but also limits its use to those jobs that match your goal. Therefore, the objective may be considered an optional part of your resume. If you do not include an objective, be sure to state it in your cover letter. Summary of Qualifications and Accomplishments A summary of your qualifications and accomplishments highlights skills that support your job goals. It can include key skills, employment related accomplishments, and personal attributes.
Employment History
List your most recent employment first. A general standard is, "List the last three jobs, or the last 10 years, whichever comes first." Focus on recent jobs and those that are most appropriate to your goals. If you have large gaps in employment, or have changed jobs frequently, consider using a functional resume. How you use your resume and the makeup of your experience, will determine the amount of information to include. Many job seekers, and employers, use the resume as a substitute application (this is very useful if the application works against your qualifications). As a substitute application the resume should include employer contact information. Many resumes list only employer name, city and state. Contact information is provided through an employment application or reference sheet. One advantage in limiting this information is to keep the resume focused on your qualifications. Also, some people may not want a prospective employer to be able to easily reach a previous employer. Ultimately the choice is yours. There is no one standard that fits all situations.
Organizations
List organizational memberships related to your job goal and show professional standing. Avoid using non-employment related or controversial organizations. Generally, it is best NOT to mention specific religious or political affiliations, or other potentially controversial groups, unless they directly relate to the job you want.
Awards or Recognition
Let the employer know of any awards or recognition you have received, (e.g., employee of the month, etc.), if it is timely and appropriate.
Education
If your skill and experience come from employment, then list employment first and education last. List education first, if the emphasis is on education, i.e., a recent graduate. If you are a college graduate, state the name of the institution, location (city and state), degree earned, and field of study.
Additional Points to Consider Regarding Education
• Carefully consider listing the dates you graduated from school. List the dates of recent education because it increases its value. Older educational experiences may not be valued by the reader and can be used in age discrimination.
• Do not list High School graduation if you have completed a college degree. If you have taken post high school classes, but did not achieve a degree, then list your high school.
• When listing recent education, target specific skills and academic accomplishments.
• A GED can be listed as a High School graduate. If the GED was achieved through a local school, then list the name of that school. Otherwise, leave off the name of the school. Or you may choose to list the last school attended or the school district name.
• Do not include an education section if you dropped out of high school and had no formal training either in school or from an employer.
• Include relevant employer sponsored training. Be sure that the training is targeted to your job goal and is attention getting to a new employer. Summarize extensive employer training by type and only include training that is relevant to a new job.
• If you have conducted a thorough independent study into a job-related topic, then you may summarize it as part of your education.
• If you are currently taking classes or pursuing a degree related to your job goal, then include them in the resume. List the skills acquired, academic accomplishments, and the projected date of completion.
Military
Include military experience that fills gaps in employment or supports your job goal as part of your work history. "Civilianize" your military language, (e.g., NCOIC to Supervisor).
Hobbies/Personal Interests
Include hobbies/personal interests if they are employment related, they are not controversial, and they show skill and experience.
References
Do not include references on the resume. Do not use the statement, "References available upon request." It is assumed by most employers that you will provide them with this information. Once an employer requests references, be prepared to give them 3 to 5 references who can speak about your work habits and professional qualifications. Always seek permission before using someone as a reference.
To review the Resume Outline in more depth, follow this link: Resume Outline
Senin, 25 Februari 2008
Jumat, 22 Februari 2008
Job Skills Identification
Job Skills Identification
Looking for work is selling a product. A successful job search is a sales and marketing campaign. The most effective job seekers use sales techniques in their job search to set themselves apart from the competition. The sooner you apply sales strategies to your job search the sooner you will begin to see results in your search for employment. To successfully sell a product a salesperson must first know exactly what that product can do. The same is true for your job search. Employers do not just want to know where you have been and what your job titles were. They want to know what you can do. If you were looking to purchase a product that would cost you thousands of dollars annually you too would want to know what it can do.
Consider a major purchase you made or are planning to make: a car, appliances, a computer or stereo equipment. If you are a smart consumer you will shop around. You ask questions. You want to know exactly what each product can do and what sets it apart from the competition. It is the salesperson's job to convince you that their product is the best. If they are unfamiliar with the product, or are not sold on the product themselves, there is little hope they will be able to sell you. This is why salespeople spend many hours learning their products. This is also why you need to invest time in identifying your skills.
Skills are the performance specifications of your product - you.
The average person has between 500 and 800 skills! You need to identify those skills that are the most attractive to potential employers. Many people have a hard time identifying their skills, because we often define skills too narrowly. Do not think of a skill as something that requires years of formal education and experience to develop. A skill is anything you can do right now!
Job Skills
Job skills are those skills specific to a job or occupation. A secretary, for example, might be skilled in typing, word processing, filing, answering telephones and company correspondence. An accountant might list accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, taxes, using a 10-key and computer accounting programs. A salesperson might include customer service, record keeping, order processing, inventory management, billing and product displays. Ultimately, job skills need to be stated in specific terms. For example, computer skills should be identified by the specific programs used.
Job skills are important to employers for obvious reasons. They are the specific skills employers look for in a candidate. Job skills do not always come from employment. You may have also developed job skills through education, hobbies, community activities and life experiences.
Self-Management Skills
These are skills you use day to day to get along with others or to survive. They are the skills that make you unique. Sincerity, reliability, tactfulness, patience, flexibility, timeliness, or tolerance are all examples of self-management skills. Employers look for these skills to determine how a candidate will fit into the organization. How a person will "fit in" is an important consideration for employers.
Transferable Skills
Many skills can transfer from one job or occupation to another. For most job seekers it is very unlikely they will find a job that is identical to their previous employment. Therefore, it is critical for a successful job seeker to carefully evaluate how their skills transfer into other opportunities.
Duties
Many people have trouble distinguishing between their duties and skills. Duties are the basic functions of an activity, while skills are the tools to accomplish those functions. Duties or functions are a part of any organized activity whether it is employment, volunteer work or hobbies.
A simple example is the management of a lemonade stand. The basic duties might include production, marketing, distribution and financial management. There are many skills needed to accomplish these functions, including: mixing, measuring, planning, sales, customer service, writing, cash handling, record keeping, maintenance, dependability, accuracy and motivation. This list of skills could go on and on.
Writing out the duties or functions of an activity first can be a useful way to begin identifying skills. When presenting your skills to an employer it is best to tie them to specific activities.
Accomplishments
An effective salesperson will not only describe the specifications of a product; they will promote its performance. They will also note examples of success and customer satisfaction. Your accomplishments are your record of success. Along with where and when, employers want to know how you used those skills. They want to hear how you excelled in your performance. Accomplishments can be the edge that sets you apart from the competition.
Brought to you by: www.professional-resume-example.com
Looking for work is selling a product. A successful job search is a sales and marketing campaign. The most effective job seekers use sales techniques in their job search to set themselves apart from the competition. The sooner you apply sales strategies to your job search the sooner you will begin to see results in your search for employment. To successfully sell a product a salesperson must first know exactly what that product can do. The same is true for your job search. Employers do not just want to know where you have been and what your job titles were. They want to know what you can do. If you were looking to purchase a product that would cost you thousands of dollars annually you too would want to know what it can do.
Consider a major purchase you made or are planning to make: a car, appliances, a computer or stereo equipment. If you are a smart consumer you will shop around. You ask questions. You want to know exactly what each product can do and what sets it apart from the competition. It is the salesperson's job to convince you that their product is the best. If they are unfamiliar with the product, or are not sold on the product themselves, there is little hope they will be able to sell you. This is why salespeople spend many hours learning their products. This is also why you need to invest time in identifying your skills.
Skills are the performance specifications of your product - you.
The average person has between 500 and 800 skills! You need to identify those skills that are the most attractive to potential employers. Many people have a hard time identifying their skills, because we often define skills too narrowly. Do not think of a skill as something that requires years of formal education and experience to develop. A skill is anything you can do right now!
Job Skills
Job skills are those skills specific to a job or occupation. A secretary, for example, might be skilled in typing, word processing, filing, answering telephones and company correspondence. An accountant might list accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, taxes, using a 10-key and computer accounting programs. A salesperson might include customer service, record keeping, order processing, inventory management, billing and product displays. Ultimately, job skills need to be stated in specific terms. For example, computer skills should be identified by the specific programs used.
Job skills are important to employers for obvious reasons. They are the specific skills employers look for in a candidate. Job skills do not always come from employment. You may have also developed job skills through education, hobbies, community activities and life experiences.
Self-Management Skills
These are skills you use day to day to get along with others or to survive. They are the skills that make you unique. Sincerity, reliability, tactfulness, patience, flexibility, timeliness, or tolerance are all examples of self-management skills. Employers look for these skills to determine how a candidate will fit into the organization. How a person will "fit in" is an important consideration for employers.
Transferable Skills
Many skills can transfer from one job or occupation to another. For most job seekers it is very unlikely they will find a job that is identical to their previous employment. Therefore, it is critical for a successful job seeker to carefully evaluate how their skills transfer into other opportunities.
Duties
Many people have trouble distinguishing between their duties and skills. Duties are the basic functions of an activity, while skills are the tools to accomplish those functions. Duties or functions are a part of any organized activity whether it is employment, volunteer work or hobbies.
A simple example is the management of a lemonade stand. The basic duties might include production, marketing, distribution and financial management. There are many skills needed to accomplish these functions, including: mixing, measuring, planning, sales, customer service, writing, cash handling, record keeping, maintenance, dependability, accuracy and motivation. This list of skills could go on and on.
Writing out the duties or functions of an activity first can be a useful way to begin identifying skills. When presenting your skills to an employer it is best to tie them to specific activities.
Accomplishments
An effective salesperson will not only describe the specifications of a product; they will promote its performance. They will also note examples of success and customer satisfaction. Your accomplishments are your record of success. Along with where and when, employers want to know how you used those skills. They want to hear how you excelled in your performance. Accomplishments can be the edge that sets you apart from the competition.
Brought to you by: www.professional-resume-example.com
Selasa, 05 Februari 2008
Professional Affiliations in Resumes
I recently received a question from a gentleman that I thought would be good to include in this blog for more people to read. I was helping him create a resume targeted to a new industry. The question is about including information from one's past that looks good, but isn’t quite relevant to the current resume or the job being targeted.
Question:
I want to list a professional affiliation on my resume even though it isn't related to my current career path. I'm proud of the work I have done with this group. What do you think?
My response:
Does it positively affect your "bid" for the new position you are targeting? Will most hiring managers even know what that membership is? If I were a future employer of someone in your current chosen field, would it matter to me that you were a board member of that particular organization?
I'm asking these questions because it is my job to focus the resume on a specific job target. If you were targeting employment in the specific field that the professional affiliation would support, then absolutely, that would be essential. Because you are targeting a different field entirely, it is not important. Well, that isn't exactly true. Yes, it is important to you, but it's not important to prospective employers.
Your resume MUST be tightly focused on one field - one target - one goal.
Each resume must be refined not only to include everything that leads an employer to conclude that you are perfect for the job, but it must also exclude anything that prevents the employer from reaching that conclusion.
~Carla Vaughan
Professional Resumes
Question:
I want to list a professional affiliation on my resume even though it isn't related to my current career path. I'm proud of the work I have done with this group. What do you think?
My response:
Does it positively affect your "bid" for the new position you are targeting? Will most hiring managers even know what that membership is? If I were a future employer of someone in your current chosen field, would it matter to me that you were a board member of that particular organization?
I'm asking these questions because it is my job to focus the resume on a specific job target. If you were targeting employment in the specific field that the professional affiliation would support, then absolutely, that would be essential. Because you are targeting a different field entirely, it is not important. Well, that isn't exactly true. Yes, it is important to you, but it's not important to prospective employers.
Your resume MUST be tightly focused on one field - one target - one goal.
Each resume must be refined not only to include everything that leads an employer to conclude that you are perfect for the job, but it must also exclude anything that prevents the employer from reaching that conclusion.
~Carla Vaughan
Professional Resumes
Minggu, 03 Februari 2008
Interview Thank You Note
Interview Thank You Note
After your interview, be sure to write a thank you note to the employer or interviewer. This is very important because a thank you note gives you one more chance to remind the employer about the special skills that you can bring to the company.
It is a good idea to request the interviewer's business card before leaving the interview. This will help when writing your thank you note to correctly spell the interviewer's name and job title.
Tips for thank you notes:
Neatly hand write or type the note.
Address the note to the interviewer or the lead interviewer.
Keep it short. (No longer than one page.)
First paragraph: Thank the employer for the interview. Also, mention that you are interested in the position.
Second paragraph: Briefly state a few of your skills without repeating the information on your resume word for word. Include any important information not mentioned at the interview.
Third paragraph: Provide your contact information, telephone number with area code, and an e-mail address, if available.
Sign the note with your first and last name.
Proofread the note to check for spelling or grammar errors. Ask another person to proofread the note.
Mail the note within two to three days after your interview.
For more information about job interviewing, follow this link: Job Interviews
Have a great day.
After your interview, be sure to write a thank you note to the employer or interviewer. This is very important because a thank you note gives you one more chance to remind the employer about the special skills that you can bring to the company.
It is a good idea to request the interviewer's business card before leaving the interview. This will help when writing your thank you note to correctly spell the interviewer's name and job title.
Tips for thank you notes:
Neatly hand write or type the note.
Address the note to the interviewer or the lead interviewer.
Keep it short. (No longer than one page.)
First paragraph: Thank the employer for the interview. Also, mention that you are interested in the position.
Second paragraph: Briefly state a few of your skills without repeating the information on your resume word for word. Include any important information not mentioned at the interview.
Third paragraph: Provide your contact information, telephone number with area code, and an e-mail address, if available.
Sign the note with your first and last name.
Proofread the note to check for spelling or grammar errors. Ask another person to proofread the note.
Mail the note within two to three days after your interview.
For more information about job interviewing, follow this link: Job Interviews
Have a great day.
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