Resume Tips: Resume Handout

Resume

o       A resume is a 1 to 2 page summary of one's experience, education, skills and qualifications.

-         Unless you have a lot of experience, keep your resume to only 1 page.

o       Purpose: to get you an interview, or to the next stage in the application process.

 

Three Common Resume Formats

 

1) Basic Resume (includes basic education experience and personal information)

²     Focuses on the "Education" section which includes: degree, major, university, department, date, main courses, special electives, scholarships, honors, extracurricular activities, certifications and skills.

²     Often used by graduates who have limited work experience.

 

2) Chronological Resume (arranged in time order)

²     Most popular resume for people with steady work experience.

²     Should include a work objective that reflects both what you've done and what you want to do in the future.

²     The work experience section should list your employment history in time order

o       often presented in reverse chronological order with the most recent job first

o       includes the names of former employers, job titles, employment dates and a brief description of accomplishments, skills, and responsibilities

 

3) Functional Resume (based on particular skills for a certain purpose)

²     Used by people making a significant career change or re-entering the job market after a long time out of it.

²     Stresses your accomplishments and transferable skills in an "Areas of Effectiveness" or "Experience" section.

²     Previous employers and job titles are briefly mentioned in a "Work History" or "Employment History" section.

 

Guidelines

"Your resume is scanned, not read." You've generally got 10 to 20 seconds to catch the reader's attention.

 

-         relate your experience to what the employer needs.

-         use facts and figures to support your statements.

-         be positive

-         be brief – incomplete sentences are allowed in resumes.

-         don't refer to yourself as "I"

-         always proofread – spelling and grammar mistakes can lose you a job.

 

 

References

Shi Dingle et al. Business English. Beijing Institute of Technology Press. 2003.

 

 "Your Guide to Resume Writing." Jobweb: Career Development and Job Search Advice for New College Graduates. National Association of Colleges and Employers. [http:// www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/resume_guide/how_to.htm] (16 Mar. 2007).