Resumes

 

What Goes on a Resume?

WHAT IS A RESUME FOR?

  • Job-hunting tool that allows you to apply for a job
  • Initiates contact with a potential employer
  • Gives an employer a “snapshot” of your education, experience, skills, and goals
  • Serves as a guideline for you to review your qualifications before an interview
  • Allows networking with people who can help you in your job search
  • Leaves information about you with potential employer to promote candidacy
  • Supplements completed application forms

·        Helps you to obtain the job interview

SPECIAL RULES FOR RESUMES

  • Keep to one page, if possible
  • Use perfect grammar, spelling, punctuation
  • Use laser printer, not a word processor
  • Print on bond paper
  • “References Furnished Upon Request” is an optional line at the end, or may be put in your cover letter
  • There is no rule for the order the sections must be in after EDUCATION.  Arrange the order to best support your objective, whether or not the objective is stated on the resume.
  • Everything listed is in reverse chronological order

ELECTRONIC RESUMES REQUIRE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS

Electronic resumes are modified versions of your conventional resume, which can be scanned and stored in the database of an employer, or are those which are entered into an online application.

  • Scannable or internet resumes should not contain italics, underlining, bold, centering, tabs or bullets (you may give emphasis by using caps and asterisks)
  • Do not use a point size under 11 or over 14
  • Internet resumes must be plain text or ASCII format
  • Consider adding a “Keywords” section: Utilize nouns and keywords unique to the industry.  Read help wanted ads for the keywords you can use

 

RESUME TEMPLATE

 

NAME and ADDRESS

  • May include college and home address
  • Include telephone numbers and email addresses; be sure that the email account name and the greeting on your voicemail are appropriate to use with employers

EDUCATION

  • Reverse order, most recent first
  • Do not include high school unless you are a freshman (or sophomore)
  • Do include:  degree, institution, graduation date, major and minor
  • You may also include relevant upper level courses if they support the position you are seeking
  • GPA, if 3.2 or higher
  • Include study abroad or other institutions or special programs
  • Include any foreign languages in which you are fluent or strongly proficient
  • Include a section on Honors and Achievements for items such as scholarships or academic distinction.
  • Include a section to describe any significant activities while in college, such as varsity teams, leadership positions in clubs, significant community service and positions such as Resident Assistant.
  • Include any foreign languages in which you are fluent or strongly proficient.
  • (These latter three may all be separate sections.  Activities may be combined with
  •  Honors and Awards or Achievements)          

EXPERIENCE

  • Most recent first
  • May be paid or unpaid
  • List job title, employer, dates (without months)
  • Use action verbs – present jobs in present tense, past jobs in past tense
  • Include responsibilities and stress accomplishments
  • Avoid gerunds or passive language

SKILLS

  • Computer knowledge, particularly of specialized and graphics programs
  • Include certifications in all fields, martial arts, sports referee, trainer

ACTIVITIES

  • List ones that are interesting or unusual
  • Illustrate well-rounded personality

OBJECTIVE AND PROFILE

  • These are sections that we recommend omitting.  Focus the resume on your education, interests and experience.

COVER LETTER FORMAT                                           

Street Address
City, State Zip
Date

Ms. Jessica Doe
Title
Company
Street Address
City, State Zip

Dear Ms. Doe:

First Paragraph:

  • Tell why you are writing
  • Use specifics of job
  • If referred by someone, indicate that

Second Paragraph:

  • Highlight some of your particular characteristics
  • Make positive statements about your ability and experience
  • Indicate examples of accomplishments

Third Paragraph:

  • Request an interview
  • Indicate how the reader can get in touch with you
  • Thank the reader for considering you

 Closing,

 Your Name

 

ACTION WORDS

build                   divert               investigate             imagine

compose            perform             observe                 invent

set-up                demonstrate      estimate               innovate

operate               present             appraise               synthesize

assemble           conduct             assess                 integrate

design                guide                screen                  adapt

construct            inspire              audit                     formulate

repair                  plan                  inspect                 visualize

expedite              make               examine               conceptualize

dispatch              hire                  collect                  create    

collate                delegate            gather                  restore

manipulate          contract             interview             photograph

tabulate              schedule            survey                 illustrate

record                coordinate         research                decorate

calculate            supervise           inquire                  style  

arrange              direct                 analyze                 devise

compile              evaluate             dissect                 originate

organize             summarize         diagnose              sketch    

typing                 implement         classify                 establish

copy                  advise                review                   revise

compare             read                  experiment            process  

compute             proofread           forecast                 produce

manage              edit                    program                accelerate

prepare               communicate     systematize           accomplish

transcribe           explain               question                conceive

promote             interpret              judge                    demonstrate

develop              translate             predict                  expand

help                   write                  maintain                execute

persuade            cooperate          motivate                increase

influence             instruct              negotiate              initiate

arbitrate              consult              service                  improve

articulate             counsel             start                      introduce

achieve               facilitate            streamline              withdraw

sell                     listen                strengthen              won

bargain               understand        structure                work

guide                  collaborate        trace                      transfer

shape                 coach               administer              utilize

anticipate            entertain            track                     unify  

 

Resume Considerations for Teachers