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Create a Resume to Market Your Skills Write an Effective Cover Letter Develop a Reference List Prepared by the WCTC C

Purpose of a Resume. Formal, organized summary of your job and job-related experiences, education and skills that shows you are qualified for the job.Sparks the employer's interest to call you for an interview.Tool to market your skills, work experience and accomplishments.. Choosing the Right Format for You.

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Create a Resume to Market Your Skills Write an Effective Cover Letter Develop a Reference List Prepared by the WCTC C

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    1. Create a Resume to Market Your Skills Write an Effective Cover Letter Develop a Reference List Prepared by the WCTC Career Center Welcome to creating your resume, cover letter and reference list presentation. To advance the presentation, go to “Slide Show” and select Start Slide Show. To advance to the next slide just left click your mouse and the presentation will automatically advance to the next slide. However, if you wish to review past slides; just start the presentation again. Welcome to creating your resume, cover letter and reference list presentation. To advance the presentation, go to “Slide Show” and select Start Slide Show. To advance to the next slide just left click your mouse and the presentation will automatically advance to the next slide. However, if you wish to review past slides; just start the presentation again.

    2. Purpose of a Resume Formal, organized summary of your job and job-related experiences, education and skills that shows you are qualified for the job. Sparks the employer’s interest to call you for an interview. Tool to market your skills, work experience and accomplishments. Your resume is a summary of your job experiences, skills and education and should show you are qualified for the job. It is to spark the employer’s interest to call you for an interview. It is more than just a chronological history of the jobs you have held; it is a tool to market your skills and accomplishments.Your resume is a summary of your job experiences, skills and education and should show you are qualified for the job. It is to spark the employer’s interest to call you for an interview. It is more than just a chronological history of the jobs you have held; it is a tool to market your skills and accomplishments.

    3. Choosing the Right Format for You There are 3 formats to choose from: Chronological ~ This format is chosen when you: Can show progression/advancement in jobs Have no gaps in employment history Want your work history to stand out Functional/Skills Based ~ This format is chosen when you: Are changing careers Have gaps in your employment history Are a recent graduate Have little paid work experience Are re-entering workforce Have a complicated work history Combination of the Chronological and Functional ~ This format is chosen when: You have at least some professional experience in your field of interest. You want to feature your skills related to your stated objective. Deciding which format to use is a critical step in developing your resume. Consider the following in making your choice of format. Deciding which format to use is a critical step in developing your resume. Consider the following in making your choice of format.

    4. Sections of a Resume Chronological Heading Objective Summary Education Experience Now we will begin to address specific sections of a resume. Please follow along using your template as a guide and complete sections of your template as we present them. As you can see by the comparisons of the 3 formats, they have similar sections. Sequencing may vary plus the emphasis on a particular section will vary when one compares the formats.Now we will begin to address specific sections of a resume. Please follow along using your template as a guide and complete sections of your template as we present them. As you can see by the comparisons of the 3 formats, they have similar sections. Sequencing may vary plus the emphasis on a particular section will vary when one compares the formats.

    5. Chronological Resume Sample

    6. Functional Resume Sample The unique attributes of a functional format is how the “Skills and Experience” sections are written. As was mentioned before, this format is used appropriately for a career changer, recent graduate, someone with gaps in employment or questionable work history. The skills section content is taken from the experiences or training the individual has had. One can include skills learned from courses taken (if recent), skills learned from work experience or even volunteer activities. The unique attributes of a functional format is how the “Skills and Experience” sections are written. As was mentioned before, this format is used appropriately for a career changer, recent graduate, someone with gaps in employment or questionable work history. The skills section content is taken from the experiences or training the individual has had. One can include skills learned from courses taken (if recent), skills learned from work experience or even volunteer activities.

    7. Functional - continued Because resumes reflect details of experiences and skills, have someone review your resume before you begin to send it to employers. Correct spelling, grammar and keywords are very important when a resume is reviewed by a prospective employer. The WCTC Career Center offers resume reviews to insure that you are marketing your talents in a professional manner. Check the WCTC Career Center website for specific times and days this service is offered. Because resumes reflect details of experiences and skills, have someone review your resume before you begin to send it to employers. Correct spelling, grammar and keywords are very important when a resume is reviewed by a prospective employer. The WCTC Career Center offers resume reviews to insure that you are marketing your talents in a professional manner. Check the WCTC Career Center website for specific times and days this service is offered.

    8. Here is a sample of a combination resume which draws from the Chronological and Functional formats. One can realize the visual benefits of incorporating columns, bullets and appropriate bolding. By strategically formatting the document (with bullets and bolding) plus incorporating key words or the skills an applicant has, will convey to the reader why the applicant is a strong candidate for the position. Notice the number of different action verbs.Here is a sample of a combination resume which draws from the Chronological and Functional formats. One can realize the visual benefits of incorporating columns, bullets and appropriate bolding. By strategically formatting the document (with bullets and bolding) plus incorporating key words or the skills an applicant has, will convey to the reader why the applicant is a strong candidate for the position. Notice the number of different action verbs.

    9. Getting Started You should have an information sheet (template) at your workstation to guide you as you develop the sections of your resume. If you do not have this information sheet, ask for it now! Should you be viewing this in a place other than the Career Center, the template is located at the end of this presentation for you to print. Gather the following information: Employment History- Job titles, dates, company names and locations (city and state only) Education/training – School, location, major/minor, degree, dates or coursework you have completed. Now that you have selected the appropriate format, you need to decide upon a job focus. Then the fun part begins, you need to start gathering data. At this point you should have an information sheet (template) at your workstation to use to prepare your resume writing task. If you are viewing this from a remote location, the template is at the end of this presentation. Begin to write down your employment history. Also include the skills you developed in your job or experiences that have prepared you for the position you are applying to . Former job descriptions or performance evaluations may help you. As we progress through this presentation, it is encouraged that you complete the individual sections of your template as they are discussed.Now that you have selected the appropriate format, you need to decide upon a job focus. Then the fun part begins, you need to start gathering data. At this point you should have an information sheet (template) at your workstation to use to prepare your resume writing task. If you are viewing this from a remote location, the template is at the end of this presentation. Begin to write down your employment history. Also include the skills you developed in your job or experiences that have prepared you for the position you are applying to . Former job descriptions or performance evaluations may help you. As we progress through this presentation, it is encouraged that you complete the individual sections of your template as they are discussed.

    10. Heading The heading should include: Name (bolded in larger font than rest of heading) Address Phone number (only one is necessary) Email address Example:

    11. Job Title (also called Objective) Write a short statement that targets the job title: Examples: Seeking an internship position in Criminal Justice. Maintenance Mechanic (centered on the page bolded) Seeking LPN position at Waukesha Memorial Hospital Management position in Accounting for ABC Company Use the exact title given by the employer when you are applying for an available position. Use the exact title given by the employer when you are applying for an available position.

    12. Summary This section is your “billboard” highlighting the skills that you offer the prospective employer. Needs to grab the employer’s attention to insure they will continue to read your resume. Use similar key words/adjectives used in the job posting to convince the employer you are a strong candidate for the position. Can be 3 to 5 bulleted phrases or a 2 - 3 sentence paragraph. Here’s a link to a great list of words to assist in the development of your resume (just click on the phrase “Action Verbs”, a security message will appear and click “OK”; the list can be printed). Action Verbs Action verbs, Adjectives and Transferable skills The next 4 screens will be examples of Qualification Summaries from individuals who have experience in Retail, Marketing, Health Care and the Industrial fields. Again, this tends to be a challenge for many because this is where you will try to convince the employer that your skills match the job the employer is trying to fill. Looking at samples of resumes or consulting with a career counselor may help in writing your summary.Action verbs, Adjectives and Transferable skills The next 4 screens will be examples of Qualification Summaries from individuals who have experience in Retail, Marketing, Health Care and the Industrial fields. Again, this tends to be a challenge for many because this is where you will try to convince the employer that your skills match the job the employer is trying to fill. Looking at samples of resumes or consulting with a career counselor may help in writing your summary.

    13. Examples of a Summary (sometimes called a “Billboard”) MARK R. GRAHAM 27 Rock Road ? Miami, FL 33422 561.555.2244 ? EMAIL@netzero.com SENIOR LEVEL MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE “20 Years of Enhancing Growth and Bottom Line Performance to Optimize Investor ROI” A growth management executive with a solid record of success in building / managing organizations in highly competitive and fluctuating markets. Identity / capitalize on new and existing market opportunities to enhance growth and bottom line performance. Professional Strengths Strategic growth, business development, and P&L experience in multi-million dollar organizations Turnaround underperforming enterprises; reengineering / restructuring experience Personnel and staffing expertise – optimize labor resources to leverage market opportunities Control expenses while concurrently enhancing service quality by: IT integration and systems / process improvements (implementing best practices) This is a “billboard” format for a professional manager. Do you notice how it grabs your attention?This is a “billboard” format for a professional manager. Do you notice how it grabs your attention?

    14. Examples of a Summary Summary Emphasis on patient care Great active listening skills Always looking for ways to help patients and coworkers Excellent track record of monitoring and documenting information This is an example of some key skills for an individual who is a Certified Nursing Assistant.This is an example of some key skills for an individual who is a Certified Nursing Assistant.

    15. Example of a Summary Seeking position as… RETAIL SALES CLERK/SUPERVISOR Utilizing Outstanding Sales, Merchandising, and Customer Service Skills Four Year Record of Contributing to Departmental Growth & Success at Nordstrom’s An imaginative resourceful, and detail oriented individual offering more than four years of experience for one of the world’s top retailers. A verifiable record of consistently exceeding production expectations. Professional Strengths Sales, promotion, and merchandising Bookkeeping and record keeping Organizational/project leadership Personnel training and supervision Research and problem-solving Up selling and add on sales techniques Customer service/quality assurance Professional demeanor – Good work ethic The summary section is often a challenge. This is not the time to be humble but you need to be honest about your skills. The statements you write must capture the reader’s interest quickly to insure that they continue to read your resume. Think about the next step in the selection process which will be the interview. Be prepared to back up your summary skills with specific examples of when you demonstrated these key skills or strengths.The summary section is often a challenge. This is not the time to be humble but you need to be honest about your skills. The statements you write must capture the reader’s interest quickly to insure that they continue to read your resume. Think about the next step in the selection process which will be the interview. Be prepared to back up your summary skills with specific examples of when you demonstrated these key skills or strengths.

    16. Examples of a Summary Summary Excellent troubleshooting and repair skills Ability to read schematics and engineering drawings Basic welding skills and forklift certified Experience in mechanical, electrical and HVAC systems A Qualification summary is similar to you answering the “Tell me about your self” question. You need to convey to the employer your skills that are relevant to the job you are applying. This example might be appropriate for an individual seeking an industrial maintenance position.A Qualification summary is similar to you answering the “Tell me about your self” question. You need to convey to the employer your skills that are relevant to the job you are applying. This example might be appropriate for an individual seeking an industrial maintenance position.

    17. Education For recent graduates with little related work experience, the Education section will usually appear after the Summary. If you have work experience in the field for which you are applying, Education appears after the Experience section. List your most recent or related degree first. Technical diplomas, training certificates and coursework can be included here. Students who are currently attending college can state: Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2010 If you have a Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree or Technical Diploma, it is not necessary to include your high school information.

    18. Education – 4 Examples Associate Degree: Dental Hygiene 2008 to Present Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI GPA: 3.4 on a 4.0 scale Anticipated graduation date: May, 2010 Associate Degree – Architectural Drafting/Construction Technology Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee, WI Anticipated graduation date: May, 2009 Coursework completed: Architectural CAD I/II, Architectural History, Codes, Construction Techniques Associate Degree: Health Information Technology – May, 2008 Medical Coding Specialist Technical Diploma – May, 2006 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI Phi Theta Kappa Academic Honor Society Waukesha South High School Waukesha, WI Diploma Here are 4 samples of how one would write their education section. If you have a high school diploma and have not attended college, indicate your high school name, city and state and the year you graduated if it has been within the last 10 years.Here are 4 samples of how one would write their education section. If you have a high school diploma and have not attended college, indicate your high school name, city and state and the year you graduated if it has been within the last 10 years.

    19. Experience Section – For a Chronological Resume List your experience in reverse chronological order – most recent first Include jobs you have held in the past 10 to 15 years. Experience can include: Paid employment, volunteer work, internships and/or a clinical assignment. For each job include a bulleted list of accomplishments, successes or skills you developed. For Example: Welder 2002 - 2009 XYZ Company, Pewaukee, WI Performed layout, fabrication and installation of rigid frames, base plates and connectors requiring full penetration welds. Skilled in oxy/acetylene cutting and quality inspection averaging 50 units per day. If you have more work experience beyond 15 years that is relevant to the position you are applying for, rather than list the years indicate: Welder Prior to 2002 ABC Company, Milwaukee, WI If this is the format you have selected, complete the experience section on your information sheet. If this is the format you have selected, complete the experience section on your information sheet.

    20. Experience Section – For a Functional Resume The key to this format is that it includes a separate skills section highlighting your qualifications. The employment section will only include your job title, employer, location and years of employment. Example: RELATED SKILLS Sales Set monthly sales record, surpassing all sales associates for any given month in company history. Provided accurate cash handling and electronic credit skills daily. Customer Service Handled customer problems with patience and sensitivity. Greeted customers and assisted them with item selection to generate repeat business. Answered numerous telephone and in-person inquiries. EMPLOYMENT Cashier Walgreens, Waukesha, WI 2004 to Present Dietary Aide Linden Grove ,Waukesha, WI 2000 to 2002 File Clerk First Realty, Waukesha, WI 1997 to 1998

    21. Other Categories to Include… Special Skills Military Experience Computer Skills Internships Community Service Professional Associations Honors/Awards Usually these sections would be added after the main categories. It is encouraged to include other relevant skills to make you more marketable to the potential employer – again ask yourself if these categories are related to the job you are applying to. For example, if you apply for a position in construction and you have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity this would be an excellent addition to your resume. Another example would be if you are applying for a position in animal care and you have volunteered at your local humane society include this information. It is encouraged to include other relevant skills to make you more marketable to the potential employer – again ask yourself if these categories are related to the job you are applying to. For example, if you apply for a position in construction and you have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity this would be an excellent addition to your resume. Another example would be if you are applying for a position in animal care and you have volunteered at your local humane society include this information.

    22. Pointers to Capture the Reader’s Interest Start statements with action verbs; use present tense if you are still performing the action and past tense if not. Do not use personal pronouns in your resume (I, my, he, she, we, they, etc.)!!!! Try to quantify and qualify statements when possible, ex: Trained 3 new associates in 2 months. Use numbers and time lines. And most importantly ask yourself: Is the information I am sharing relevant to the job I am applying for? Put your hiring manager’s hat on and ask yourself: Based on my resume, am I qualified for this position? Do I have the skills the employer is seeking? If yes, have I included those skills on my resume? Here are some final pointers. After this slide there are several additional examples of resumes for your review.Here are some final pointers. After this slide there are several additional examples of resumes for your review.

    27. Cover Letters In most cases, you will need a cover letter in addition to your resume that: Is a business letter to introduce you to the employer, i.e., it demonstrates your written communication skills. Highlights and summarizes your qualifications, skills and experiences relevant to the position requirements. Allows you to positively present information about you and your interest in the company.

    28. Cover Letter Sections Heading: Copy and paste your resume heading onto your cover letter to create a “Matched Set”. Inside Address: Include the name of the person, job title, company name and address. If faxing, include the fax number or if emailing, include the email address. Greeting: Dear Ms.___, or Dear Mr. ___, and use the last name followed by a comma. Current business etiquette suggests not to use “Mrs.” or “Miss”. If you are unable to obtain a last name, write Dear Human Resource Manager: or Dear Hiring Manager:.

    29. Cover Letter - Content Body of Letter 1st Paragraph: Identify the position and how you found out about it. 2nd Paragraph: Convince the employer that you fit the job and the company – research the company. 3rd Paragraph: Refer to a positive future by saying that you look forward to hearing from that person soon to discuss possible future opportunities. Consider being assertive by saying that you will make a contact with the company within a week to inquire about the status of the available position.

    30. Cover Letter - Continued To close the letter write: Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Signature: Use “Sincerely,” or “Sincerely yours,” drop 3 or 4 lines and type your name. Remember to sign it if you are mailing or faxing your resume packet!

    31. Sample Cover Letter

    32. Brief Cover Letters for E-Mail

    33. Brief Cover Letters - samples

    34. Brief Cover Letters - samples

    35. Cover Letter Tips Your cover letter can include your special circumstances. If you are returning to the workforce after a gap or you wish to re career, use the cover letter to communicate/explain your situation. Spelling – get it right – have someone proof it; do not trust spell check! Capitalization – be correct and consistent. Word choice – Sell yourself using a variety of words, action verbs, descriptive adjectives and adverbs. (See word list at the end of this presentation.) In cover letters you are allowed to use personal pronouns but try to limit the use of the word “I” or starting every sentence with the word “I”. Select the same font style as you used in your resume. Don’t forget – the cover letter is the “bait/hook” to read your resume. It is your formal introduction to the reader. Be careful you do not repeat what you have included in your resume.

    36. References Be prepared to provide a list of references (3 or 4 individuals) at the time of the interview. Unless asked, do not automatically send your references with your resume. Choose your references carefully. Do not use relatives! People who make the best references are: Former supervisors (whom you got along with), former coworkers, former teachers, colleagues. Friends, neighbors, community/volunteer acquaintances can be used as general character references.

    37. Reference List - Sample MARK R. GRAHAM 27 Rock Road ? Miami, FL 33422 (561) 555-2244 ? MGraham@netzero.com References Ann Jones, Supervisor Montgomery Company Miami, FL 561.333.1457 AJones@Montgomery.com John Smith, Former Manager ABC Company Milwaukee, WI 414.123.4567 JSmith1@abc.com Professor Ann Jones Program Instructor – Accounting Waukesha County Technical College Waukesha, WI 262.125.1400 AJones@wctc.edu

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