Resume Writing

1. Resume Writing Bridget Kenadjian

2. Focus & Purpose of Resume I. Focus a. Concise Summary of Qualifications b. Employer – Centered c. Targeted/Customized II. Purpose

3. General Writing Principles Keeping the Goal in Mind a. Objective drives the content & focus b. How to write one

4. General Writing Principles • Content & Order a. Headings & Experiences to Include b. Order of Headings c. Additional Headings for Academic Positions: Curriculum Vitae – will discuss later

5. General Writing Principles III. Writing Style a. Action & Skill Verbs b. Short Phrases – paragraph or bullet format c. Drop the Jargon d. Proofread . . . Not Just Spell Check!

6. General Writing Principles IV. Skills & Accomplishments a. Quantify & Qualify Experiences: (STAR Technique or PAR) b. Be Specific in Descriptions c. Keep Your Audience in Mind d. Translation is Required: Transferable Skills

7. General Writing Principles V. Appearance & Format a. Use Resume Samples as a Resource b. Avoid Templates – You are Unique c. Formatting is Important d. Formatting Tips to Remember

8. General Writing Principles VI. What NOT to Include a. References available b. Adjectives describing oneself c. Hot button issues d. Personal section

9. Resume Styles Chronological Functional Combination

10. Chronological Resume What is it? a. Positions listed in reverse chronological order – most recent first II. When to use it? a. If staying in the same field of work.

11. Functional Resume What is it? a. A resume that lists accomplishments by major skill headings, rather than by employer and job title. II. When to use it? a. Best used when changing career fields and when minimizing major gaps in employment history.

12. Combination Resume What is it? a. A resume in reverse chronological order with functional/skills categories. II. When to use it? a. If changing fields or to minimize employment gaps.

13. Possible Cultural Differences Don’t assume the employer knows what you did: spell it out – this is not the time to be modest. Your resume is a marketing tool III. What can you do for me?

14. What is a CV vs. a Resume? Resume: brief summary of abilities, education, experience, skills & accomplishments related to job CV: comprehensive, biographical statement of professional qualifications and activities as related to the search for an academic or faculty job

15. Common CV Sections Contact Information Education Teaching Experience Professional Experience Publications: scholarly, relate to your field Certifications/Special Training Presentations: state/national Institutional Service (e.g. committees) Awards & Honors

16. Common CV Sections Community Involvement Board Commitments/Leadership Grants Written/Research Experience Assistantships/Fellowships Professional Association Memberships

17. Who Needs a CV? Applying to graduate programs Scientists, physicians, attorneys Seeking positions in Higher Education: faculty/adjunct faculty Conducting an international job search: know the culture and requirements

18. Other CV Considerations I. Length: Most are 2-4 pages; some up to 40 pages Don’t need an objective or a summary Only use a CV when requested Ask someone to PROOFREAD your CV