Comprehensive Resume Writing Guide for Career Success

1. Introduction to Resume Writing Host: Career and Student Services Coordinator Ms. Sarah-Lynn Brunner bsarahlynn@itu.edu 408.331.1026 Ext:220

2. Overview of Student Success Center • Individual Career Counseling • Drop-ins • Workshops • Career Assessment Tools • Mock Interviews • Career Resource Library • Career Fairs • ITU Recruiting • Job Listings • Resume Match • On-campus Interviews

3. Agenda • Purpose of a resume • Resume formats • Sections of a resume • What not to include in a resume • References

4. Purpose of a Resume • Introduction to employer • Personal advertisement • Get you an interview

5. Basic Formats for Resumes • Chronological • Reverse Date Order • Functional • Grouped by Skill Category

6. Components of a Resume Necessary Information: • Contact information • Education • Experience (tasks, skills learned) Optional Information: • Objective • Course highlights • Projects/research • Computer skills • Foreign languages • Honors/awards • Volunteer work / community service • Activities/Interests • Many more…

7. Contact Information • Name • Address: Campus/Permanent • Telephone number • Email address

8. Objective • Convey a match between you and the position • Communicate what you have to offer • Identify skills that will benefit the organization/industry • Tailor your objective to the job/field Example: “Seeking an internship with XYZ Corporation in which I can utilize my proven leadership abilities and recognized customer service skills.”

9. Education List formal education with the highest degree first • Include: • Institution • City, State • Degree • Major title • Graduation date • Optional Information: • Minor/Concentration • Dean’s List • Grade Point Average • Exchange programs* • Dissertation or Thesis* • Honors, awards, scholarships*

10. Experience • Full-time, part-time, volunteer, or internship • List in reverse chronological order • May use “Related Experience” section • Need to include: Name of employer City, State, and dates of employment/participation Position titles Position description

11. Position Description • Demonstrate achievements, knowledge, skills, highlights, and responsibilities related to the position • Use action verbs: use past and present tense consistently and accurately • Break up large blocks of texts with bullets

12. Accomplishment Statements Two parts: • The results or benefits that came as a result of your work. These results/benefits should be stated in terms of the value added, and in as tangible and quantified a manner as possible. • The action you took to achieve those benefits/results.  (What steps you took or what techniques you used)

13. Accomplishment Statements • Benefits • Much better awareness of the skills and abilities that will be the foundation for your job search. • Concrete credibility for everything you claim in the way of qualifications and abilities. You will have simple documentation of the value you can bring to an employer. • Greater confidence in presenting yourself to potential employers. You will understand better that you are not "asking for a job," but rather you are offering a contribution to an employer.

14. Accomplishment Statements • Received an award • Found a new opportunity • Accomplished more with the same • Prevented a problem • Provided new resources • Developed a new procedure • Overcame obstacles • Increased profits • Reduced errors • Reduced losses • Improved teamwork • Made things easier • Sped things up • Foresaw a problem • Found an easier solution

15. Examples • "Saved $60 a year in service charges by proposing and acquiring a checking account at a new bank for College Council." • " Instituted residence hall tutoring program that increased average overall GPA from a 2.9 to a 3.3." • " Increased membership in ABC student club by 50% through creative advertising." • "Presented training for new campus-wide email system to approximately 30% of the student body."

16. Special Categories • Course highlights • Projects/research • Research awards • Certifications • Computer skills • Foreign language proficiency • Special skills • Volunteering / community involvement • Leadership activities • Honors, scholarships, awards • Activities, interests

17. Interests and Activities • Association memberships • Academic/social clubs • Athletic teams • Hobbies • Include offices elected to and contributions made to the organization • Select your interests and activities carefully

18. What NOT to Include • Salary requirements or previous salaries • Name or contact information of supervisors • Personal information (e.g. birth date, marital status, health status, picture, etc.) • References - place them on a separate sheet Note: if applying for jobs outside of the US, these may not necessarily apply – do your research!

19. Points to Remember • Use vocabulary of your field or industry • Use concise phrases • Use numbers to quantify achievements • Avoid long paragraphs • Omit personal pronouns (I, we, he, she, you) • Action verbs

20. Points to Remember (cont.) • Use bolding, italics, andunderliningto highlight or separate sections • Margins should be ½ inch to 1 inch • One page length is standard • Use only one side of the paper • Laser print on quality paper

21. References • Have at least three references • Ask before using someone as a reference • Give resumes to your references and keep them informed of your progress • Things to include on reference sheet: • Your contact information (same format as on resume is recommended) • Name of reference, company or organization, address, phone number, and email address

22. A Strong Cover Letter • A Strong Cover Letter are targeted to employers and specific jobs • Promotes your abilities • Looks organized and professional • Enthusiastic and conveys interest • Clear and concise articulation of skills • Error-free

23. Components of a Cover Letter • Your contact information • Date • Employers’ contact information • Salutation • Introductory paragraph • Body of letter: one or more paragraphs connecting your skills to employer needs • Conclusion • Closing • Signature, if in paper format

24. Opening Paragraph • Why are you writing? • What position are you applying for? • How did you hear of the opening or organization? Example: Dr. Anderson in the Anthropology Department at International Technological University recommended that I contact you. I would like to apply for the archaeology internship available in your office.

25. Middle Paragraph(s) • Explain interest in working for this employer and reasons for desiring this position • Do NOT iterate entire resume; rather expand on one or two areas that reflect relevant skills learned • Emphasize skills or abilities that relate to the job • Express confidence and enthusiasm

26. Final Paragraph • Persistent, businesslike closing statement • Indicate desire for a personal interview • Example: I will call you on [date] to discuss this career opportunity with [name of organization]. • “Thank you” for consideration Closing: Sincerely, Sign name Type name Enclosure

27. Cover Letter Tips • Address letter to a specific person if possible • One page only • Use industry “buzz words” • Follow through with employer • Let them know you have done your homework • Say something flattering about the organization (e.g.: “Energy Plus has an excellent reputation locally for customer satisfaction, and I would like to become part of your customer service team.”)

28. Good Luck! Let us know how else we can help you! Student Success Center Host: Sarah-Lynn Brunner bsarahlynn@itu.edu http://csc.itu.edu/