March to Employment Success

1. March to Employment Success …Time to Grab your Horn and make some noise! Topic: Resumes

2. The Resume and the Maze of Choices • How do I get started? What information do I need? • What format? How long? What do I include and/or leave out? What order does everything go into? What categories do I need? • What about volunteer experiences or non-related work experiences?

3. Resume Writing Resources • http://www.rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/resume.html Website features an overview of resume preparation from beginning to end. A great starting point! • http://www.collegerecruiter.com/pages/articles/article221.php Website is an article with helpful tips for winning resumes • http://www.collegerecruiter.com/pages/articles/article594.php This is an article giving ways to improve your resume • http://www.quintcareers.com/resres.html • This is the overview for resume resources for this website. There is a large number of articles on resume writing and some great information on e-resumes and security. This was an eye-opener! • http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/resume_guide/how_to.htm • This is another good how-to guide for resume preparation

4. Resume Writing Resources • http://www.quintcareers.com/action_alpha.html • This website features even MORE action verbs for your resume. It’s worth a look! • http://www.quintcareers.com/resume_critique_worksheet.html • This website features a method for resume review. It also provides a resume critique worksheet for those who are ready to ask themselves tough questions about resume effectiveness • http://resume.monster.com/archives/samples/ • This website has samples of resumes and samples of cover letters. This might be helpful for those who are looking for inspiration or an example of how others might have framed a position. • http://resume.monster.com/articles/concise/ • This is another resume review piece. It might be used as a • preparation guide, but I found it more helpful when something • was already on paper. • If you find others, please share! Email us and we’ll add it to • the list!

5. Resume Tips • Include Relevant Experience • Use action verbs and correct verb tense • Resume paper • Cell Phone numbers – If you use them on your resume, each ring could be a potential interview. Answer accordingly! • Email addresses should be included. Be professional and make sure your standard signature is appropriate. • PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD • Focus on Results • Focus on What You Have Learned • What Benefit Did You Provide? • Past Behavior Will Determine Future Behavior This information was originally presented by Brooke Turner, Florida State University, at the 2005 NIRSA Region II Student Lead-on.

6. Action Verbs • Achieved • Acquired • Administered • Analyzed • Assisted • Centralized • Collaborated • Composed • Conducted • Constructed • Coordinated • Created • Coordinated • Created • Demonstrated • Designed • Developed • Eliminated • Established • Expanded • Formed • Founded • Hired • Implemented • Improved • Launched • Maintained • Managed • Marketed • Negotiated • Obtained • Operated • Organized • Performed • Planned • Produced • Promoted • Published • Recruited • Researched • Resolved • Reviewed • Selected • Simplified • Supervised • Taught • Tested • Trained Thanks to jobweb.com for the list above. See the entire list at http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/resume_guide/action.htm

7. Objective or no objective? Objective Pros: • May be helpful for employers if it relates closely or specifically mentions the position • Typically included on a traditional resume (but not required) Objective Cons: • If you are mass producing resumes for a conference, specificity is not possible • If you decide to personalize each one, it is very possible to forget and list the wrong position or institution • If applying for different types of positions, individual may need more than one resume for consideration Major thanks to Troy Vaughn for sharing thoughts on this idea!

8. Double Check Your Resume for… • Correct and complete contact information • Chronological listing of resume categories (with most recent first • Inclusion of important responsibilities even if they were not primary duties

9. Region II Resume Review • Want another professional to review your resume? • Send it to Dawn Sanner (dawn_sanner@ncsu.edu) to have it reviewed by at least two current recreation professionals. • Emails are best, but faxes can be send to (919) 513-0151. • Resumes can be sent anytime, but recommended by March 15 to stay on pace to prepare for the conference.

10. A big thanks goes to….. • All of the websites and organizations who are sharing their information on the web for all to be educated and informed • Troy Vaughn for all of his opinions and wealth of information he shares without question • Brooke Turner, Florida State University, for doing a fantastic presentation at the Region II Student Lead-On • Melanie Freeman and Linda Clauss for their great inspiration and leadership on the project. They are the definition of students serving students.