PRDV102: Resume Writing

Read this chapter to learn about several types of resumes and see samples of each. Pay attention to the difference between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a conventional resume. You will also benefit from a list of common action words you can use to describe your job experience. One tip in this article that may not get the attention it deserves is about proofreading your resume. Does it have a consistent, appropriate format? Are there errors or typos? Read your resume and cover letter for content because the spell-check function on your computer does not guarantee accuracy! Spell check does not identify context errors.

This article explains a resume's purpose and goals and describes seven things your resume can do for you. Your interviewer's first impression of you is not when you speak on the phone or in person. Rather, your resume and cover letter represent you as a good fit for the company and position or not well-suited as an interview prospect. Your resume should impress a potential employer with your abilities, proof of past accomplishments, and potential contributions as an employee.

Read this article on recent trends and whether you should update your resume.

Chronological resumes are the most popular format because most online job search sites prefer them. Today, few job candidates use the "objective" line. Much of the power of your resume will come from your summary statement, which briefly describes your skills, talents, and successes. The challenge of writing an impressive chronological resume is not the format but the "quality of the writing and the use of engaging text".

Here, the author offers advice on what to include in each component of a chronological resume. Click on the links for more information on each topic. Again, your challenge is not the format but how you can convince an employer that you fulfill the overall requirements of the position and deserve an interview.

Use a functional resume format to package your skills, talents, and abilities in a way that showcases your strengths as required for a specific type of job. The information you plug into a chronological format regarding your education and experience may not reflect the type of job you are now seeking. The objective section of a functional resume should have a narrow focus: tell the reader how your various skills and accomplishments make you a competitive candidate. Read this article to learn more about this type of resume.

In this article, we learn that one of the most challenging aspects of a functional resume format is deciding what information to include and where to present it. Should you minimize your work history or omit it altogether? How can you present your background in a way that convinces your reader that your skills are transferable? This article offers several examples of functional resumes, but remember that your story is unique. You need to decide which aspects of your background are your most powerful selling points for your stated job objective.

Read this text to learn more about functional resume and curriculum vitae (CV) formats. The article offers several categories for the functional format, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, which you can use to emphasize and describe your skills and accomplishments in an impactful way. Suppose you are applying for an academic or research-oriented position. In that case, you may want to use a CV format, which is considerably longer than a traditional resume and includes published material and conference information.

Read this article to learn how a functional resume may be best if you are just out of school, have been a stay-at-home parent, or will only discuss your volunteer work during an interview. You can use this type of format to present your functions, skills, training, and volunteer work effectively. A well-thought-out functional resume can cure the challenge of having too much or too little experience in the specific type of job for which you are applying.

Watch this video. Make sure the name you use is consistent across platforms. For example, do not use "Mary Ann Smith" on your resume and "Mary A. Smith" on your LinkedIn. You want to create documents that are search-friendly. Contemporary resumes do not include a physical address, just your email address and cell phone number.

You should highlight relevant experience since most recruiters will spend an average of six seconds looking at your resume. Highlight a special interest or niche experience so it is easy to notice. But pay attention to appropriate skill levels. For example, do not list PowerPoint or a similar program as a skill when applying for a graphic designer position – hiring managers assume anyone applying for this job has mastered basic computer skills. Do your research! What is considered "list worthy" in the field where you are applying?

Watch this video, which gives an example of creating a classic two-column resume layout using Sketch. You can use this example even if you do not use Sketch to build your resume. Use a standard font such as Helvetica or Times New Roman. The hierarchical levels you adopt should have a consistent appearance. For example, if you create three levels of information in one section, use the same template throughout.

Your resume should be easy to read, so use the average 12-point font size. However, consider using different font weights, such as bold, to highlight certain sections and to make your resume easier to navigate.

Spacing is important! You can alleviate the claustrophobic feeling that using too much writing can create on a page with a balanced use of white space. The spacing between the lines and sections should be consistent. Use accent colors with intention. Do not go crazy because too many colors can make it harder for the eye to take it all in. For example, use an accent color to make your section titles stand out. Again, make it easy for recruiters to find your related experience. Include what you did and how your efforts affected the organization for each job experience.

Read this article to learn about the curriculum vitae (CV) format. Contrary to a resume, a CV is more lengthy and is updated frequently due to the writer's various projects, publications, etc. Although there is no standard way to present your credentials in a CV, this article describes the various components and offers formatting advice. If you are unsure whether to present a resume or a CV when applying for a particular position, ask the agency or employer what they prefer.

Making a good first impression is critical. This text spells out the information in the header and the objective of your resume. An important tip is to have a professional voicemail recording that contributes to a positive first impression.

Read this article to learn how to grab the attention of busy recruiters and employers. In the business world, as in many professional areas, time is money! For example, many recruiters only scan the top half of the first page of your resume, "above the fold". They do not spend time reading your entire resume. So, it is vital to provide clear and minimal contact information. Since contact will probably be by phone, text, or email, list the phone you use most often. Consider creating a separate email account for your job search: use a professional username with your last name.

An objective statement may be appropriate for college graduates, career changers, and those applying for a specific job. However, many job seekers have replaced an objective statement with a summary of their accomplishments. A one-sentence sales pitch for a particular job can indicate you are a can-do person for a busy recruiter or human resources professional.

Because some recruiters and hiring managers will not even consider hiring job candidates who lack certain education credentials, you need to highlight your academic achievements appropriately. Perhaps you recently graduated from college and have little work experience. In this case, you may emphasize your education by placing it before any work history. Again, market yourself effectively by featuring your strongest asset first. Is it education or experience? This article offers suggestions on how to present your educational qualifications.

This article continues the discussion on presenting your education credentials in your resume. We learn that resume writing is an art and a science. Whether you present your education before your experience depends on your situation and what you want to emphasize. For example, if you have just completed a degree in a relevant field to the position opening, you may want to place this information before your work experience. Pay attention to the "miscellaneous rules" that cover a variety of scenarios and how they affect education placement on your resume.

What is the best way to present your work experience to your reader? This section is arguably the most critical component of your resume since employers want to see if you have the skills and experience to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description.

Read this article for suggestions on presenting your qualifications. For example, your work history should highlight how your experiences align directly with what the employers are looking for. Keep your reader in mind and avoid lengthy descriptions of your greatness. Use bullets and quantify your accomplishments and responsibilities using percentages, the number of dollars saved, the number of people managed, etc.

This article offers a treasure trove of information about job skills. O-Net Online describes six categories of skill groups. Select multiple skills that relate to your current status or ones you plan to obtain to learn about the types of jobs that require these skills and the experience and job training these jobs reflect.

This article describes how to highlight specific accomplishments and skills you possess to enhance your chances of getting hired and performing well on the job. Again, remember to match your skills with what the employer values. Pay particular attention to the discussion on how to present your references. An employer may ask for your references before, during, or after your interview. Learn how to format this information and follow etiquette rules to inform your references while interviewing.

Should you include your hobbies in your resume or CV? In the article, Dara Sheahan offers tips and examples on describing relevant skills and experience you obtained through this type of work.

This article describes how you can offset a lack of paid work history and attract positive attention from a recruiter or employer. For example, most recruiters say candidates with international volunteering experience stand out and will probably get the job!

This article will help you decide what to include in your cover letter, such as matching your strengths with what appears in the job description. What strengths do you want to emphasize, and how do they relate to the job you are applying for? The article describes the three main sections of the cover letter, provides helpful examples, and explains how to create a portfolio to show examples of your work.

This article explains the parts of the cover letter and how it can convince the reader to learn more about you. There are no standards for an effective cover letter; the only convention is to use the same font and margins as in your resume. However, the author advises using STAR statements to market your strengths, such as your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Present all information clearly and concisely.

This article takes you one step closer to writing a professional cover letter. Keep your audience in mind as you market yourself. Some research is required since you need to know what the employer is interested in and how you may fit into the company's plans. For example, visit the website, talk with others in the same industry, and read their annual reports.

Take a look at several sample cover letters in this resource in case it sparks some helpful ideas you could use for your letter.

Watch this video. Pay as much attention to the phrases you should NOT use in addition to those you should. For example, emphasize what you have done, not what you have not, or areas where you fell short. Stay positive! Be as accurate as possible and use action words like implemented, prioritized, and streamlined.

In your cover letter, you are making a first impression on the hiring manager. However, for an entry-level position, the cover letter should not be longer than one page.

Watch this video. Before you write your cover letter, research the company and the role you are applying for to get a general understanding of what the company does, its products and services, the competition, and the company culture. Most hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit the company's culture.

Address your cover letter to the person listed in the position opening or find the hiring manager's name (with the correct spelling of their name and their exact title). You may need to call the front office if you cannot find their name, title, or email address online.

Why do you want to work for the company? Frame your cover letter so it is about your understanding of the company and how hiring you will solve their problems or shortfalls. Identify keywords so you can use the company's vernacular, words, or language to describe how your skill set will help it achieve one or more of its strategic goals.

Many use ChatGPT to learn about the issues the industry where they want to work is grappling with. However, do not rely on ChatGPT to write a cover letter tailored to a specific job. ChatGPT will provide a basic outline and key points or words to include, but you must still personalize the letter. Your cover letter should display your personality and enthusiasm for the job and the company. ChatGPT can help research the position, company, and industry. But it will never replace your personal voice or story, which showcases your strengths and skill sets. ChatGPT cannot give specific examples of your work experience or the value you will bring to the company. ChatGPT can also help you identify keywords hiring managers in the industry will search for when they review your cover letter and resume. Remember, your cover letter should introduce you and showcase your personality, skills, and enthusiasm. It should sound like you and something you would normally say during an interview.

This video explains how ChatGPT works and why you must always check for accuracy and proofread the outcome. ChatGPT uses a large language model to generate responses – always proofread for context and spelling errors.

Read this article to learn how to create a "portfolio taster" with photographs, still images from film, and pieces created around and within the CV format to attract and impress the reader.

Are you a graphic artist, videographer, photographer, website designer, or journalist? This article offers five tips for creating a compelling ePortfolio. Remember that job seekers from nearly every profession create ePortfolios to highlight their accomplishments and make themselves stand out among other applicants, even if they are not graphic designers or multi-media professionals. Keep your information current: your projects may have earned high marks several years ago, but your target employers want to see that you stay current in your field.

Watch this tutorial on creating an ePortfolio using Mahara (https://mahara.org) or a similar free platform to organize your achievements. Mention how your actions and efforts impacted the company and its objectives. Include numbers and percentages where you can. For example, you created a comprehensive social media marketing campaign that increased inquiries by 30 percent and overall sales by 10 percent during the past 18 months.

Watch this video on what hiring managers look for when reviewing a job candidate's design portfolio.

Watch this video, which gives instructions on what to include in a digital resume. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, most employers prefer to see a video resume, even in fields that did not previously require them, such as fashion, communications, etc. This is an opportunity to create a lasting first impression. Hiring managers spend an average of 90 seconds watching a video resume instead of 20 seconds reading or scanning a traditional resume.

Read this article, which poses questions to help you present yourself in an organized, dynamic, and professional manner. For example, you should remove resume items that no longer fit, eliminate irrelevant sections, and trim down descriptions to create a more concise and powerful resume.

Read this article, which explains how to take your resume from an informative but rather dull list of your qualifications to an expression of your passion for what you do and what you will bring to the table for the employer.

This article continues the discussion of using STAR statements. Recruiters and hiring managers prefer stories, not duties. Does your resume describe memorable events, put your work in context, and highlight the benefits of your efforts? You should include at least one STAR statement for each unique task in your resume.

Hiring managers and recruiters need to grasp the connection between your coursework, internships, volunteer work, and their business needs. Remember this when describing your educational history and work background.

You may need to adjust your resume to account for employment gaps or jobs you only held briefly. Unfortunately, your failure to address these gaps can eliminate you from consideration. Perhaps you needed to leave the labor force to raise your family or care for a family member. Employers will perceive you to be a viable, competitive candidate as long as you can discuss how you took advantage of this time to continue to learn and obtain relevant skills.

Hiring managers will not overlook gaps in your work history. This article suggests ways to handle these gaps by providing constructive information about career-related and worthy activities you obtained during this time. He also describes ways to hide gaps or make them less obvious on your resume.

This article reminds us that spell-check does not guarantee accuracy. Be sure to check for proper grammar, use appropriate keywords, and present a visually appealing resume. Your goal is not to wow the reader with fancy fonts and colors but to tell your story in a business-like way with no spelling, grammatical errors, or distractions.

Does your resume market your skills and talents effectively? Think about your presentation from the viewpoint of the hiring manager or recruiter. By advertising your relevant qualifications that make you the perfect candidate for the job, your resume is a marketing tool to help you get an interview, not a tool to complain about past failures.

This article offers additional advice on making your resume relevant and showing you have the skills and qualifications the job description specifies. For example, you could document and store your early career details for future use. Remember that your resume should reflect your current career status and potential. It needs to be forward-looking and relevant.

Some position openings lack a job description, and you may have to speculate on the requirements for the job. This article aims to help you construct your best sales pitch since you may have to make some assumptions about the job criteria. Use STAR statements and action words to convince the reader you have a results-oriented work ethic.

This article describes and provides examples of three elements of a well-defined and targeted job search strategy. It explains how to narrow your search and filter the possibilities.

Watch this video, which explains what an informational interview is, how you should prepare, and how you should follow up (with a handwritten thank-you note). Someone offering to spend valuable time with you during an informational interview would probably appreciate your buying them coffee or lunch, if possible.

Informational interviews are an excellent strategy for building your network, especially if you are a recent college graduate. They can be more helpful for gaining interview experience because both parties feel less pressure – they are free to speak more openly about the industry, company, and position because there is no actual job offer or position opening. Informational interviews can provide a pathway to meeting professionals in the industry who know about open positions before they are approved or posted.

Read this article on the benefits of joining a professional association in your field.

This article gives an overview of the instrumentality of remote work.

Read this short list of human resources trends in 2023.

Read this short article on trends to look out for in 2024.

To ensure companies can find you easily, you should consider creating a social media presence and making your resume accessible online. This article cites advantages but cautions you against posting personal information on social networking sites. Nothing remains private once it is on the web. Most employers will access your professional information on LinkedIn and other sites such as Facebook.

This article explains how to use social media to promote yourself online and post your resume or CV. It discusses the social media sites LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and some niche online communities.

Many employers use LinkedIn to search for qualified job applicants. This article explains why you should post your resume and profile on LinkedIn and the type of information you should include. Remember to proofread your materials and include keywords that relate to the skills you think the employers you are targeting will search for.

Read this article to learn how LinkedIn contrasts with Facebook and how to get the most out of your LinkedIn account. The power of LinkedIn is the number of employers who will look at your resume and the relationships you maintain and build as part of your network.

What should you include in your online profile? This article addresses how to balance the need to provide information to employers via social media and the need to protect your privacy. Recruiters and employers need information to make decisions about interviews, hiring, and promotions. However, identity thieves, marketing spammers, and computer hackers can exploit those who provide too much information and cause major havoc in their personal lives. This is a balancing act since you do not want to make your information so obscure that employers cannot contact you.

This video offers valuable tips for creating your LinkedIn profile.