1.1: The Purpose of a Résumé
Whether you are employed or seeking employment, a résumé is a critical document that should reflect where you have been and where you want to go. An effective résumé is "an objective summary of your skills and achievements, secondly a subtly clever argument that you are worth hiring, and finally a reflection of your individuality".
A recurring theme in this course is that your résumé is not a historical document, but a marketing tool. Picture yourself as a product and the potential employer as the consumer. What type of "packaging" works best to get you into an interview? This course will help you conduct a successful job search.
Read this chapter to learn about several types of résumés and see samples of each. Pay attention to the difference between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a conventional résumé. 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 résumé. Does your résumé have a consistent, appropriate format? Are there errors or typos? Read your résumé and cover letter for content because the spell check function on your computer does not guarantee accuracy!
This article explains the purpose and the goals of a résumé and describes seven things your résumé can do for you. Your interviewer’s first impression of you is not when you speak on the phone or in person. Rather, your résumé and cover letter represent you as a good fit for the company and position, or not well-suited as an interview prospect. Your résumé should impress a potential employer with your abilities, past accomplishments, and potential contributions as an employee.