Resumé Builder

RESUMÉ BUILDER

Before we get started, remember...

• Resumés do not get jobs; they get interviews.
• Resumés should show your unique skills and abilities, which relate to the position.  
• Resumés should not include every detail about you. They should highlight the specifics that make you a qualified candidate for the position.
• Resumés should not be so short that an employer has no idea what your skills are or what you did in your last job.
• Human resources professionals know that the best predictor of future performance is past performance. In your resume, highlight the results of your experiences.

Resumés Writing in Class

These steps can be generally stretched out over two or three class periods. 

1) Write everything down and do not limit yourself! 

• Education (Certifications and Trainings), Work Experience, Practical Experience, Career Related Skills (Languages, Communication Abilities, Computer Proficiency), Volunteer Work, Awards, Achievements, Extra Curricular Activities, Honors, Hobbies and Interests, etc...

2) Organize and Write Initial Draft

• Name and Contact Information (Required)
• Objective (Optional)
• Education (Required)
• Experience (Required)
• Activities and Organizations (Optional)
• Honors and Awards (Optional)
• Skills (Optional)
• References (Required, but on an additional sheet)

3) Format It

There are many different ways to write a resume and a lot of different opinions about what is good. Your opinion is important, too. Be sure to create a resume that reflects who you are while also targeting the employer’s needs. Pass the ‘glance test’! Employers see hundreds of resumes, and they just browse through then first. If this first test is passed, they may look at your resume again and more thoroughly.

• Easy to read?: bullets, short declarative phrases, easy-to-read font (10-12 points), no abbreviations.
• Use one font style throughout the resume. Times New Roman and Arial are good choices.
• Do not use graphics, shadowing, or clip art.
• Use bold or underlining appropriately (but sparingly) to highlight key strengths.
• Put key information on the left and near the top of the page whenever possible.
• Write your material in order of importance and relevance to the employer/position
•  Begin phrases with action verbs.
• Quantify experience if possible (Employee of the Month, Customer service ratings of 9.8/10, etc.).
• Be consistent in the format, layout, and spacing throughout the resume.

4) Proofread and Edit

Many human resource directors see the resume as a reflection of the applicant. Spelling errors, poor grammar, poor organization, smudges, wordiness, vagueness, etc., will produce negative impressions. Employers may think, “Is the applicant careless, sloppy, or unprofessional?”. Have other people proofread and critique your resume. 

Prepare Different Versions (“Tailor Your Resume”)

• Different Formats, Focuses, Goals, Highlights, etc...

5) [OPTIONAL] Peer Reviews