Developing an Effective Résumé. Skills Employers Want (5 = extremely important) (Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers) Interpersonal.

Developing an Effective Résumé

Skills Employers Want(5 = extremely important)

(Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers)

• Interpersonal (4.67)• Teamwork (4.65)• Analytical (4.56)• Oral Communication

(4.53)• Flexibility (4.52)

• Computer (4.32)• Written Communication

(4.12)• Leadership (4.08)• Work Experience (4.05)• Internship Experience

(3.77)• Co-op Experience (3.37)

Top 10 Personal Characteristics Employers Seek in Job CandidatesSource: Planning Job Choices, National Association of

Colleges and Employers

• Honesty/Integrity• Motivation/Initiative• Communication Skills• Self-Confidence• Flexibility

• Interpersonal Skills• Strong Work Ethic• Teamwork Skills• Leadership Skills• Enthusiasm

Developing an Effective Résumé

• Definition– Résumé—a detailed listing of your

education, work experience, skills, accomplishments, and interests.

• Purpose– The primary purpose of a résumé is to get

an interview.

Before You Develop Your Résumé

• Complete a thorough self-assessment– What are your strengths and weaknesses?– What type of work do you want to do?– Where do you want to work (geographically)?– How much do you expect to be paid?

• Explore the career you are seeking– What skills/qualifications are required?– Will you “fit in”?

Types of Résumés

• Chronological

• Functional

• Targeted

What Should You Include on Your Résumé?

• Heading– Name– Address (permanent and school)– Telephone number– Email address– Cell number


• Objective– Clear, focused objective– Be aware of pitfalls


• Education– Include date of completion of each degree– List credentials in reverse chronological order– Include special awards, honors, recognitions– Organization/club affiliations– Relevant courses– GPA?


• Work experience– List in reverse chronological order– Identify job titles– List duties (use action words)– Provide inclusive dates of employment


• Skills– Include special skills that do not fit in other

categories• Computer languages

• Computer software skills


• Awards/Honors– Include items that do not fit under education,

experience, or other categories


• References– List references only with permission

• Courtesy/professional title

• Name

• Mailing address

• Telephone number

– Use “References Provided Upon Request”

Constructing Your Résumé

• Make it neat and appealing• Print résumé on plain white paper• Use an easy-to-read font• Be creative, but do not overdo graphics or

special designs• Proofread for

grammar/spelling/typographical mistakes

Constructing Your Résumé

• Use a consistent format

• Do not crowd items on the page

• Limit to one page (no more than two)

• Use action words

• Make clean photocopies

Writing the Cover Letter

• Personalize letter for each company/job

• Use a standard format—block or modified block

• Balance the letter on the page

• Include all standard business letter parts

• Use same paper as used for résumé

• PROOFREAD!!


• Solicited or Unsolicited?

• Paragraph 1– Apply for the specific job– Tell how you learned of the opening


• Paragraphs 2 & 3– Match your education/skills to employer

expectations– Refer to an important point on your résumé– Be positive!– Refrain from negative comments about past or

present employers– Tell how you can help the reader


• Paragraphs 2 & 3 (continued)– Include salary requirements if requested– Maintain an “audience-centered” approach


• Last paragraph– Request an interview at reader’s convenience– Provide a convenient day/time for yourself– Provide a telephone number

Mailing Your Letter/Résumé

• Mail your documents in a large envelope

• Consider Certified Mail, Return Receipt

Follow-Up Communications

• Telephone or write if you have no return communication within several days

Electronic/On-Line Job Searches

• Faxing your résumé– Fax only if requested to do so– Include a cover letter– Use well-formatted, neat originals– Follow up with a regular printed copy


• Emailing your résumé– Use a WP and attach to email document– Use a simple format


• On-line résumés– Post on your own web site if you have one

– Use a commercial site• www.monster.com

• www.HotJobs.com

• www.CareerSite.com

• www.kforce.com

• www.OfficeTeam.com

• www.americasjobbank.com

http://www.monster.com/

http://www.hotjobs.com/

http://www.careersite.com/

http://www.kforce.com/

http://www.officeteam.com/

http://www.americasjobbank.com/


• On-line résumés– Use key words throughout your résumé– Employ the KISS principle

Be Persistent

Developing an Effective Résumé. Skills Employers Want (5 = extremely important) (Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers) Interpersonal.

Documents

effective rsum slide

request slide

opening slide

skills employers

special skills

appealing print rsum

work experience list

use action words