Resume Writing

Introduction to Resume

Resumes are used to sell ourselves and to show potential employers our skills for a specific job. They are a combination of our education, previous work experiences, and qualifications. It’s helpful to think of them as a method of self promotion, not simply a list of jobs. There are several types of resume formats:

Chronological: highlights your job experience by listing your most current job first, followed by your work experiences through the years. This style is often preferred by employers. This format works well if staying in the same field.
Functional: Focuses on your skills and qualifications. This works well when moving into a different field, where previous jobs might not be as helpful as the skills and accomplishments you’ve gained.
Combined: Lists your skills first and then highlights job experience
Targeted: Highlights skills and qualifications related to a specific job opening

Overall, your resume should be easy to read, clean, well organized, and demonstrate that you have the skills for the job.

Writing a Resume

General Tips:

There are a numerous templates available on the web and computer programs such as Microsoft Word.
Length should be 1-2 pages and concise (1 page typically better) on plain, white paper.
Font should be easy to read and a standard serif or sans serif such as Times New Roman, Ariel, or Calibri and no smaller than 10 point.
Strongest and most relevant skills, accomplishments, and experiences should be listed first.
Sentences should be concise and information bulleted. Begin your resume with information that will catch the attention of any would-be employer. For example, showing your skill set and knowledge up front is always a good idea (see resume example below).
Adjust each resume to fit a particular job.
Experiences should go back approximately 10-15 years if possible.
Use action words such as: facilitated, advanced, worked, conducted, encouraged, managed, merchandized.
Be positive – leave out negative and irrelevant information if possible.

A resume should have 5 basic components:

*Contact Information*	Name, address, phone number, and email address. Verify that the information is correct and updated.
*Profile / Objective*	This section is optional. A profile statement highlights your specific qualifications for a position and an objective statement describes your career goals.
*Skills / Certificates*	List your skills: Professional Skills (i.e. organization, works well in groups, etc). Computer skills General office skills
*Employment History*	Work history, professional experiences, field work, volunteer work, relevant experience. Start with your most recent employment and work your way backwards: Name of company/organization and the location Your position and title Dates of employment / involvement Description of responsibilities and duties
*Education History / Certification*	School attended High school if most relevant or University, college (junior/community), professional and /or trade school Location of school Date of graduation (actual or anticipated) Diploma/GED/degree earned Computer program certificates Machine certification License information (i.e. licensed to drive a bus or a big truck) Medical certification (such as CPR).
*Honors / Activities / Outreach*	Include most relevant: sports, extracurricular activities, work/school honors, service work, experience.

Example of a Resume: