Playlist: Resume Preparation
This video covers the development and use of chronological and functional resumes. Students learn how to create accomplishment statements that use action verbs and display concrete results. (27 minutes)
Employers receive so many resumes that your resume must grab their attention, while being quick and easy to read. The goal of your resume is to get an interview.
Present relevant qualifications on the resume, and promote skills valued on that job. Different careers require different resumes; tailor your resume to fit the job.
Describe an accomplishment you are proud of using action verbs, such as coordinated, created, or designed. Incorporate your work accomplishments in your resume using the same method.
Chronological resumes show work history arranged in the order of time, while functional resumes highlight transferable skills.
Resumes include the applicant's name, address, phone number, work experience, education or training, and specific skills.
Employers see past achievements as being indicative of how we will work in the future, or how specific skills may be incorporated into the job.
Use action words and statements on a resume to feature areas of knowledge, while avoiding general descriptions. Examples present strong action statements.
Resumes must be factual--misrepresentation and dishonesty are grounds for termination. Books on resume writing offer strategies for interviewing.
Build a review team--career savvy people you know--for help in writing a great resume. Give a copy of your resume to a career counselor for help developing job leads.
When applicable to the job, special training, licenses, computer skills, or foreign languages are valuable additions to a resume. Resumes should appear clear and professional.
Accompany your resume with a cover letter, to complement, not summarize, the resume. Write a well thought out letter that grabs the employer's attention.