Communication for
Employment:
The Resume
What is a Resume?
A resume is a one- to two-page document
that sums up a job seeker's qualifications for
the jobs they're interested in. More than just
a formal job application, a resume is a
marketing tool that job seekers use to
communicate their value to employers.
What Goes into a Resume?
A resume summarizes the most important information an
employer needs to know when they consider a new hire. A
typical resume will include the following:
• Contact information
Job seeker's name, address, phone numbers, and email.
• Objective or Summary of Qualifications
Relevant and impressive qualifications for the desired
position, presented at the top of the page, directly under the
contact information.
• Work History
Present and/or past employment, including dates, companies,
job titles, and relevant skills and accomplishments.
• Education
Highest level of education completed.
Who Needs a Resume?
You'll need to submit a resume if you're
applying for a job with an organization that
doesn't rely solely on standard, handwritten
application forms. Companies that require
resumes will say so in their job postings, and
those that don't will ask you to fill out an
application. But it's also a good idea to have a
typed resume to submit with the application
form, especially if your handwriting can be
difficult to read.
What's the Purpose of a Resume?
The popular belief is that resumes land jobs.
Not true. The resume's sole purpose is to land
you an interview. If employers like what they
see in your resume, they'll contact you to
schedule an interview. During the interview,
they'll evaluate how well your skills match the
job requirements, and how well your
personality fits with their team.
Types of Resumes
Many kinds of resume template are available, but the top three
formats are:
• Chronological: With work history listed in reverse chronological order
(most recent position first, oldest position last), this traditional type of
resume focuses on titles and dates.
• Functional: This less-common format focuses on skills and
accomplishments, rather than dates and titles. It divides your
qualifications into functional categories, such as Administrative,
Marketing, or Project Management.
• Combination/Hybrid: Featuring a mix of elements from both of the above
resume types, this format is the most versatile for individual scenarios.
Many feel this format gives hiring managers the best of both worlds.
How to write your Resume: Formats
No job Experience
1. Heading
2. Objective
3. Skills
4. Education
5. Awards, honors, activities
6. Other qualification
7. Personal data (optional for local employment
With job experience
1. Heading
2. Objective
Inclusions
• Heading
Your resume heading should contain your full name, complete address and
your contact information which includes your phone number and email.
• Objective
Optional, especially for those who already have at least a couple of past work
experiences. But for fresh graduates and for those who are applying for an
entry-level job, this part of your resume is important as it clarifies your
intention for applying as well as your career goals.
• Skills
Skill and capability list makes your recruiter know what you can do for their
company including your ability to use computer programs, office equipment,
foreign language etc. therefore list them down
• Education
For educational background include your degree (or degrees if you have
more than one), the school or institution where you graduated and the year
you attended/graduated.
• Work Experience
List your most recent employments first and work backwards, including only
those jobs that you think will help you win the targeted position
