Session 7
Resume
Definition:
A resume is a French word which means “summary”.
A resume is a brief account of an applicant’s background, skills, and accomplishments.
Purpose:
The resume’s main purpose is to get you an interview!
Importance:
A clear, scannable, and concise resume will get an employer’s attention.
Point:
How long do you think an employer looks at each resume?
The average, employer looks at a resume between 15-20 seconds minimum or 45 seconds maximum.
This is the time; they decide to either KEEP IT or TOSS IT.
How Do We Write a Resume that Will Get Us Noticed?
Major
Consideration
Format Sections
Format
Format is essentially the way something is arranged or laid out.
1. No more than one page in length!
Resume Format Expectations:
2. List content in reverse
chronological order.
Sections
Heading (Or Personal Contact Information)
The Heading should include:
1. First Name and Last Name (Large (20-22 size) and bold)
2. Address (12 size- You are allowed to use abbreviations, for example, CA stands for California)
3. Email Address and Phone Number (12 size- no need to write “email:” and “phone:”.
Tip: If you have a LinkedIn, include a link to your profile in your heading.
Where should contact information go?
Top of the page
For example:
Objective (Professional Summary)
Communicate the type of position you are interested in.
For example:
To obtain an entry-level Human Resources position.
Note: You can use these statements:
To obtain a position that will enable me to enhance my skills and knowledge in _________________.
To obtain a position that allows me to_______________.
Education
In this section include your degree information.
1. Program Name / Degree Title (For example, Bachelor of Arts in English Translation)
2. University Name (For example, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch)
3. Graduation Year (May 2014)
4. Grade Point Average (GPA), for example, GPA 3.0 (Optional)
Note:
A = 4.0 = 17-20
B = 3.0 = 14-16
C = 2.0 = 12-13
D = 1.0 = 10-11
Professional Experience
1. Job Title / Position
2. Company Name or Location, and Date
3. Description of Job Responsibilities (start sentences with action verbs)
Skills
There are two types of skills:
1. Soft skills are personality traits, such as, leadership, effective communication, teamwork, time
management, motivation, and adaptability.
2. Hard skills are job-specific abilities acquired through education and training, such as,
accounting, typing, or computer programming.
3. Language Skills
Memberships / Honors / Certification Awards
Publications
Resume Writing Tips!
Be consistent with your formatting- consistent formatting makes your resume scannable!
Length & Margins - One page and margins no smaller than .5 inches.
Proofread!
Example:
