Resume Writing 101
You are about to start an activity you will likely revisit many times throughout your lifetime called “preparing a resume.” A resume is a brief summary of your abilities, education, and experiences. Its main purpose is to help you get an interview for a job!
One of two things will happen with your resume depending on how well you put it together. It can either help you get a job interview or get your resume tossed into the rejection pile.
The average employer spends only 10 seconds looking at a resume. Yet, it is
the only contact you have with the potential employer. Most employers are
actually looking for a reason NOT to interview you. There is no room for
anything but a flawless, compelling document that reflects who you are and what
you've accomplished in the most beneficial light.
Let's get started on the road to building a good personal resume that will make a statement about who you are! If you are having trouble getting started please read the resource links at the bottom.
Be sure and consider each of the following sections before you start your resume.
Personal information about how you can be reached for an interview:
Your full name
Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone #
Email (optional)
The most common mistake made when writing a resume may be made when one leaves out a clear job objective. In this assignment your objective will be to seek a technology position in a local business. You may wish to more narrowly define your objective to meet your interests. It should be precise and not lengthy. Please state a clear job objective.
It is important to show your perspective employer that you are responsible. Even if you have not worked in the field you are trying to enter you should list jobs that show that you are capable of holding down the position. Be sure to list volunteer work that is related to your job objective. Don’t be afraid to discuss special training you have received that helps qualify you for their position. Don’t list hobbies unless they are relevant to your job objective. List leadership positions and volunteer work of any organization, if it strengthens your odds of getting an interview.
Problem-Action-Result
Descriptions
In other words, first state the
problem that existed in your workplace, then describe what you did about it,
and finally point out the beneficial results.
Here's an example: "Transformed a disorganized, inefficient
warehouse into a smooth-running operation by redesigning the layout; this saved
the company thousands of dollars in inefficient management."
I would recommend that you do a chronological resume. This actually means information will be placed in a reverse chronological fashion with more recent events first.
Include bold titles that accurately identify a section. Title placement, size, style, etc. should be consistent throughout the resume.
Don’t misspell anything … including a person’s name.
You will need to answer questions such as:
Since most employers will spend as little as 10 seconds looking at your resume it is important that you be concise. You will re required to limit your resume to a single page.
These are the types of questions you will need to address as you begin writing your resume. Once you have a rough draft let a friend read it and make suggestions. A resume will change over time, but it should be without errors when you turn it in for a final grade or for that all important job!
You will be graded on the following resume attributes.
Resources:
http://www.free-resume-tips.com/10tips.html
http://www.rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/resume.html#Gather
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResumeW/yourresume.html
http://video.about.com/jobsearch/Write-a-Resume-for-Teens.htm