Effective Resume Writing Guide

• An effective resume is the first step toward landing the next job
• Writing an effective resume includes what information should be in a resume, its characteristics, types (functional or chronological), and how to make it scannable

Information to Include in a Resume

• Identifying information
• Educational history
• Continuing education
• Work or professional experience
• Any volunteer experience
• Activities
• Computer skills
• Professional associations

Optional Sections

• Objective
• Special skills and abilities
• Reference statement

Characteristics of a Successful Resume

• Skill-focused, using action words to define job-related responsibilities
• Easy to read and understand
• Visually powerful without gimmicks
• Ideally one page, but up to two pages is acceptable
• Grammatically correct language
• Checked for spelling errors
• Has formal style
• Is 100% truthful
• Contains no inappropriate personal information
• Produced on a computer
• Presents data in chronological order, unless using a functional format

Resume Faux Pas

• Typos and grammar slips are major errors
• Avoid phrases like "Great attention to detail," "Proven ability to track down and correct errors," and "Am a perfectionist and rarely if ever forget details" when they are incorrect
• Refrain from stating obvious accomplishments like "Completed 11 years of high school"
• Do not use "I" or "me"

Functional Resumes

• They do not follow chronological order
• Are based on competencies or skills
• Are suitable for career changers or executives with unconventional work histories
• Might list "Sales Experience" and then detail experiences
• Typically brief, with a simple list of positions held
• De-emphasizes the importance of specific jobs
• Drawbacks include that it is not a popular system

Scannable Resumes

• Be mindful of bullet points, as they don't always scan correctly
• Consider using dashes
• Use labels or keywords effectively
• Less information is preferable
• Keep the design simple
• Minimize the use of abbreviations

Basic Resume Checklist

• Ensure no spelling or grammar errors
• Neat, clean, and professional appearance
• Length should be 1-2 pages
• Ensure that there are side and bottom margins
• Layout should be easy to read and effectively use white space
• Important titles should be emphasized, experiment with fonts and styles (but don't bold, italicize or underline them), and do not include more than 2 or 3 different font sizes
• Information should be logically recorded
• Employ Action Verbs for accomplishments and results
• Use bullet points when possible for accomplishments
• Quantify results whenever possible
• Use reverse chronological order

Writing an Effective Cover Letter

• How to write a cover letter includes understanding the rules and what the contents of the letter should include

Cover Letter Rules

• Give enough information to interest the reader, but do not overwhelm
• Research the company; the letter should be addressed to a specific person
• Applying to an ad requires 50% of the skills or background that the ad requires
• Mention the person that made the referral if appropriate

Cover Letter Contents

• Include your address, city, state, zip code, and telephone number
• Include the date
• Write the name, title, company, address, city, state, and zip code of the person being written to
• Greet the person, followed by a colon
• Paragraph 1 should include what you want, how you know about the organization, and a mention of your resume enclosure
• Paragraph 2 requires a concise overview of work history and skills that will help perform the job
• Paragraph 3 should state confidence in your ability and include contact information
• Paragraph 4 should express gratitude
• Closing, signature, and typed name

Interview Skills

• First impressions are significant to whether or not one does their best

Aspects of Making the Best Impression

• Be on time
• Be careful with dress
• Utilize physical & eye contact
• Smile
• Do not fidget

Characteristics of a Successful Interview

• Requires preparation, presentation, and great content

Interview Preparation

• Research the job and company
• Review the job requirements
• Know your resume
• Know the location of the interview
• Prepare behavioral based examples
• Anticipate questions
• Prepare to sell yourself
• Visualize yourself in the interview
• Believe there is no unanswerable question
• Believe you are well suited to the position
• Believe you will be an asset to the department
• Bring extra copies of your resume
• Bring a pen and paper
• Include a list of potential questions
• Bring breath mints

Interview Presentation

• Be prepared and responsive for questions
• Take a moment and organize your thoughts
• Make effective eye contact and smile
• Portray confidence in one's abilities
• See each interview as an adventure
• Be attentive to body language
• Do not have gum
• Watch the pens

Other Factors

• Leave personal trouble out of the meeting
• Do not speak bad about the organization

Interview Content

• Listen carefully to the question that is asked
• Have an understanding of behavioral based interviewing
• Rehearse responses
• Sell yourself
• Silence is acceptable, so know when to stop answering
• Connect yourself with the position
• Focus on accomplishments
• Turn one's weaknesses into ones strengths

Behavioral Based Interviewing

• One must prepare their STAR'S
• This includes; Situation or Task, Action Taken, and Results of the Action

Behavioral Based Questions

• Have an understanding of the basic question being asked
• Think specific
• Do not use "Usually, Always, Or Never"
• Say "I"
• Be prepared to answer the negative question that may be asked
• Was The Result Positive and Measurable
• Smile
• Be Concise

Sample Questions

• Tell the interviewers about a time you persuaded someone to do something.
• An instance you solved a small problem before it grew in size.
• Describing an interaction that took place that could have different
• Describing a time there was great cooperation in a team
• Describing a team situation where more support was needed

Important Skills

• Technical skills are important, which include; paying great attention to details, skills with computers, having great analytical skill specific knowledge to one’s degree.
• Soft skills are just as important inlcuding:
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Innovation
• Integrity

Interview Follow Up

• Common interview mistakes include; coming unprepared, not smiling or showing enthusiasm, being negative, the importance of a thank you note, and references.

Learn how to craft an effective resume to land your next job. Find out what information should be included in a resume, its key characteristics, and the different types. Also, get tips on making your resume scannable and visually appealing.