Resume
| Introduction In contemporary world we cannot start a professional activity, change a job or company, or even continue the existing job without the ability to write an attractive and proper resume emphasizing our positive characteristics. We are sure that what we have put on this page can facilitate the importance and solve problems related with this activity. Designing Your Resume Purpose A resume is a self-marketing tool, designed with the goal of obtaining a job interview. Resume information is targeted succinctly to a career field and addresses the needs of a specific employer. Your resume should market your relevant skills, knowledge, and accomplishments. Preparation It will be difficult to begin the process of writing your resume unless you identify the career field and types of employers that will be the focus of your job search. When you know how you will use the resume, then you will be able to write an effective, targeted resume that gets results. You will likely spend a considerable amount of time developing your resume, choosing the right words and phrases to describe your marketable skills and experiences. It is not uncommon to write several revisions before arriving at the final version. One-page resumes are preferred for most entry-level positions. Two-page resumes are acceptable if the information on both pages demonstrates the skills and/ points. Employers who read individual resumes spend very little time on each resume-in most cases, only twenty to thirty seconds. Many large employers are now using optical scanning machines and various software programs to assist them with this initial review. Types of Resumes Information related to skills and experiences can be presented in a chronological format, a functional format, or a combination of the two. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages. To select the type which best supports your strategy, review the following descriptive information and resume samples. Chronological Resume In the chronological resume, job history is organized chronologically with the most recent job listed first. Job titles and employers are emphasized and duties and accomplishments are described in detail. A chronological resume is easy to read, and can highlight career growth. It is suited to those whose career goals are clearly defined and whose job objectives are aligned with their work history. A chronological resume is advantageous when: your recent employers and/or job titles are impressive; you are staying in the same career field; your job history shows progress; you are working in a field where traditional job search methods are utilized (e.g., education, government). A chronological resume is not advantageous when: you are changing career fields; you have changed employers frequently; you want to de-emphasize age; you have been recently absent from the job market or have gaps in employment. Functional Resume In a functional resume, skills and accomplishments developed through work, academic, and community experiences are highlighted. Your skills and potential can be stressed and lack of experience or possible gaps in work history de-emphasised. The functional resume is advantageous when: you want to emphasize skills not used in recent work experience; you want to focus on skills and accomplishments rather than a lengthy employment history; you are changing careers/re-entering the job market; you want to market skills and experience gained through coursework and/or volunteer experience; your career growth in the past has not been continuous and progressive; you have a variety of unrelated work experiences; your work has been free-lance, consulting, or temporary in nature. The functional resume is not advantageous when: you have little work experience or leadership experience; you want to emphasize promotions and career growth; you are working in highly traditional fields, such as teaching, accounting, and politics, where employers should be highlighted. Combination Resume This format combines the elements of the chronological and functional types. It presents patterns of accomplishments and skills in categorical sections or a single section called "Qualifications Summary." It also includes a brief work history and education summary. This format is advantageous for those who wish to change to a job in a related career field or strategically promote their most marketable skills. Constructing Your Resume Categories of information you include on your resume should provide answers to these questions: Contact section Who are you and how can you be reached? Objective statement What do you want to do? Experience section What can you do? Education section What have you learned? Employment section What have you done? Sequence the categories according to what is most important to the employer and your career objective. A recent college graduate with limited experience will usually put the education section first since it is the most significant qualification. Education will also be listed first when it is a qualifying requirement, as in the case of teaching, law, medicine, or engineering. If an applicant wants to emphasize significant work or leadership experience, or apply for jobs in fields such as sales, public relations, or merchandising, it may be useful to present the experience or employment sections first. Contact information Begin your resume with your name by capitalizing and using bold type. Include street address, city, state, and zip code. Include phone number(s) where you can be reached weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Designate your home phone with an "H," and work number with "W," or a "Messages" number. Add an e-mail address if it is checked regularly. Career/Job Objective The purpose of the objective statement is to inform the employer of your career goal and targeted interests. The statement should describe the focus of your job search. If your resume is broader, relay the most relevant objective in an accompanying cover letter. A good objective includes type and/or level of position, type and style of organization, and skills/qualifications. A career/job objective is advantageous when: You want to specify your interests and where you would fit in the organization. You want to present the impression of a focused, self-confident person. A career/job objective is not advantageous when it is: Too broad and meaningless, reflecting indecision. Too exclusive, eliminating you from jobs for which you might be considered. Qualifications or Experience Summary A summary of qualifications can condense an extensive background by emphasizing experiences and accomplishments in brief keyword phrases. The qualifications summary is accomplishment-oriented and provides an overview of your work experience. It can also serve to summarize relevant academic, volunteer and leadership experience for those who have limited work experience. A summary is most appropriate for someone with substantial experience, for someone who is changing careers and wants to demonstrate transferable skills, or for someone with a varied background. Scannable resumes also rely on accomplishment statements. If you know your resume will be electronically scanned, consider a summary. Examples Accomplished editor, news reporter and promotional writer. Demonstrated skills in project management and staff development. Two years' experience as office administrator; four years' teaching experience living abroad; two and one-half years' high school teaching experience; M.B.A. in International Business and Information Systems; B.A. Mathematics; French language fluency. Education If your education relates to your objective and is within the past three years, it should be the first section. If not, education should follow the work experience section of your resume. Start with your most recent degree or the program in which you are currently enrolled. List other degrees or relevant education in reverse chronological order. Highlight your degree by using bold type or capital letters. If the degree is relevant to your job objective, begin with degree and emphasis, followed by university, location of university, and date of graduation or anticipated date of graduation. Example M.S., Communications Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, May 1996. If degree/program is not directly related to current job objective, begin with the university, followed by the location, degree and emphasis, and graduation date. If you are within two semesters of graduation, do not use "expected" or "anticipated" with month/year of graduation. If you have a high GPA, include it on your resume. You may want to highlight your GPA on a new line as illustrated on page 60, or in an education can be used to highlight coursework, research, study abroad experience, leadership and student activities that complements your objective. Consider listing relevant coursework under the appropriate degree. Example Relevant coursework: Investment and Portfolio Management Advanced Financial Management Marketing Research International Banking An alternative to highlighting courses is to list the skills and knowledge acquired through important courses and research. Example Developed model investment portfolio for Fortune 500 company. Analyzed stock market trends using state-of-the-art computer simulation programs. Invested innovative capital formations strategies at metropolitan Washington area investment firms. Designed promotional campaign for new consumer product in a targeted market. You may want to describe research or design projects. Example Design Projects: RF radio control, Laser and Microwave Amplifiers, Transmission Lines Research: "Brazilian Economic Policies Beyond the Coffee Exports" "U.S. Foreign Policy: Transition in Latin America" Employment Experience (Chronological) Begin with your current/most recent position and work backward, chronologically. Devote more space to recent employment. If your job titles relate to your current job objective, start each position description with job titles. If not, begin with the organization. Follow job title and organizational information with the organization's city and state. Use the first and last month and year to describe dates of employment. Example Telecommunications Engineering Aide, Centre for Telecommunications Studies, Washington, DC, September 1990-January 1996 Describe the last three to five positions in detail. Summarize earlier positions unless relevant to your objective. Do not show every position change with each employer. Only list in detail the most recent job and briefly summarize promotions. Do not repeat skills that are common to several positions. Within each listed position, stress the major accomplishments and responsibilities that demonstrate your competency. It is not necessary to include all responsibilities, as they will be assumed by employers. Tailor your position descriptions to future job/career objectives. If writing a two-page resume, make sure the most marketable information is on the first page. Employment Experience (Functional) Use two to four sections to summarize each area of functional skill or expertise. Develop the functional skill headings based on the skills you want to market to employers and/or that are most related to your targeted objective. Describe your skills in short phrases and place under the appropriate functional skill categories. Rank the phrases within each category and place the most important skill or accomplishment first. Examples WRITING Reported on-the-spot news stories for suburban Washington newspapers. Provided in-depth coverage of Capitol Hill issues, including unemployment compensation and merit pay for teachers. Edited and marketed a brochure for a cultural/educational program designed to focus on life in London. Resulted in a 30% increase in program attendance. Do not identify employers within functional skills sections. List a brief history of your actual work experience at the end of the section, giving job title, employer and dates. If you have had no work experience or a very spotty work record, leave out the employment section entirely or summarize the nature of your jobs without providing specific details. If you do this, be prepared to discuss your specific jobs in more detail at the job interview. Both chronological and functional resumes must be succinct, emphasizing your experience and accomplishments. Resumes are often your first introduction to the employer and dramatically impact the screening process. Invest the time to create an excellent marketing tool - your resume - to increase job opportunities and career advancement. Sample Resumes-Chronological James Herbert Current Address: 600 20th St., NW Washington, DC 20052 (202) 676-0402 Permanent Address: 241 Elm Avenue Reading, PA 17011 (717) 451-7374 Education: The George Washington University, Washington, DC. School of Business and Public Management (SBPM) B.B.A., International Business; Concentration: Finance, May 1996. Relevant Coursework Business Finance International Finance International Business International Marketing Fundamentals of Management Financial Statement Analysis Work Experience: Intern: Broker's Assistant, (Sept. - Apr. 1993-1994) Merrill Lynch, Washington, DC Assisted broker in diversifying portfolios for clients. Researched companies with Value Line. Organized financial information packets. Established and maintained clients' files. International Experience: International-Span Program, (Jun. - Jul. 1995) Language program in Venezuela Experienced the culture through home stay, studied Spanish at an intensive language institute, and travelled throughout the country. American Field Service (AFS), (Jun. - Aug. 1991) Exchange Student to Costa Rica Experienced the culture through university classes, home stay, and excursions throughout the country. Skills: Language Intermediate fluency in Spanish. Computer: Competent in the use of Apple Macintosh and IBM PCs. WordPerfect , Microsoft Word, Quattro Pro, Basic DOS, Internet and E-mail. Activities: Organized fundraising events for business retreat. Chinese Culture Club - Member. U.S. Health Care Convention - Assisted with crowd control. Sample Resumes-Functional Denise Martin 501 G Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 (202) 676-8309 SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Extensive and diverse health care experience in both acute care and research hospital settings. Knowledgeable of current regulatory standards, biomedical technology, and medico-legal considerations. Strong background in designing, implementing, and directing patient care programs. Experience with hospital information systems. ADMINISTRATION Administered all operations for in-patient and ambulatory patient care units. Managed unusual incidents related to personnel functions and medical care. Acted as liaison between medical and nursing staffs. Supervised two to four para-professionals. Participated in auditing medical records for compliance with accreditation standards. Administered in-service educational programs. RESEARCH Collected data for research studies and protocols. Incorporated findings into clinical applications. Collaborated in development of clinical investigations. HEALTH CARE Assessed, planned, implemented, and evaluated holistic care for diverse patient populations. Designed, administered, and directed teaching programs. Worked extensively with biomedical technology. EDUCATION Master of Health Services Administration, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, January 1987. BS in Nursing, Hampton Institute, Hampton, VA, May 1976. EMPLOYMENT The National Institutes of Health, Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Centre, Bethesda, MD, Clinical Nurse (May 1980-present). Michael Reece Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, Staff Nurse (May 1979-April 1980). University of Chicago Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, Staff Nurse (September 1976-May 1979). Sample Resumes-Combined ANNE RICE 2600 Eye Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20037 Bus: (301) 978-1602 Res: (202) 547-9000 QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY Extensive knowledge of computer software design and implementation. Comprehensive management experience of professional teams and individuals. Expertise in program development for telecommunications and manufacturing fields. Skilled at communicating technical and non-technical materials to audiences, peers and administrators. Effective negotiator on contracts and with outside vendors. EMPLOYMENT OVERVIEW Management Systems Analyst, Provere Corporation, Manassas, VA Develop over twenty software programs to date to maximize user efficiency and communication. Supervise a staff of six technicians with responsibility for troubleshooting including program debugging. June 1989-present Technical Assistant, Pacific Bell Telephone, San Jose, CA Worked with other members of the technical staff to develop a data network for overseas communication. September 1985-August 1987 Sales Associate, Handyware Technologic, San Francisco, CA June 1983-April 1985 EDUCATION M.S., Computer Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, May 1989 B.S., Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, June 1985 EXPERIENCE Design/Development Review existing systems to enhance design of a Data Communication Network. Interact with manufactures and other clients to develop interactive programs for users. Team-designed a hotline system utilized by four hospitals to maximize emergency care. Develop a comprehensive hands-on orientation program for new employees. Administration/Supervision Co-ordinate computer automation activities for a 150-employee company. Supervise 15 professional and support staff and schedule staff assignments. Assist Department manager with long range planning goals and implementation. Plan negotiations with military and other prospective contractors. COMPUTER SYSTEMS/LANGUAGES IBM 370, VAX, PS/2; PC, FORTRAN, COBOL, ASSEMBLY Example 1 Résumé Personal Information: Name: Martin SCHRODE Address: Schauneckstr. 1 72525 Münsingen Tel. +49(0)7381-2138 E-Mail: Schrode@usa.net Objective: To write my thesis with a company in the e-commerce business Education: 8/97 - present Fachhochschule Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe University of Technology) Major: Business Information Systems 8/96 - 12/97 Eastern Michigan University, College of Business 3/95 - 8/96 Fachhochschule Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe University of Technology) Major: Computer Science for Business Examinations/Degrees: "Vordiplom" (successful completion of lower-division requirements) Grade Point Average: 1.4 (very good) 1992 - 1993 "Berufskolleg" Bad Urach (Business School) Examinations/Degrees: "Fachhochschulreife" (entrance requirement for German universities). GPA: 1.5 (very good) Practical Experience: 1/97 - present Internship at InterFirst (a division of Standard Federal Bank) 12/93 - 2/95 Community Service as an alternative to Military Service at a school for disabled children 1991 - 1992 Volksbank Münsingen e. G. Bank clerk responsible for bank guarantees 1988 - 1991 Volksbank Münsingen e. G. Occupational training at a bank Graduation as qualified bank clerk Other Experience: Languages: German (native), English (good), French (fair) Visual C++, Visual Basic, SQL, Pascal, and Smalltalk Activities: In Germany: Elected member of the student body of the faculty, Tutor for analysis Photography, Cinema, and Reading |