AOH :: DEVRES.TXT
Developing Your Resume
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SOURCE: THE PLACEMENT CENTER
DEVELOPING YOUR RESUME
A RESUME IS:
a concise record of your significant experiences and achievements.
a device to communicate quickly and easily with your reader.
a document which is interesting, factual, neat, visually attractive,
and for the new graduate, usually one page in length.
a written format to make the employer interested in you for an
interview.
USES OF A RESUME:
for recruitment-employment interviewing - take additional copies with
you: one for the interviewer(s) and the other for your personal
reference during the interview.
for career counseling appointment - bring a copy of your resume for
use by the career counselor in assisting you in your job search.
for informational interviewing - you may want to take a copy of your
resume with you to provide information about yourself if the
interviewer asks for one.
when inquiring about a job opportunity - even though you do not know
of an actual opening, send a resume with your cover letter (letter of
inquiry).
for enclosure with an application include a copy of your resume when
sending a completed application form.
in answering ads read the information very carefully, target your
resume and cover letter towards the ad; emphasize your strengths, do
not focus on your limitations.
for the person(s) who is writing letter(s) of reference -this will
remind person(s) of your background and desired position.
TYPES OF RESUMES:
There are two basic types of resumes: Chronological and Functional.
The Chronological Resume lists education and jobs in the reverse
chronological order - ie: the most recent academic institution or job
listed first. It is the easiest to write because it is structured by
dates, organizations and titles. The Chronological Resume is recommended
for use by undergraduate students.
The Functional Resume focuses on functional abilities, competencies, job
skills and accomplishments rather than dates, location or employment. It
emphasizes the applicant's marketable skills as they relate to a particular
function.
BASIC EXAMPLES CAN BE FOUND AT THE PLACEMENT OFFICE.
THE HEADING
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Area Code, Telephone Number
- OR -
Name
Campus Address Permanent Address
City, State, Zip City, State, Zip
Area Code, Telephone Number Area Code, Telephone Number
This is all the personal information that is required on a resume: Name,
Address and Phone. Unless you are looking for a modeling or film job, you
should not include information about height, weight, physical appearance or
age.
Give the area code and telephone number where you can be reached, since
many employers call rather than writing to establish interviews.
JOB OBJECTIVE
Job Objective: A Position in the (industry/OR fields utilizing skills in
_______________,_______________ and _____________________.
A job objective is like an opening paragraph of a paper. It sets the tone
for the information that follows. The balance of the resume supports the
opening statement.
Your job objective should indicate the industry or position in which you
wish to work and identify two or three skills you have developed and plan
to use. These skills should be supported by the information in your
resume.
For example a student interested in management might prepare this
objective:
"Management trainee position in a financial institution utilizing
strengths in supervision, organization and analysis."
THE EDUCATION SECTION
Education: University Location
Degree*, Date of Graduation, Major, Significant/Relevant
Coursework, Honors, Activities
High School Location
Date of Graduation, Class Rank or GPA, Honors, Activities
If you financed a significant portion of your college
education, include that information. Estimate percentage
whenever possible.
Significant/Relevant Coursework: Employers may not be familiar with the
curriculum, therefore identify significant coursework completed that
will-show an in depth study of your field or the diversity of your studies.
GPA: Include both overall and major GPA, if they are 3.0/4.0 or better. If
it's not included, be prepared to respond to a question about your GPA in
an interview.
Activities: Activities can be included under education or identified in a
separate section. Quality not quantity of activities is important. Expand
on those where you held positions of leadership - use action verbs to
describe the most important duties to support your job objective.
Summer School/Study Abroad: If you went to Summer School or studied abroad,
include that information. List it separately, and identify the sponsoring
institution and specific program. Include information about fluency in a
foreign language.
High School Information: Primarily for undergraduates, optional for
others. This may be included, if you want to show special awards,
activities, or coursework or high college entrance exams.
* If you attended the Evening Division addition, you may wish to include
this information.
THE EXPERIENCE SECTION
Experience: Organization Location
Job Title, Duties: __________________________________________
_______________________________________________________ Dates
Organization Location
Job Title, Duties: _________________________________________
______________________________________________________ Dates
Experience can be paid, volunteer or internship. Identify the experiences
using action verbs related to the position stated in your job objective.
Select those duties and skills that relate to your job objective.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
If you have held positions which are not related to your job objective, you
can consolidate them into a small paragraph identified as "Other
Experiences," ie. babysitting, house painting, tutoring, waitressing,
lifeguarding, etc.
If you financed a significant portion of your college education, include
that information. Estimate percentage whenever possible.
THE SPECIAL SKILLS SECTION (IF APPROPRIATE)
This section denotes any proficiency or skill's you have acquired ie:
computer skills, computer languages, foreign language skills.
THE ACTIVITIES SECTION
Activities: Organization, Position Duties: ___________________________
Activities: This section can be a component of your educational area if
you participated in activities during your academic years, or ACTIVITIES
can be listed as a separate category.
Employers are looking for a combination team player and leader. Team spirit
can be indicated through participation in committee work, sports or group
projects. Leadership is assertained from supervisory or committee
chairperson experiences. Include these in your resume.
THE INTERESTS SECTION
Interests: __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Interests: You should feel comfortable discussing your avocation, hobbies
with a recruiter during an employment interview. These interests need not
be job related. They help an employer select a well-rounded person.
FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
Graduate students or alumni may wish to include special sections listing
their postgrad honors/publications/research, etc.
REFERENCES (OPTIONAL)
References: Available upon request.
You should not write out your references' names, addresses or telephone
numbers on your resume. Have that information typed on a separate piece of
paper to give to an employer, if requested.
Ask former employers, faculty or administrators who have supervised your
work or special projects if they will be willing to provide a reference or
recommendation. Provide them with a copy of your resume to remind them of
your background and desired position.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Placement Center does not keep letters of recommendations in your
placement file with the exception of the Educational Placement Office.
For Educational Placement Registrants Only: Most school districts prefer
confidential letters of recommendation sent with your educational
credential file. However, if you obtain letters of recommendation directly
from your reference they must be marked non-confidential.
Portfolios: In addition to recommendations, some candidates also need to
develop a portfolio of writing clips, art samples or video tapes. If you
are in a creative field, consult with your faculty about preparing such a
portfolio.
ACTION VERBS
Here is a partial list of action verbs to use in writing your resume.
accepted deleted indexed related
accomplished demonstrated individualized represented
acknowledged described informed reshaped
acquainted designed initiated reviewed
acted determined insured revised
added developed interpreted scheduled
administered devised interviewed secured
affiliated directed introduced sought
aided disapproved invented selected
analyzed disseminated investigated sent
applied distributed invited sequenced
appraised emphasized involved served
approved employed kept solicited
arranged encouraged led sorted
assembled engaged listed spoke
assessed enlarged maintained specified
assigned enrolled managed sponsored
assisted established matched straightened
assumed evaluated measured strengthened
catalogued examined moderated stressed
challenged exchanged negotiated structured
checked exerted obtained studied
collected expanded organized submitted
combined expressed oriented suggested
communicated familiarized participated summarized
compiled filed persuaded supervised
conceived formed planned supplied
conducted formulated prepared supported
conferred gathered presented synthesized
considered gave presided systematized
consulted governed procured tested
contacted grouped promoted trained
continued guided publicized unified
contracted harmonized recognized updated
controlled held recommended upheld
convinced identified recorded used
coordinated implemented recruited utilized
correlated improved rectified wrote
created included referred worked
defined incorporated reinforced
COMMON SYNONYMS
These synonyms may further assist you in developing your resume.
ABILITY ACHIEVE ACTION ADOPT
aptitude accomplish method apply
capability effect operation employ
competence execute procedure exert
knowledge fulfill mobilize
proficiency produce restore
qualifications realize revive
skillfulness resolve specialize in
use
utilize
ASSIST CONTINUE EMPHASIS PLAN
cooperate adhere to accentuate design
dispatch keep up feature map
expedite persevere stress model
maintain persist outline
promote remain GET AS A RESULT program
resume obtain project
AUTHORITY secure proposal
charter COOPERATE scheme
command collaborate
commission contribute to IMPLEMENT POINT OUT
control maintain administer assign to
domain support enforce credit with
field sustain execute demonstrate
in charge of perform display
jurisdiction put into effect exhibit
scope DEVELOP indicate
bring about IMPORTANCE reveal
build distinction show
AUTHORIZE cause essential
delegate construct salience
empower create significant PROMOTED
endow derive elevated
entitle design JOB raised
invest devise appointment
qualify effect calling RESPONSIBLE
form capacity accountable
BUSINESS generate career account for
affair give rise to footing answerable
concern make occupation liable
interest organize position
matter originate post SUCCEED
negotiations prepare profession accomplish
pursuit promote situation achieve
transactions result in status
undertaking sponsor UNDERSTAND
venture synthesize MANAGE apprehend
administer assimilate
CARRY OUT EARN check digest
accomplish advance conduct discriminate
achieve better deal with master
assume exceed designate penetrate
attain excel direct seize
discharge merit engage in
execute progress execute WAY
exercise surpass handle means
fulfill operate method
perform EFFECTIVE oversee policy
pursue dynamic take charge of procedure
undertake forceful system
influential PARTICIPATE
COMPANY potent collaborate
concern productive combine
cooperation strong contribute
enterprise valid coordinate
establishment vigorous pool
firm share
institution synchronize
organization take part in
DO'S AND DON'TS OF RESUME WRITING
The most professional-looking resumes are typed on a letter quality
printer, printed- or typeset. for a small fee you can use the computer
and printer at Vogleback Computing Center.
DO
Have your resume printed so it looks professional.
Be sure your resume is free of typographical errors.
Proofread and proofread again.
Construct your resume so that it is aesthetically pleasing.
Use white, off-white or light gray paper.
Be succinct.
Try to keep your resume to one page if appropriate.
Use action verbs and correct grammar and capitalized headings.
Be positive about yourself.
List your education and experiences in reverse
chronological order (most recent first).
Be original but not "gimmicky" or cute.
DON'T
Underestimate or overrate your experiences - be truthful.
Use personal pronouns.
Use abbreviations.
Include personal data, i.e. height, weight, marital status or photograph.
Include salary requirements or salary history.
Include names and addresses of references.
Give reasons for leaving former jobs.
Date your resume.
Use inferior paper or copying methods.
Work with your resume until you feel comfortable with it. That may involve
many preliminary drafts. Once you are satisfied, prepare a typewritten
copy and show it to a career counselor for review before having it printed
or typeset.
You may choose to explore job opportunities in more than one field. This
requires developing multiple resumes. each resume should have a different
job objective reflecting the type of position you desire. Organize and
label each set of resumes when submitting them to the placement enter with
your Registration Packet.
WRITING YOUR COVER LETTER
A COVER LETTER
is just as important as an effective resume.
accompanies all resumes which are mailed or hand delivered to an employer.
should be original and typed on the same color and quality paper as your
resume.
should be addressed to a specific individual by name and title if possible.
(ie: the supervisor of a department and/or the person who has hiring
authority)
must be specifically tailored to a particular company or position.
tells the recipient why the resume was sent.
should introduce you to the employer, reflect your individuality, and
identify your special interest in the position.
highlights aspects of your background and experience that are particularly
relevant to the employer's needs.
indicates your follow-up action.
should indicate that your resume is enclosed.
when in response to job notices, should address each qualification stated
in the advertisement.
TYPESETTING AND PRINTING SHOPS IN EVANSTON
Prices and hours may vary. Hours were last updated April 1989.
ALPHA WORD KINKO'S
1900 Asbury 716 Clark St.
491-0520 475-8650
Hours: 10:00 - 6:00 M-F Hours: 24 hours-7 days per week
10:00 - 2:00 Sat. Printing: 5-10- per page
Desktop typesetting and design: depending on quality of paper
$35.00 and up Laser Printer: 95 cents/page
Letter setup - $5.00 with Computer Use: $6.00 per hr.
discount for multiple copies.
ADVANCED REPRODUCTIONS/INSTAPRINT
COMPOSITION SHOP (Student Publ.) 1508 Elmwood
Norris University Center 864-3313
491-4901 Hours: 8:00 - 5:00 M-F
Hours: 9:00 - 5:00 M-F Closed on weekends
Typesetting: $25.00-one page Printing: Minimum of lOO copies
$12.50 for alter- $10.-12.60 for l00
ations copies
Takes 3 days for resume from
scratch; rush- $37.50. EVANSTON QUICKPRINT
612 Church St.
328-9030
JUST YOUR TYPE, INC. Hours: 8:30 - 5:00 M-F
1007 Davis Printing: $6.95 for 25
copies/minimum
864-8890
Hours: 8:30 - 5:30 M-F SIR SPEEDY INSTANT PRINT
Typesetting: $35.00-one page 1009 Davis
$5.00 charge for handwritten 866-9520
resumes; $10.00-alterations. Hours: 8:30 - 5:45 M-F
Printing: $10.95 for 25
copies/minimum
THE TYPE STUDIO Higher with some papers
317 Howard St.
328-TYPE THE PRINTED WORD
Hours: 8:30 - 5:30 M-F 827 Chicago Ave.
Typesetting: $90.00-one page 328-1511
Turnaround: 48 hrs Hours: M-F 8:00 - 6:00
Printing: 50 minimum
COPY CAT Starts $11.15 (25%
1830 Sherman ragbond)
869-8866 Typesetting: $20-25.00 per page
Hours: 7:00-Mid. M-S Laser Printer: $2.00 per pg. w/
8:00 - Mid. Sun. $5 min.(only with your own disk)
Typesetting: $15.00-one page
.25 cent/chrct.-scanned QUARTET
$ 5.00-revision 1800 Sherman Ave., Suite 103
Printing: 4 cents/cc. + 4 cents per 492-3232
resume paper; 10 cents-envelope. Call for price quote.
10% NU discount
VOGELBACK
Hours: 8:30 - 5:00 office M-F
NU PRINTING & DUPLICATING 8:00 a.m.-Mid., CENTER M-F
2020 Ridge Ave. -4th 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat.
491-3565 6:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. Sun.
2 cents/page to 1,000; 4.5 cents
for bond paper. Call for more
information.
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