The résumé is a critical tool to help you get your foot in the
door. First impressions do count! Often your résumé is the first
contact the employer will have with you. You want it to look professional, stand
out, and highlight your skills and competencies. There are computer programs that
can help you set up your résumé and often classes are offered in
the career center. You can also look at a sample résumé
for some hints on how to set up your résumé. Your résumé should: - be honest.
- be error-free.
- be clear and concise.
- use action words.
- be printed on high quality paper.
- focus on skills, achievements, and accomplishments.
Contents You can use various formats for your résumé. The following are
components that you will want to include in the contents of your résumé. Personal Information. Write your name, address,
and telephone number. If you have a temporary or school address, you will want
to include a permanent address and phone number as well. Don't include other personal
information (marital status, height, weight, health, interests, picture, or hobbies)
unless you think it is relevant to the job. Keep it simple. Adding unessential
information only clutters up your résumé and detracts from the essential
information. Job Objective. It is not essential that you include
a job objective on your résumé. The rule of thumb is to include
a job objective if you will only accept a specific job. You may be willing to
accept various jobs in a company, especially if you're a new graduate with little
experience. If you decide not to list your job ojective, you can use the cover
letter to relate your résumé to the specific job you are applying
for. Educational Background List your highest degree
first, school attended, dates, and major field of study. Include related educational
experience that may be relevant to the job, such as certification, licensure,
advanced training, intensive seminars, and summer study programs. Don't list individual
classes on your résumé. If you have special classes that relate
directly to the job you are applying for, list them in your cover letter. Awards and Honors. List awards and honors that are
related to the job or indicate excellence. In addition, you may want to list special
qualifications that relate to the job, such as fluency in a foreign language.
Highlight this information prominently, rather than as an afterthought. Pack a
persuasive punch by displaying your best qualifications out in front. Work Experience. List the title of your last job
first, dates worked, and a brief description of your duties. Don't clutter your
résumé with needless detail or irrelevant jobs. You can elaborate
on specific duties in your cover letter and in the interview. Campus and Community Activities. List activities
that show leadership abilities and a willingness to make a contribution. Professional Memberships and Activities. List professional
memberships, speeches, or research projects connected with your profession. Always
be honest. Don't exaggerate your educational background or your work experience.
Your integrity is the most important quality you can bring to a job, and you want
your résumé to reflect your honesty. Follow up with a phone call
in a week or two to make certain that your résumé was received.
This is also the time to ask if additional information is needed and when a decision
will be made. Call or write in a month if you haven't heard. References. References can be furnished upon request.
However, make sure that you have contacted the individuals you plan to use for
references. Include, if possible, former employers and instructors.
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