The Rules | Common
Mistakes | Typical Resumes | References | Cover
Letters
Power Words | Example
Resumes
Do I need one?
The answer is always YES! Why? It's your calling card. It's
a tool to use in your job search that, if properly prepared,
will paint a favorable picture of you to any prospective employer.
The Rules
- Keep it simple.
- Too much or not enough information can make the difference.
- With a 10 to 15 second glance your strongest characteristics
should stand out.
- One page should be enough unless you have a technical position
that requires detail. References would be on a separate page.
- Keep it simple.
- New rule: list your cell phone number and e-mail address.
Be accessible and in touch with new technology.
Common Mistakes
- Too long.
- Spelling, typos or grammar.
- Poorly typed, crooked on page, unprofessional.
- Too sparse. Not enough to fill up a page.
- Never give reasons for leaving.
- Never give income.
- Unnecessary data. Age, height, weight, health, marital status,
sex, hobbies, zodiac sign, year graduated, ages of children
- unless they specifically apply to the job you are applying
for.
- Too fancy or flashy. Use standard fonts. Use a plain paper
that won't distract from the presentation. No pictures or heavy
graphics.
- Don't exceed 15 years work history.
- Focus. Make sure it focuses on the job you are applying for.
You may need more then one version.
Typical Resumes
Typical contemporary resumes start with an Objective that
clearly and concisely states what job you are seeking. This
can be from a couple of words to a paragraph in length.
The body of the text describes your Experience, Skills and
Accomplishments. These can be expressed separately, combined
or in any combination so long as a potential employer can grasp
what you have to offer with a minimum of effort. Listing specific
skills and abilities, accomplishments, related training followed
by a brief list of employers can be effective. Bullets can
highlight this and make it easier to read. If you have been
at the same job for a long time perhaps a brief descriptive
paragraph outlining your skills, abilities and accomplishments
would be effective.
End your resume with Education. Include professional seminars
and training. Only include dates on recent items. Leave off
High School unless you have nothing else. Don't give graduating
date unless you specifically want them to know your age.
References
Maintain a current list of 4 to 8 references that any prospective
employer can call. These references should know that they are
on your list and you should have current phone numbers and/or
addresses on them. These should be work related references.
Former supervisors and coworkers are best.
Cover Letters
Any time you mail a resume you should include a cover letter.
The letter should be professional, brief and possibly include
an indication as to why you would be of interest to the company
you're sending it to.
Avoid generic letters. If you have a lot to say then consider
adding an Introductory page after your cover letter. This is
not a common practice but it does allow you to catch the reader’s
eye with the cover letter, then lead them to read the detailed
introduction.
