Effective Resume Writing I

Quick WarmerQuick WarmerIn EnglishIn English,,Ask 10 different people what abilities/skills Ask 10 different people what abilities/skills

they possess.they possess.

““What special skills do you have?”What special skills do you have?”““Can you back them up?” Can you back them up?”

Contents

Important Points to Remember 12 Step Process for Writing a Resume Skills Objective Statements Practical Application (getting ready)

Important Points To Remember

Purpose Self-Promotion Focus On The Employer’s Needs Visual Impact Content Impact

What a Resume is NOT

A history of your past

OR

A job application

12 Step Process for Writing A Resume

Step One: Focus Decide what job you are applying for Decide whether to use an Objective Statement or not

Step Two: Education List any education or training that might relate List college activities, achievements, projects here Consider dropping High School information Consider adding “Continuing Education”

Step Three: Job Descriptions Get a copy of the relevant job description Highlight the sentences you have done Pay attention to keywords that you can use!

Step Four: Keywords Concentrate on Hard Skills for technical positions Soft Skills useful for management positionsFor instance: “communicate effectively,” “self-motivated”,

“team-player” Make a list of synonyms of keywords Always tell the truth!

Step Five: Your Jobs List the title of every job you have held Start with your most recent position Don’t list full addresses List years only (2008-present) or months and years

(May 2008 - present) Be consistent!

Step Six: Duties Under each job, make a list of duties, incorporating

phrases from the job descriptions wherever they apply.

Don’t worry about making great sentences or narrowing down your list YET!

Step Seven: Accomplishments What did you contribute to each of your jobs?Did you solve a problem?

Did you expand business or attract/retain customers?

Did you do something that improved the company? Show your potential Quantify whenever possible Convince your reader!!!

Step Eight: Delete Go back over your lists. Cross out things that don’t relate to your target job. Remember: It isn’t intended to be all-inclusive! Remember: Relate to your present objective!

Step Nine: Sentences Make sentences of the duties you have listed under

each job. Never use personal pronouns in your resume! Make your sentences positive, brief and accurate. Make the sentences interesting to read. Use verbs at the beginning of each sentence. Make certain each word means something and

contributes to the quality of the sentence.

Step Ten: Rearrange Think about the order of presentation Number points in order of importance Think logically and from the perspective of a

potential employer Make the thoughts flow smoothly

Step Eleven: Related Qualifications Think about anything else that might qualify you for

your job objective – licences, certifications, affiliations, interests

Step Twelve: Profile Write four or five sentences that give an overview of

your qualifications. Place this at the beginning of your resume. Be relevant to the type of job you are applying for. Can include some personal traits or special skills.

Profile Experienced systems/network technician with significant

communications and technical control experience. Focused and hard-working; willing to go the extra mile for the

customer. Skilled in trouble-shooting complex problems by thinking

outside the box. Possesses a high degree of professionalism and dedication

to exceptional quality. Effective team player with outstanding communication and

interpersonal skills. Current Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information

security clearance.

Skills

Examples of Resume Skills

Computer Programming Skills Management Skills Problem Solving Skills Typing Skills Debating Skills

What skills do you possess?

Teamwork? Research? Planning meetings/events? Interpreting information/language? Compiling data? Prioritizing tasks?

What characteristics do you possess that make you a strong candidate?

innovative hard-working strong interpersonal skills ability to handle multiple projects

simultaneously under tight deadlines ……… ………

Useful Vocabulary

accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, expedited, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.

A Skills ChecklistA Skills Checklist

► Administration SupportAdministration Support► AnalyticalAnalytical► Applying KnowledgeApplying Knowledge► CommunicatingCommunicating► CompetenceCompetence► Compiling DataCompiling Data► CreativeCreative► Customer Service Decision MakingCustomer Service Decision Making► Delegating TasksDelegating Tasks► EntertainingEntertaining► Financial Management Financial Management ► Finding AnswersFinding Answers► Generating New BusinessGenerating New Business► LeaderLeader► ManagementManagement► Meeting DeadlinesMeeting Deadlines

A Skills Checklist (cont.)A Skills Checklist (cont.)

► Motivating PeopleMotivating People► NegotiatingNegotiating► Persuading PeoplePersuading People► Planning Meetings/EventsPlanning Meetings/Events► Prioritizing TasksPrioritizing Tasks► Problem SolvingProblem Solving► Professional KnowledgeProfessional Knowledge► Public SpeakingPublic Speaking► ResearchResearch► ResponsibleResponsible► Self MotivatedSelf Motivated► SellingSelling► Setting GoalsSetting Goals► Taking ActionTaking Action► TeamworkTeamwork► Writing ReportsWriting Reports

Power Words IPower Words I

► Accomplished Arranged Achieved Advised Assembled Acquired Analyzed Assisted Adapted Accomplished Arranged Achieved Advised Assembled Acquired Analyzed Assisted Adapted Appraised AuditedAppraised Audited

► Budgeted BuiltBudgeted Built

► Calculated Coordinated Conceived Coached Conducted Constructed Compiled Completed Calculated Coordinated Conceived Coached Conducted Constructed Compiled Completed Created ConvincedCreated Convinced

► Debugged Detected Decreased Developed Delivered Devised Diagnosed Designed DirectedDebugged Detected Decreased Developed Delivered Devised Diagnosed Designed Directed

► Edited Enhanced Enlarged Eliminated Established Exceeded Expanded Engineered Executed Edited Enhanced Enlarged Eliminated Established Exceeded Expanded Engineered Executed Expedited Expedited

► Fixed Formulated FoundedFixed Formulated Founded

► Generated GuidedGenerated Guided

► Headed HiredHeaded Hired

► Identified improved Initiated Innovated Interpreted Interviewed Implemented Invented Installed Identified improved Initiated Innovated Interpreted Interviewed Implemented Invented Installed Increased Instructed Increased Instructed

Power Words IIPower Words II

► Lectured Lobbied Logged LedLectured Lobbied Logged Led

► Maintained Mediated Motivated Managed Modified Manufactured MonitoredMaintained Mediated Motivated Managed Modified Manufactured Monitored

► NegotiatedNegotiated

► Obtained Ordered Overhauled Operated OrganizedObtained Ordered Overhauled Operated Organized

► Prepared Programmed Performed Presented Persuaded Proposed Processed Prepared Programmed Performed Presented Persuaded Proposed Processed Provided Planned Provided Planned

► Produced Purchased ProficientProduced Purchased Proficient

► Quantified QualifiedQuantified Qualified

Power Words IIIPower Words III

► Reorganized Researched Recommended Repaired Restored Replaced Reviewed Reorganized Researched Recommended Repaired Restored Replaced Reviewed Reduced Reported Revised Represented Regulated RescuedReduced Reported Revised Represented Regulated Rescued

► Scheduled Sold Suggested Solved Supervised Selected Supplied Served Scheduled Sold Suggested Solved Supervised Selected Supplied Served

Streamlined Simplified StudiedStreamlined Simplified Studied

► Taught Tested Trained TranslatedTaught Tested Trained Translated

► Updated UtilizedUpdated Utilized

► VendedVended

► Won Wrote Won Wrote

Using a Using a PowerPower Word Word

ExpediteExpedite- To hasten, to speed up process, to complete promptly To hasten, to speed up process, to complete promptly

ExpediteExpedite shows the ability to:shows the ability to:• complete tasks quicklycomplete tasks quickly• apply urgency to mattersapply urgency to matters• accelerate processes or tasksaccelerate processes or tasks• dispatch information or thingsdispatch information or things

You can You can expedite orders, procedures, projects, tasks, productionexpedite orders, procedures, projects, tasks, production ! !

Examples using Examples using ExpediteExpedite

Analytical SkillsAnalytical SkillsExpedite calculations with accurate results.Expedite calculations with accurate results.

Conclusion: This candidate has productive analytical skills!Conclusion: This candidate has productive analytical skills!

Demonstrate CompetenceDemonstrate CompetenceMeet deadlines by expediting projectsMeet deadlines by expediting projects

Conclusion: This is a competent candidate.Conclusion: This is a competent candidate.

Organizational SkillsOrganizational SkillsExpedited office procedures by organizing data storage systems.Expedited office procedures by organizing data storage systems.

Conclusion: Here is a candidate with organizational skills!Conclusion: Here is a candidate with organizational skills!

PowerPower Words Words

InitiateInitiate - to begin, to start, to take actionto begin, to start, to take action

InitiateInitiate shows the ability to: shows the ability to:• Make a major changeMake a major change• Establish a new procedureEstablish a new procedure• Willingly take on a new taskWillingly take on a new task

You can You can initiate a program, process, conversation, plan, change, reform, initiate a program, process, conversation, plan, change, reform, strategy.strategy.

Examples using Examples using InitiateInitiate

Self-MotivationSelf-MotivationInitiated a rewards program for reaching my personal goals, Initiated a rewards program for reaching my personal goals,

which motivated me to increase my sales targets for ten which motivated me to increase my sales targets for ten consecutive months.consecutive months.

Conclusion: This candidate establishes methods for reaching Conclusion: This candidate establishes methods for reaching goals.goals.

Profit Oriented ThinkingProfit Oriented ThinkingInitiated partnerships with 10 new clients which brought in Initiated partnerships with 10 new clients which brought in

NT$1.5 million as a result. NT$1.5 million as a result.

Conclusion: The candidate can increase profits by making new Conclusion: The candidate can increase profits by making new connections.connections.

Objective Statements & Profiles

- comes right after your contact information. - highlights your unique talents, experience,

and goals. - shows why you’d be a strong candidate for

the position applied for. - May be omitted if you use a cover letter.

Objective Statement (student example)

Ph.D. candidate in Economics. Experienced researcher. Knowledgeable about China. Excellent communicator. Seeks to parlay education and work experience at leading global economic forecasting firm.

More examples

Vague I am looking for a position where I can utilize my skills

and abilities to advantage.

Specific & BriefEmployment Objective: Chemical Engineer

Some Sections from a Resume

Procurement: To implement and follow up Global cost reduction

programs. Negotiation of prices 、 terms and review contract and

conditions with suppliers. Also include Suppliers sourcing and verification for alternative

materials. To consolidate Asia reports and information to

headquarter. Purchasing order 、 shipment 、 AP and claim follow up. Budgeting plan for direct procurements To supervise the purchasing team affairs. Establishes and develops efficient internal and

external procedure.

Demand SOP plan Forecasting collection and evaluation. MRP planning---All direct materials for Taiwan plant. ---Combined purchase orders of popular

/low usage items with Shanghai, Thailand plant, in order get the prices discount /share the purchase lot size.

Inventory control & plan MB maintenance.

Slow moving/Non range items management.Item suggestion for excess capacity

Export customer service Coordinate & handle customer order process 、 drop

shipment service and delivery arrangement. Provide consistent and reliable service to customer

including inquires 、 quotation 、 sample 、 claim 、 documents and report support.

Set up and maintain SOI data

Characteristic Responsible attitude in working and pleasant

personality to work with others. Supervisor leadership Active team player and good lead-ship skills. Ability to effectively handle multiple projects and

tasks simultaneously. Self-managed with strong organizational and

communication skill. Excellent oral and written in English and

Mandarin. Skilled at establishing and accomplishing goals

and failure analysis.

Some More Resume Samples

Think how they can be improved - what is good? - what could be better?

ALEX BUCKSHEATH 14, Wychurch Road, Canterbury, Kent. CT2 7SJ. Tel. 01227 - 764521    email ab999@kent.ac.ukDate of Birth - 5/12/74   Nationality - British    Female

Personal Statement A graduate with strong communication and organisational skills gained in nursing, now seeking to move into personnel as a trainee manager.

SKILLSCommunication As ward sister I developed strong management and communication skills. Working with anxious patients requires great sensitivity. My degree project on "The Corn Laws" required work to a tight deadline, researching, and presenting

my findings both verbally and in writing. Planning/Organising Organising staff rotas and dealing with ward admissions. Being a Ward Sister required the ability to take

charge and delegate duties. Secretary of History Society, booking speakers and promoting events. Bringing up two children has required flexibility and the patience of a saint! Teamwork I worked as part of a team on a busy ward, sometimes under great pressure. Here flexibility was of the

essence. I regularly had to drop one task to help busy colleagues.The Psychology module of my Access course involved a group project where I worked with three other students investigating the effect of returning to work on women's self-esteem. I was responsible for co-ordinating interviews and qualitative analysis of interview transcripts. Our project was awarded the highest grade of any in that year.

As an office temp it was necessary to fit into a team immediately and to pick up information quickly Computing Good knowledge of MS Word. I have designed my own web page and regularly use email and the Internet.

 Page 1 of CV for Alex Bucksheath  

Christopher Jones 24 Mansfield Av, Oklahoma, OK 73118Chris73118@hotmail.comTel: (405) 524-9999

PROFILE A self-motivated Senior Quality Assurance Technician with a wide range of experience in the food industry. Able to work on

own initiative and as part of a team. Proven leadership skills involving managing, developing and motivating teams to achieve their objectives. First-class analytical, design and problem solving skills. Dedicated to maintaining high quality standards.

ABILITIES Managing all quality assurance procedures and systems in a modern food manufacturing environment. Controlling a team; assigning them tasks and motivating them to achieve deadlines. Performing quality assurance audits, which includes analyzing procedures and making recommendations for improvements. Obtaining ISO9000 accreditation for manufacturing sites/departments. Organizing and conducting the training of Quality Assurance personnel. Testing products to ensure they meet all relevant food regulations. Presenting reports and demonstrating Quality Assurance procedures to clients.

ACHIEVEMENTS Implemented a new quality assurance system for a major manufacturing client which will save them £100,000 per annum on

one production line alone. Increased the acceptance level of finished goods from 97% to 99% in a modern factory, reducing wastage and thereby

increasing their profits. Achieved ISO9000 accreditation for a Production Department by designing and implementing new quality assurance

procedures. Solved major quality assurance problems which temporarily halted production at a well-known food manufacturer's plant.

Peter Lee 24 Roosevelt Rd, Sec 2 Taipei, TW 604 00 Pete604@hotmail.comTel: (02) 537-8645

PROFILE:A Mathematics student who is keen to find a position as a Trainee Accountant. Reliable, trustworthy, numerate and meticulous.

Worked for a firm of chartered accountants last Summer and gained a good understanding of what is required of an accountant. Able to work on own initiative or as part of a team and can deal with administrative duties competently.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan; 2010; Minors: Chemistry and Physics;

Current GPA: 3.0 / 4.0. Subjects studied: Business Studies, Computer Studies, Calculus, Geometry & Topology and Catastrophe Theory. EXPERIENCE:      Administrative Assistant, Chen & Chang, 2009 Assisted the Senior Partner who was conducting audits on major companies in the area. Handled incoming telephone calls to the Senior Partner from other companies and members of the public. Organized and maintained the Senior Partner's filing system. Typed reports on an IBM Compatible PC using the WordPerfect word-processor. Devised a new filing system to maintain the files held by the department. Solved users PC problems including sorting out spreadsheets, explaining how to use complex features in word-processing

packages.       Coordinator, Zhongxiao Community Center, 2008 Organized a local advertising drive that increased the number of elderly people coming to the center by 20%. Organized games for people attending in the afternoons. Escorted some of the elderly people to and from the center. COMPUTER SKILLS: Microsoft Windows XP / Vista, Microsoft Office 2003 / 2007 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access). INTERESTS: Interests at university included organizing a charity quiz, which raised $150,000NT. Movies and theater.

Next TimeNext Time

Bring in a draft Resume (or at least the Bring in a draft Resume (or at least the section of the resume which covers section of the resume which covers evidence (i.e. work experience; evidence (i.e. work experience; achievements, etc.)achievements, etc.)

Send me resumes atSend me resumes at

adrian_odonnell@lado.com.twadrian_odonnell@lado.com.tw