resume and cover letter development chapter 5. 5 | 2 copyright 2012 wadsworth © cengage learning....

Resume and Cover Letter Development

Chapter 5

5 | 2Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Big Picture

• Chapter 5 provides the foundations for preparing a resume, cover letter, and other types of professional correspondence used during the job search process.


Chapter Topics

• Purpose of the Resume• Types of Resumes• Resume Formats• Guidelines to Creating a Resume • Strategies for using E-Resumes• Cover Letters• References and Recommendations


Learning Objectives

• Explain the purpose of a resume.• List the elements that are typically required on a resume.• Discuss some general guidelines for preparing a

resume.• Compare and contrast the various types of resumes.• Describe the various formats in which resumes can be

prepared.• Explain the general guidelines for making a resume

scannable.• Discuss how to appropriately e-mail a resume.


Learning Objectives (cont’d)

• Explain how resumes can be entered into Web site databases.

• Describe how to be cyber-safe.• Demonstrate the ability to write a variety of

different types of correspondence letters.• Demonstrate the ability to prepare a professional

resume.• Demonstrate the ability to prepare a reference

sheet.• Demonstrate the ability to write a cover letter.


Case In Point Questions

• How can a resume indicate if an individual is organized, detailed, and professional?

• How much weight should the appearance of a resume carry in the selection process?


Case In Point Questions (cont’d)

• Do you think Mike is being unfair to applicants who do not exhibit these skills through the appearance of their resumes? Should Mike consider these individuals anyway?

• If you have developed a resume, do you think your resume indicates that you are an organized, detailed, and professional individual? If so, how? If not, why not?


Purposes of a Resume

• Demonstrates qualifications

• Leads to an interview


Content of the Resume

• Should be a summary of skills

• Important factors– Word choice – Appearance


Resume Preparation Guidelines

• Know your skills and abilities. • Have your information outlined prior to writing

your resume.• Be clear on the position for which you are

applying.


Resume Preparation Guidelines (cont’d)

• Utilize appropriate tools to give your resume a professional appearance.

• Choose an appropriate resume for the job.


The Chronological Resume

• Lists professional experience in reverse chronological order

• Is typically preferred by employers

• Perceived as fact-based and can be easily reviewed

• Works best for individuals with consistent experience and job history


The Functional Resume

• Lists experience by type (not chronologically) • May be perceived as more difficult to review• Uses

– Work history is varied with no clear career link between jobs– New college graduates entering the workforce with little work

experience– Past job titles do not clearly indicate the level of skills used– When trying to make a career change


Combination Resume

• Blends features of both chronological and functional resumes

• Lists experience and job history in reverse chronological order


Curriculum Vitae

• Detailed description of all academic and professional pursuits

• Can be 15–20 pages • Commonly used in academic and research

settings• Appropriate for individuals who have extensive

experience and credentials


The Electronic Resume

• Intended to be delivered via e-mail or an online application form

• Has no text formatting

• Be aware of guidelines for electronic processing of a resume


Web Resume

• Posted on the Internet • Has the capacity to include electronic media

such as video, audio, and advanced graphics• Often used to display skills in designing HTML

documents• Beneficial to individuals seeking art or graphics

positions


Resume Formats

• Printable version

• Scannable version

• Plaintext (ASCII) version

• E-mail version


Information on the Resume

• Contact information– Name, address, telephone number, and

e-mail address

• Summary of qualifications• Education

– Names and locations of schools, dates attended and date of graduation, major course of study, and degree earned

• Work history (paid experience)


Information on the Resume (cont’d)

• Volunteer work history (unpaid experience)• Specialty certifications, credentials, or licenses• Military experience• Professional memberships and positions held• Information regarding special skills, recognition,

and achievements


Guidelines for Completing a Resume

– Customize your resume.– Be prepared with the information you need prior

to writing your resume.– Select the best resume type for your needs. – Use resources on the Internet to help with the

composition of your resume. – Consider additions to your resume based on your

field. – Try to limit functional or chronological resumes to

one page.– Use bullets for an easy read.


Guidelines for Completing a Resume (cont’d)

– Use action verbs and phrases to describe your accomplishments and skills.

– Use a professional tone. – Use a professional e-mail address.– Include all important information that employers

will want. – Check for accuracy. – Represent well-rounded skills. – Use discretion with personal interests.


Guidelines for Completing a Resume (cont’d)

– Be honest about your abilities. – Include only postsecondary experience. – Do not list personal information on your

resume. – Limit lengthy experience. – Pay attention to mechanics.– Get a professional opinion.– Include a thoughtful career objective. – Check for legibility. – List references separately.


Strategies for Using E-Resumes

• An electronic resume is a MUST. • Keywords are key.• Your e-resume must be filled with

accomplishments. • Read the instructions so you post your resume

according to the requirements of the employer or job board.


Safety on the Web

• Limit where you post your resume.• Pay attention to privacy policies.• Expect a trial period. • Give general information. • Keep information current. • Remove promptly when appropriate.


Purpose of a Cover Letter

• Provides additional information

• Introduces the applicant– Should be one page in length

• Focuses on what applicant offers to the employer


Guidelines for the Cover Letter

• Write each cover letter in response to a specific job. • Keep copies of all cover letters.• Provide information that illustrates skills and

experiences that matches what the organization is seeking.

• Address letter to a specific person (when possible).• Mention referrals in opening paragraph.• Pay attention to spelling, grammar, spacing,

professional tone, and paper quality. • Elements of cover letter should match resume.


Format for the Cover Letter

• Formal conversational tone• Brief first paragraph

– States job being applied for and where the applicant learned about the position

• Body of the letter – One to three paragraphs– Includes qualifications and experiences – Links abilities and experiences to the desired job

• The last paragraph contains a request for further contact and how this contact can be achieved.


Other Types of Correspondence

• Thank-you letters • Letters of inquiry • Letters requesting withdrawal of a job

application• Acceptance letters • Letters to decline an offer• E-mail correspondence


Effective References

• Have given their permission to be used as reference

• Can match applicant’s experience with the job • Have the tools they need when the employer

contacts them• Are kept in the loop about when they will be

contacted• Are thanked with a personal note• Are contacted after the fact


Chapter Summary

• Purpose of the Resume• Types of Resumes• Resume Formats• Guidelines to Creating a Resume • Strategies for Using E-Resumes• Cover Letters• References and Recommendations

resume and cover letter development chapter 5. 5 | 2 copyright 2012 wadsworth © cengage learning....

Documents

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professional resume

appropriate resume

resume strategies

resume carry

resume scannable

learning objectivesexplain

professional appearance