Writing a Resume

The purpose of a resume is to provide a summary of your experience, skills, and accomplishments. It is a quick advertisement of who you are, so that a perspective employer will want to grant you an interview.

What is the purpose of a resume?

100% Truthful – Employers WILL verify your information

Typed using a computerHas no spelling or grammar mistakes

Formatted so that it easy to readFormatted so that it is in

chronological order or by function

An Effective Resume is…

1. Do not use I, me, and my. Your resume is obviously about you, so these are unnecessary.

Strong vs. Weak Resume Language

2. Use specific examples and numbers to show accomplishments

Weak: Sold the most magazines for my dance club

Strong:

Sold 200 magazine subscriptions earning record sales awards for Cindy’s Dance Studio

Strong vs. Weak Resume Language

3. Begin each Statement with a Strong Verb

Weak:

My duties included walking home with the children; preparing, serving and cleaning up after snacks; and helping the children set the table

Strong: Guided the children home from school Prepared, served, and cleaned up after snacks Assisted the children set the table

Strong vs. Weak Resume Language

4. Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Weak: Published articles in thier school paper

Strong: Published articles in the school paper

Strong vs. Weak Resume Language

1. Header Information or Contact Information

2. Career Objective/Summary3. Educational Background4. Work Experience5. Special Skills

THE FIVE MAJOR RESUME SECTIONS

1. Name 2. Your complete address, city , state, zip3. Phone numbers4. Email address

Example:Ann Allen1111 Rivercrest Blvd.Allen, Texas 75002972.555.1515 (H) 972.555.1212 (C)ann.allen@allenisd.org

1. Header Information or Contact Information

1. Be specific

2. This should tell the reader the specific job or career you want to pursue and the

skills you have to offer

Example:Seeking a career as a customer service representative for a major retailer where my people skills and knowledge of fashion and design can be used.

2. Career Objective

WRITE YOUR COMPLETE NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL

IN THE SPACE BELOW

1. High School or College you attended2. The year you graduated3. Your GPA (grade point average)4. Major interest of study (STEM, Journalism, Health

Sciences) 5. Clubs, sports, memberships, or special

achievements

Example:

Allen High School Aug 2014 – May 2018

300 Rivercrest Blvd.

Allen, Texas 75002

Agriculture & Resources GPA 3.50

Clubs: FFA, Outdoors Club

3. Educational Background

List employers (most recent first)List the addresses and phone numbers of employersDates you were employed (May 2007 – November 2007)List the type of work you were responsible for and your

duties – Use POWER words1. EXAMPLE:

2. KFC3. 200 N. Greenville Ave.4. Allen, Texas 750025. 972.727.33626. June 2017 - August 20177. Cashier8. *Provided excellent customer service

4. Work Experience

List the transferable and specialized skills that pertain to the job you are seeking!

Examples:Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop,

Microsoft OfficeUsing a TI calculatorGoogle Sketch-upLeadership skillsPlaying a specific instrument

5. Special Skills

5 Resume Tips1.2.3.4.5.

What are some tips to writing a good resume?