Writing a RÉSUMÉ*

Ms. Amorin

Grade 12

What is a RÉSUMÉ?

A résumé is a data sheet/ document that describes a person’s qualifications for a job/ position of interest.

It is a factual and concise summary of a person’s qualifications.

The idea is that, “You are selling yourself to an employer,” for a specific position within that company/ business/ job.

What does a résumé look like?

What does one need a RÉSUMÉ for?

Part-time jobsSummer jobsInternships * (college)Full-time jobs

Résumé AKA Curriculum vitae

The resume is divided into several general sections (to show the employer you have what it takes to fulfill the position).

It displays all the qualifications the person has to offer based on past and present experiences; in relation to the job (experience) and not related to the job (work ethic & responsibility)

What do employers like to see in a résumé?

Honesty Attractive (look of résumé) Carefully organized Concise/ grammar Accurate Current information Relevance

What should be excluded from a resume?

Salary demands, expectations, or ranges Preference of work schedules, days off, or

overtime Comments about fringe benefits Travel restrictions Reasons for leaving previous job Social security number Personal information

*PARTS* of a RÉSUMÉ

PARTS* of a RÉSUMÉ include:

HeadingObjectiveEducationWork ExperienceSkills*Honors/ AwardsReferences

Heading*

Name, address, phone, e-mail (professional

Name should be bigger than the rest of the heading and BOLD

Career OBJECTIVE*

A statement that tells the employer the specific position that is being applied for while showing some form of qualifications

Should be focused

Include the following: (3)

- Part-time or full-time position

- Specific position

- Skills/ knowledge/ experience that relates to position applying for

Objective* examples

Unfocused (-)Part-time position as a staff nurse.

Focused!! (+) Part-time position as a staff nurse on the cardio step-down unit to offer excellent primary care nursing and patient/ family teaching.

Objective* examples

Part-time sales associate for Best Buy utilizing my skills in customer service.

Full-time position as a secretary’s assistant in a dentist’s office applying my organization skills and prior experiences in the medical field.

Education*

Most recent education first (schools) Include the following:

- Name of school- Dates attended- Degree or diploma received- Majors or concentrations- (GPA if 3.0 or higher)

(Education also includes internships through schools as well as vocational schools)

Education* (model- University)

Kean University

Union, NJ 2007- 2010

BA Degree in English with Secondary Education Certificate

Education* (model- high school)

Colonia High School

Colonia, NJ

2008- Present

Diploma to be awarded in June 2012

GPA: 3.5

(TAPS may be included as well)

Work Experience*

Work experience portion of the résumé is entails the applicant’s job history, experience, and skills.

Begin with most present or most recent then work backward

The work experience section should include the company’s name of previous job, location, p/t or f/t, time period applicant works/ed there, job title, and job description

Work Experience*

For each job, provide a short description of your duties

Describe responsibilities Example) Rather than simply writing “secretary”

as a job description, indicate that you wrote business letters and contracts, learned various software, helped design the company’s website, and assisted in preparing schedules.

(This shows more specifically your duties and responsibilities which will be helpful in attaining the position be applied for)

Work Experience*

Employers look for good leaders, people with good communication skills, and individuals who are tactful with finances.

Include “selling” ACTION VERBS in job description portion for ‘Work Experience’

(see handout)

Work Experience* (models)

Sales person (Part-time), 2009- October 2011

Buchman’s Department Store, Edison, NJ

Duties included assisting customers in sporting goods and coordinating sports shop by

displaying merchandise.

(Include ACTION “Selling” VERBS!)

Work Experience* (models)

Woodbridge Pediatrics, Woodbridge, NJ

Office clerk, 2010- Present

Duties include ordering supplies, maintaining records, transcribing orders,

and greeting and assisting patients when necessary.

Related Skills and Activities*

This section applies to the applicant if they have additional skills activities they would like to include that would be beneficial to the position applying for.

Include topic headings such as- “Additional Skills”, “Activities”, “Computer Skills”, “Honors/Awards

Related Skills and Activities*

The following are ‘employer friendly’ things to include in a résumé:

- Second or third languages

- Certificates received

- Clubs, sports, activities involved in

(in and outside of school)- Volunteer work

- Memberships in professional associations

(ex.-National Hispanic Business, etc.. )

- Members in community groups (Red Cross, Elks, Boy Scouts, etc..)

- Computer skills

- Honors/ awards received

Related Skills and Activities*

(Example)

Computer SkillsProficient in Microsoft excel, Quark Xpress, Windows Movie Maker, Word Perfect Suite 8, and Data Sheets 300 programs

Related Skills and Activities*

(Examples) Additional skills

Read, write, and speak Spanish fluently

Activities

- Interact Club (2011- present)

- CHS Varsity soccer, captain (2010-2012)

- Student Council Representative (2012, 2013)

REFERENCES*

A list of people (2-3) who will recommend applicant for job and speak highly of their qualifications and work ethic when called for a “background check” on applicant

Reference section should include:- Person’s full name- Job title- Company name and location- Phone number

REFERENCES*

(Model)

Mr. Jack Murphy

Owner, Jack’s Deli- Westfield, NJ 908.322.1111

Ms. Regina Filangi

Wild Roots Hair Salon Owner/ Manager

Colonia, NJ 732.388.2222

REMEMBER!!

It is a competitive job market! All the employer has is a

RÉSUMÉ to decide if applicant is worthy of position/

interview!

GOOD LUCK!