Welcome to the world of resume writing, updating, re-writing, ..... Often this process can seem tedious and confusing because there are so many ways to "set-up" a resume and different information to include. The purpose of this pamphlet is to "get you started" on a resume. Once you understand the basic composition, then you can assemble a more personalized resume, organizing it differently or adding additional information.
Think of your resume as a snapshot of yourself. Often employers want to see this before you interview. While writing your resume always present yourself positively. Avoid words such as "some", "few" and "only". Also, keep your resume limited to one page. At this time in your life you should be able to get all your information on one page; two pages can result in confusion if pages become separated. Because of this limited space, you must make your resume clear and concise. Prioritize, and include only the most important information.
Before we start, understand that this is a suggested guideline as to how to set up your resume. There are so many ways to write a resume and there are very few "right" or "wrong" ways. Through our experience with students we have found the following sections most important to include in a resume.
So, let's get started! The important sections of a resume include: HEADING, EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, INTERESTS, AND REFERENCES.
The heading should include your full name, address and telephone number. When using only your permanent address, center it in the middle of the page. If you have two addresses re: "Permanent" and "School", they can be placed in both the left and right corners of the page.
EDUCATION
It is very important to put this information together carefully. Make sure to get a full name and location of the college or university and your degree program.
Often employers find it helpful to see course work you have taken. Only list your technical courses. Honors and activities sections are optional, but very effective.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Work experience can be broken down into two sections. Co-op Work Experience and Part-Time Work Experience. If you have no co-op experience just a work experience section will do well. Obviously, this all depends on your experience and personal preference. Make sure to write your current or latest employer first, then work backward in time. Dates of employment need a beginning and ending. Writing a thorough job description is very important. Be concise and state these descriptions in phrases. Do not use first person, such as, "I" or "Me". Be sure to include skills you have acquired on the job. To help you with this section a page of action verbs is attached. Review these before you write your job description and this will help you write a better job description.
SKILLS
This section is optional but can be very helpful in selling you to an employer. As you complete more laboratory and electronics experience, skills will be easier to write. In order to write this section think about what skills you may have acquired through your personal interests, school, hobbies, and part-time work. It is quite helpful for employers to see this additional information.
INTERESTS
This section gives you an opportunity to tell an employer something personal about you as a person. It is also an optional section but helpful to employers to learn more about "who you really are." Often this section is used as an "ice breaker" for employers when interviewing a candidate, therefore make sure you can talk about your interest.
REFERENCES
A good suggestion is to type at least three references on a separate piece of paper and if the employer requests these, the information is ready. Make sure to include a name, address, and telephone number in the references. Do not type your references on your resume, a simple statement such as "References Furnished Upon Request" will do.
TYPING AND PRINTING
Neatly word process your resume on 8 1/2" x 11" bond paper. Review your resume for correct spacing, consistency, and spelling mistakes.... use spellcheck! Often it is helpful for you to have a friend or an "outsider" proof-read your resume. REMEMBER TO SAVE IT ON A FLOPPY DISK!!! Give copies to your Co-op Advisor, employers, and for your own personal records.
Reprint: Life Career Planning Program, Student Workbook, Northeastern University,
Boston, Mass., 1979.
SAMPLE RESUME
A cover letter usually includes a minimum of three paragraphs. Each paragraph has a different goal.
First Paragraph. This opening paragraph explains why you are writing the letter. State your purpose, identify the position you are applying for, and how you learned about the opening. If you are responding to an advertisement, state the name and date of the publication where you found the ad. If a well respected person referred you to the organization, mention the person's name and connection.
Second Paragraph. It is within this paragraph that you tailor your resume to a particular job. Here you should tell the employer why you are a strong candidate for this position. Highlight relevant achievements, skills, and/or experience, mentioning the most interesting points on your resume. Explain how you intend to help the employer and contribute to the organization.
Third Paragraph (optional). This extra paragraph isn't always needed, but can be included if there is additional information which hasn't been mentioned on your resume or needs to be described in more detail (for example: your cooperative education expenence or gaps in your employment).
Closing Paragraph. This final paragraph should be action-oriented. Here you should state when and how you will contact the employer to arrange a mutually convenient time to interview. Also, be sure to state how and when they may contact you. Do not assume an employer will contact you once you have sent your cover letter and resume. It is your responsibility to follow up. Finally, thank the individual and mention that you are looking forward to meeting him or her.
Use active, not passive, verbs. For example, use "arranged"..., "devised".... "evaluated"..., instead of "was responsible for 'arranging'..., 'devising'.... 'evaluating'...".
Don't overuse the word "I". Starting every sentence with "I" can give the wrong impression, and you may come across as self-centered. Rather than starting with "I", turn some of your sentences around. It is better to give examples of how you did something than to say, "I did this or that...".
Your letter will be more effective when you address the letter to a specific person within an organization. If you don't know the person's name, title, or gender call the organization and ask for the correct inforrnation. If you are unable to get a specific name, then using "To Whom It May Concem" or "Dear Sir/Madam" are acceptable alternatives. When responding to a "blind ad" (a P.O. box number in a newspaper ad) with no opportunity to address your letter to an individual or to follow-up in person, you can only ask the employer to write or call you.
Research the organization before you write the cover letter. Ideally, every cover letter is unique and targeted to a specific position. Use the information obtained through research to demonstrate that you know something about the company. Each time you submit a resume for a specific position it should be accompanied by an original cover letter.
A cover letter should communicate your ambition and enthusiasm. Stress accomplishments by explaining how you have met specific employer needs. Show how previous accomplishments relate to the position for which you are applying. Also, the reader may be judging you on how well you write so do your best to make the words come alive!
Never express dissatisfaction with a present or former job or employer. Be sure to avoid discussing any negative reasons for leaving your last job.
Be sure to use an acceptable business letter format (see sample). Send the onginal and be sure you keep a copy of each letter for your records.
For a polished, professional image, print your resume and cover letter on matching stationery and enclose them in a matching envelope.
Also, keep in mind that the professional image you want to give to a prospective employer includes a neatly typed, grammatically correct and accurate letter and resume (NO TYPOS!). If you can type and have access to a computer or word processor and letter quality printer, it is advisable to use these. If you can't type, hire someone to type your letter professionally.
18 South Street Boston, MA 02115 January 15, 2009
Mr. John Hancock, President Nashoba Environmental Association Fitchburg, MA 01450 Dear Mr. Hancock:
Your advertisement in the Boston Sunday Globe, dated January 7th, indicated the need for a Director for your association. I have had an interest in environmental affairs for a long time and the work of your organization has my respect.
As you can see from my resume I have had two years of experience working as Assistant Director of the Massachusetts Audubon Society and have worked as a volunteer with the Appalachian Mountain Club for the past five years. My work at the Audubon Society involves managing the day-to-day activities of the society and includes working on fundraising, editing a newsletter and publicity releases focusing on environmental issues and organizing membership drives.
In addition to my jobs I am presently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Management at Northeastem University and plan to graduate in May 2009. I have found that taking courses in management while working in an administrative position provides me with an excellent balance of practical experience and educational training.
I would like very much to put my skills to work for your organization. I will call you within the next two weeks to discuss the possibility of an interview or you may reach me at (555) 555-5555 during normal business hours. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
<Sign your name here>
<TYPE YOUR NAME HERE>
ENCLOSURE Enc: resume