RESUME PREPRATION , RESUME WRITING

PREPARING RESUMEPREPARING RESUME

BY – RISHIRAJ SINGH RAVIKANT

SHARMA

A resume is a written compilation of your education, work experience, credentials and accomplishments and is used to apply for jobs.

A resume is just like an ad -- you want to target it to the audience. You have to find out what the company is looking for, and then match your skills up.

A resume is just like an ad -- you want to target it to the audience. You have to find out what the company is looking for, and then match your skills up.

The goal of your resume is to get you an interview, not to be a chronology of your work history. To achieve this in today’s competitive job market, it needs to be strong, clear, and focused. It should motivate employers to want to meet you and discuss employment possibilities.

There are three main reasons There are three main reasons for a resume:for a resume:

• To introduce yourself to the employer

• To promote your knowledge, skills, abilities, and accomplishments

• To obtain an interview

A well-written resume will produce results. Individuals often spend a considerable amount of time focusing on what needs to be in the resume rather than how it is written. Both are equally important .

Three Basic Steps for Writing a Good

1. Be Strong

2. Be As Clear As Possible

3. Go Right To The Point

Be Strong Remember:Be Strong Remember:

A resume is a self-promotional document that represents you in the best possible light for the purpose of getting invited to a job interview. It’s about YOU, and how you performed and what you accomplished in those past jobs-especially those accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you want to do next. A good resume predicts how you might perform in that desired future job.

Be Clear Job Objective -Be Clear Job Objective -

Compose a clearly stated Job Objective using a minimum number of words. If not sure, ask yourself, “ what do I want to do?” Be clear and concise in your job descriptions. This helps make it easier for the employer to understand.

Go Right To The PointGo Right To The Point

Be sure to emphasize the outcomes and accomplishments you have achieved at prior jobs. After your layout put the accomplishment that your prospective employer will notice the most. Quantify your accomplishments. Potential employers are looking for results-oriented employees who save time and reduce costs. Never include job duties on your resume if you cannot follow them up with the result that was produced.

Writing Tips

When preparing your resume, make sure it’s SHARP:

• Succinct: The writing in your resume should be concise, succinct, and to the point. Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation in your writing.

• Honest: You resume needs to be factually accurate, including dates of employment, education completed, job titles, and skills possessed.

• Attractive: Your resume should be visually appealing to the eye. Make sure it is neat, organized, and consistent. Ensure you use enough “white space” by setting your margins at .5" or greater and providing ample space between sections.

• Right: A resume should reflect who you are and your professional experiences. This does not mean it should be laden with unnecessary graphics or inappropriate personal information; it means you should feel comfortable using it to represent yourself as a candidate.

• Pertinent: Your resume and the way it is organized should be relevant to the position. For example, you may need to make adjustments to your resume when applying for a position as an accountant versus a position as a project manager.

Components of a ResumeComponents of a Resume

Name and address

• Include home address; do not list work

• Include email address

• Include home and cellular phone number

Career Objective

• This is an optional component to your resume

• One or two sentences

• Target your desired job or field of employment

• Be careful—this statement can be limiting

• Make sure you do not over generalize

• Avoid phrases such as “challenging, rewarding career.” All employers would hope that someone wants a challenging and rewarding career!

• Example: "A position in the advertising field utilizing my communication skills."

Education

• List degree, institution, location, and date of completion

• Include minor, certificates, certifications, skill-based training, etc.

• Do not include high school

Related Work Experience

• Cite position title, organization, dates, location

• Give a brief description of primary responsibilities

• Use action verbs in your description; quantify where possible

• Stress accomplishments and related skills

• If professional experiences are more than 15 years old, just list title, organization, dates, location; do not include description

Professional Activities/Associations

• College- or community-related activities

• Include positions held

• Describe your accomplishments and honors

• List presentations, publications, papers, etc.

Cover Letters When you submit your resume for a position, you will want to have a cover letter

accompany it. A well-crafted cover letter may make the difference between getting a job interview and having your application ignored, so it makes sense to take the time to write a thoughtful cover letter for each application.

There are three main purposes of a cover letter:

• Inquire about position openings

• Answer a job advertisement

• Request a personal interview

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. The goal of the cover letter is to clarify and interpret the facts of the resume and to highlight experiences and competencies that relate to the position for which you are applying. A cover letter is often your initial written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

There are some important things to keep in mind:• Neatness counts

• Use the same style font and paper as your resume

• Address the letter to a specific person

• State the position and how you qualify

• Be clear and brief

ReferencesReferences There are some things to consider:

• Maintain a list of references you can use. You will want to present various references depending upon the position and employer you are pursuing.

• Provide a reference sheet listing former supervisors, coworkers, vendors, or other contacts from work

• List the name of the reference, title, organization, address, and phone number. Be sure you provide the appropriate salutation (e.g., Dr., Ms.)

• Many employers will not be interested in reference letters although it is a good idea to have some. Ask a reference to write a letter stating the relationship with you and to speak about your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Resume Format Do’s

Use a chronological resume. If applying by e-mail, use a List your most recent job first simple font and send in plain followed by your additional text or ASCII format. work experience in reverse order, then your education.

Use bulleted statements, not paragraphs, to describe your job duties.

If applying by email, use a simple text and send in plain format

Resume Format Don’tsResume Format Don’ts

• Resume Format Don’ts Don’t use gimmicks. Use Don’t include an objective on professional easy to read your resume, unless it is typeface, white or ivory bond written specifically for the paper, and black ink.

• position for which you are applying. Don’t list references or state: “References available on request.” Interviewers assume that you will provide references when asked.

• Don’t include an objective on resume , unless it is specifically for the position you are applying.

Writing Style Do’s

• Writing Style Do’s Since many companies screen Use your computer’s spell resumes by computer, use key check function, but don’t words from the job description count on it to find every typo Or classified in your resume.

• Remember, the computer can’t tell the difference between words like “too” and “to.” Proofread carefully.

Writing Style Don’tsWriting Style Don’ts

• Don’t use “I,” the first person pronoun, in your resume.

• It is understood. Don’t use lofty language, long sentences or big words.

• Don’t overuse professional jargon or abbreviations.

• Don’t use puns or clever wordplays.

Resume Content Do’sResume Content Do’s

• Be accurate and truthful.

• Include outside activities only if they relate directly to the job for which you are applying .

• Describe your significant contributions at each of your jobs. List all the computer hardware, software and databases you know.

• Customize your resume for each prospective employer.

Resume Content Don’tsResume Content Don’ts• Resume Content Don’ts Don’t misrepresent your education or experience .

• Don’t include personal information such as height, weight, social security number, social activities of religious philosophies.

• Don’t give reasons for termination or leaving a job.

• Don’t use exact dates. Months and years are sufficient.

• Don’t provide salary information in the resume . If an ad request a salary range include it in your cover letter. Otherwise don’t mention it until the interview

TIPSTIPS

• Don’t rehash your resume. If you will be available for work on a certain date, the cover letter is the place to mention it.

• Always double-check the name and title of the person receiving your letter and resume. Do this by calling the firm’s main phone number.

THANKSTHANKS