Create a Great

Resume

• A resume is an important document that

professionals use to get jobs as well as

promotions.

• Employers generally spend less than 10

seconds reviewing a resume the first time

around.

Compile Information

• Contact Information – Name

– Professional email address (no silly ones)

– Phone number

– Mailing address is optional

• Skills – Related to the position you are seeking

– Include soft skills only if important to the job

• Education – Names of schools, years graduated or anticipated, major, GPA (> 3.2),

– Job-related certificates, certifications or licenses (include dates

awarded)

– Include high school only if you do not have other education

Compile Information

• Previous work experience – company name and location

– your official title

– start and end dates (month and year)

– top 3-5 job duties related to the position you are seeking

– major accomplishments or awards. Be specific!

** Experience over 10 years old is not necessary to include. **

• Volunteer experience

– Include in addition to or when lacking paid experience

– Relate to job posting or position seeking

Select a Format

Showcase your skills, talents, experience, & education.

• Chronological format focuses on work experience and

education listed in reverse chronological order (most recent

first).

– This is the most common format.

• Functional format focuses on your skills and experience.

– This format is typically used by job seekers who are changing

careers or who have gaps in their employment history.

Organize

Write a brief description of who you are professionally

and what you have to offer an employer.

SELL YOURSELF

• Put the most important, relevant facts in the top 1/3 of the page to

grab the attention of the reader.

• Tailor your resume to fit each job for which you are applying.

– Look for buzz words in the job posting and integrate them into your

resume.

– Focus your skills and experience to the position: include explicit details.

– Omit irrelevant experience.

Section Headers

Use commonly known headers that the employer can scan

quickly, such as:

Professional Profile

Career Summary

Core Competencies

Skills

Qualification Highlights

Specialized Training

Professional Experience

Volunteer Experience

Honors and Interests

Affiliations

Format

Make your resume easy to read.

• One page.

• Single space, adding blank lines where needed.

• Fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, or similar

• Font sizes (approximately):

– Text: 10-11 point

– Headings: 12 point

– Your Name: 16 point

• Use incomplete sentences or phrases.

Make it Shine

• Utilize high-level vocabulary – use descriptive

adjectives and adverbs.

– Google: “Action Verbs” for lists

– Utilize the Synonym option on your word processor

• Do not include:

– Personal information or wages

– References or “References Available Upon Request"

– “I” “me” or “my”

Keep it short

5 Tips to Keep Your Resume Short and Relevant

1. Remove Generic Self-Descriptors

2. Delete Irrelevant Experience

3. Remove Simple, Common Skills - only include vital skills

found in the job description or company website.

4. Use Smart Formatting - choose smaller fonts that read well.

5. Consider Two Key Bullet Points - cover the SKILL in one

and the RESULT in the second.

Adapted from: http://www.youtern.com/thesavvyintern/index.php/2014/05/20/5-

tips-to-keep-your-resume-short-and-relevant/

Proofread carefully

Be sure your resume:

• Contains no grammatical mistakes

• Is honest

• Is professional looking

Video:

How to Write a Great Resume

and Cover Letter (click on title)

"How to Write a Great Resume and Cover Letter." YouTube. Harvard Extension

School, 21 Sept. 2012. Web. 18 Sept. 2014.

Sample

CINDY WILSON 123 West Street, Humble, TX 77777

231-222-5555 cwilson@gmail.com

MANAGEMENT/MARKETING PROFESSIONAL

Exceptional business development knowledge and experience with focus in revenue production, market growth, and resource management.

QUALIFICATIONS

Budget Development Program Planning

Human Resources Public Speaking

Presentations Microsoft Office Suite

EDUCATION

Lone Star College, Kingwood, TX May 2014 Associate of Applied Science, Business Administration; concentration in Human Resources

GPA 3.4; Dean’s List - Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014

SPECIALIZED TRAINING

Human Resource Information Systems: BambooHR Ascentis

Project Management for Small Businesses

INTERNSHIP

Great Business Company, Houston, TX Jan 2014 – May 2014 Human Resource Management Intern

Processed new hire paperwork including criminal checks and payroll deductions

Coordinated and training schedule for new hires

Created and implemented new insurance procedures to increase processing efficiency

Maintained consistently fast response time to questions and concerns from employees

WORK EXPERIENCE

Best Clothing Store, Humble TX Sept 2009 – Present Assistant Manager

Arrange floor displays and tagged items for sales

Schedule sales force for most efficient and effective team on sales floor

Handle customer concerns to ensure store maintained an excellent reputation

Assist in training 15 new sales associates each quarter

Received award for Most Productive Salesperson

ACTIVITIES AND HONORS

Lone Star College: Phi Theta Kappa, Treasurer, 2013 – 2014; Merit Scholarship Award Recipient Habitat for Humanity: Volunteer 2009 – 2013

Sample resumes can be found at:

www.resume-magic.com/samples.html

www.QuintCareers.com/resres.html