What it is and what it is used for?

It is a type of writing by an author who is trying to get something. As a result, it is an extremely persuasive style of writing.

When would a person use a resume? applying for a job, a scholarship, or an

award, or when creating a portfolio of one’s work.

3 F’s of Resume Writing

◦Function: The function of a resume is to inform the audience about you in order to accomplish something. What you’re trying to accomplish depends on what you’re trying to do. This might include getting a job, getting into college, winning a scholarship, or being selected for an internship. There are many reasons to show people your resume.

◦Form: Resumes need to look a certain way. This is considered their form. People who read resumes expect them to include specific information, such as your name, address, contact information, education, past jobs, volunteer experience, and special skills. If a resume does not look like a traditional resume, the reader may be confused and think the writer is not educated about writing proper resumes.

Effectiveness: For a resume to be effective, it must demonstrate your knowledge of both function and form. An effective resume

- Has a clear purpose that shows why you are writing it

- Is visually appropriate and appealing, or easy to read

- Includes all the necessary information about the writer

- Is grammatically correct with no errors in punctuation or spelling

Chronological vs Functional

A chronological resume starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first. Your jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current, or most recent job, first. Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it's easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them. This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history. http://jobsearch.about.com/library/samples/blretailresume.htm

A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history. It is used most often by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history.

http://jobsearch.about.com/library/samples/blresumefunct.htm

A combination resume lists your skills and experience first. Your employment history is listed next. With this type of resume you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and also provide the chronological work history that employers prefer.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resume-examples/fl/software-engineer-resume.htm

HeadingYour name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address should all go at the top of your resume. Be sure to use a permanent address and telephone number. Also, remember to use an e-mail address that sounds professional. FirstnameLastname@ is the standard format for an e-mail address when using it on a resume. Do not use an e-mail address such as hotbody@soandso.com. It just doesn't sound professional.

ObjectiveAn objective lets college recruiters or potential employers know your main goal. If your target is a college recruiter, tailor your objective to that specific school. For example, your objective may be, "To earn a degree in Psychology at Boston College." If you want to get a part-time job, you will need to modify your objective to that particular job, such as "To obtain a part-time sales position with Hollister." 

Education/AcademicsIn the education section, list the schools you have attended. Be sure to include your GPA if it is a 3.0 or higher. You can also mention any academic honors, awards, and/or recognitions that you have received. These can include honor roll recognitions, essay-writing awards, science competitions, etc.

ExperienceThe experience section should briefly give an overview of work experience that has taught you valuable skills. In this section, include: title of position, name of organization, location of work (town and state), dates of employment, and description of work responsibilities. Be sure to use action words to describe your job duties, such as sold, created, processed, etc. Since many high school students do not have a lot of work experience, you can also describe class projects in which you have learned important skills or even leave this section out all together and concentrate on the education/academics and additional information/extracurricular sections

Additional Information/Extracurricular ActivitiesThe additional information or extracurricular section should be used to place key elements of your background that do not fit in any other section. You may want to include: special skills, leadership roles, volunteer experiences, participation in sports, band, yearbook, etc. This section is where you can demonstrate your uniqueness

ReferencesBe sure to ask people if they would serve as your reference before you give their names out. You do not need to include your reference information on your resume. A statement at the bottom of your resume that says, "References available upon request," is sufficient. 

Complete the handout and bring to lab next day where we will input the information into resume generator.

http://www.resume-now.com/builder/load.aspx#

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/resume-generator-30808.html

Write a strong introduction to your resume

Every resume you send out should come with a cover letter, whether by mail or email. A cover offers an introduction to you and your qualifications and describes how the experience you describe in your resume will make a difference for your potential employer. In drafting a resume, follow this general structure.

Parts of a good cover letter

Meet and greet (first paragraph). Concisely explain how you found out about this job lead and explain that you would like to apply for the job. Note generally what you do to qualify you for consideration. Be sure to use language that signals you pay attention to details, conveys professionalism, and demonstrates your written communication skills.

Skills and experience profile (second and third paragraphs). Offer a short profile of your skills and expertise and highlight any accomplishments that would get this employer's attention.

Reason to Interview (fourth paragraph). Make clear why your particular abilities could make a difference for this company in this position. Show you've done your research into the company in this paragraph and thought how your capabilities are strong match for the job. In short, give this company a reason to call you up for an interview.

Promise to follow up (last paragraph). Close by thanking the company for reviewing your resume and say you would be available for an interview.

Cover letter guidelines

Keep it concise, usually one page. Ask a reliable source to read and edit your

cover letter before you send it. Write multiple drafts, editing and revising as

you go. Use bullet points if you can, itemizing your

skills or job experience. Keep the formatting simple, using basic

fonts.

Sample cover letter