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RESUME WRITINGRESUME WRITING

CERRITOS COLLEGE

Career Services

Created by:Created by:

Traci Ukita, Career CounselorTraci Ukita, Career Counselor

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The Resume

What is it?– A snapshot of your experience & qualifications– A job-hunting tool that serves the purpose of

securing an interview

Why is it important?– Helps your organize your job search– Helps prepare you for the interview– Employers expect one

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Components of a Resume

Heading Objective Statement (optional) Summary of Qualifications Education Experience Affiliations/Activities Honors/Awards/Accomplishments

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Types of Resumes

Chronological– Emphasizes work experience, titles, & dates

Functional– Emphasizes qualifications & skills

Combination– Emphasizes experience & skills for particular

positions

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Chronological

Best to use if:– Staying in same field– Have steady employment history– Want to emphasize job titles

Advantages

•Employers are familiar w/ it•Employers often prefer•Easier to prepare•Highlights steady employment

Disadvantages

•Reveals employment gaps•Difficult to spot skills•May place undesired emphasis on certain experiences

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Functional

Best to use if:– Changing careers– If have little, spotty, or unconnected experience– If held a number of similar positions

Advantages

•Emphasizes select skills & qualifications•De-emphasizes titles & dates

Disadvantages

•Employers not familiar•Doesn’t satisfy employer’s need to know your work history

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Combination

Advantages

•Emphasizes relevant equals•Provides info expected by employers (chronology & functional descriptions)•Is unique

Disadvantages

•Harder to write•Many employers do not like•Takes longer to read

Best to use if:– Targeting specific positions– Looking for an alternative to Functional

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Resume Rules

Do:• Keep it neat & clean• Keep it simple & clear• Keep it brief• Base it on provable facts• Target your audience• Use action words, power words, & descriptive phrases

Do not:• Use personal pronouns & articles• Include personal or irrelevant info• Have typos or spelling errors• Have inconsistency of content

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Other Tips

Use light colored (white or ivory), 8 1/2 x 11 inch, high quality bond paper

Have plenty of white space (1 inch margins) Nothing handwritten List education & work experience in reverse

chronological order Use high school exp. & education w/ discretion Indicate years (exclude day & month)

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References

Separate from resume “References available upon request” Minimum of three (3) Professional/business/educational references

Inform your references

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Scannable Resumes

Differences from paper resumes:– Noun-driven (vs. verb-driven)– Focus on content & keywords

Do: •Keep it crisp & sharp•Use white (light) paper•Use keywords•Use bold & caps•Use 10 or 12 font size

Do not:•Use graphics (no frills)•Use textured paper•Have poor quality copies•Fold or staple resume•Include columns

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Cover Letters

3 components:– Opening– Main Body– Closing

Emphasize accomplishments Individualize Keep it brief & concise Close w/ request for interview