job-applications.com resume lesson plan

The Art of Writing an Effective Resume

The Art of Writing an Effective Resume

by doug Crawford, sphr, SHRM-SCPJob-Applications.com

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/ http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/


Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/The Qualification Summary


Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/The Qualification SummaryReplaces the objective on modern-day resumes

Functions as the written equivalent of the Elevator Speech and answers the question, Tell me about yourself

Provides a snapshot of career highlights

Draws attention to specific abilities, accomplishments, experiences, and/or strengths

Includes just a few lines of text

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Examples of Qualification SummariesProfile

Expert salesperson with over two year experience in fashion retail. Strong communicator with expert fashion sense, easily connect with customers to understand their needs and build wardrobes they love.

Summary of Qualifications

Over 4 years of experience in all aspects of web development. Core competencies include XHTML, CSS & JavaScript. Highly experienced with Adobe Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and JBoss. Weaves technology and SEO to drive traffic to sites and keep users engaged.

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Using KeywordsWhat they are, HOW THEY WORK,

AND WHAT THEY DO


Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Resume Keywords: What They AreSpecific terms and phrases employers use to create job postings and search for submitted resumes that match available positions Almost always nouns

Not to be confused with Buzzwords, which are generally adjectives.

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Keywords vs. BuzzwordsKeywordsEssential words that reference specific job requirements, such as skills, credentials, and previous experienceTypically nounsUnique to each job or industry BuzzwordsVague, overused words that take up valuable space on a resumeGenerally not searched for by employersOften adjectives

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Examples of Keywords and BuzzwordMicrosoft Word

Market Research/Analysis

Public Speaking

Sales Proficiency

Science Background

Hard Worker

Go-Getter

Motivated

Synergy

OrganizedKeywordBuzzword

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Keyword or Buzzword?Identify whether the term is a KEYWORD or BUZZWORDCSS/HTML ProgrammingProblem-SolverGood ListenerDebate Team MemberTeam PlayerCPR certified

KeywordBuzzwordBuzzwordKeywordBuzzwordKeyword

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/How Keywords WorkThe majority of larger companies use tracking software to scan incoming resumes, searching for specified keywords and other information.When searching available job postings, applicants should scan for specific words and phrases pertaining to qualifications and skills a company deems most important.Keywords work two-fold: For employers, it streamlines the application processFor job seekers, it keeps the resume focusedEven smaller companies may only look at a few resumes per job opening.


Finding and Using Keywords CorrectlyStudy the job description and consider the job experience, skills, and education an employer is ideally seeking.Compile a list of words and phrases by examining job postings for similar positions.Incorporate keywords throughout a resume in a natural way.Dont just make lists, use proper contextMaintain an appropriate keyword density.Other keywords may relate to specific job titles, education and certification, and industry-related acronyms or terminology.

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Professional History/ExperienceWhat to include and examples of formatting


Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/What to IncludeFor each position listed, the Experience section of the resume generally includes the following information:Job titleEmployer (name and location)Dates of employmentDuties performed

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Accomplishments vs. ResponsibilitiesDont Say..Sold merchandise

Raised Money

Lead team members

SayConsistently exceeded sales goals by over 25%Raised over $1,000 in two weeks by selling raffle tickets.Lead a team of five coworkers to streamline nightly closing process


Examples of Formatting

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Other Sections To IncludeEducation, Activities, and interests


Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Educational BackgroundList your education in reverse orderFor instance, if youve achieved a Masters Degree, list it first, then your BachelorsIf you have achieved a Bachelors Degree, listing your high school diploma is unnecessaryIf youve only completed high school, but are attending further education, do not list higher education until you graduate or receive a degreeGPA and any academic honors or awards should be listed if you are a graduateRecent graduates use such achievements to augment qualificationsIf you did not finish your degree, then write in the amount of credits that you obtainedList the relevant coursework and the major pursued

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Educational BackgroundIf a degree makes a candidate appear overqualified for a position:Job seekers should leave them off When applying for jobs that require a certain degree:Individuals working to complete that degree should list their education with expected graduation date and area of studyIncomplete schooling may be listed as a last resortEspecially if it's the only thing that qualifies the candidate for the positionDo not:Embellish or falsify accomplishments, keep it too general, or ignore dates

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Why Activities and Interests?Any number of interests and activities can be professionally relevant, and may showcase your potential for leadership, teamwork, and experience.A study by LinkedIn showed that 41% of hiring managers find information about an applicant's interests and volunteer opportunities to be as equally important as the applicant's work experience.


Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Activities and InterestsWhat to IncludeCollege ClubsCommunity Involvement/Volunteer ActivitiesAthleticsProfessional SocietiesAlways remember: all activities, unless you are a recent grad, should relate back to the job you are applying forWhat Not To IncludeExplicitly partisan activitiesShould only use if the job is overtly politicalIrrelevant activities should be avoided(i.e.) Reading, watching movies, spending time with friends and familyReligious activities should be kept to a minimum, if possibleAgain, if the job itself warrants such activities, feel free to list them

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Resume Types, Formats & PresentationWhich resume is right for me?


Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Types of ResumesChronologicalMost commonUsually better for someone with more actual job experienceLists work experience chronologically, from most recent to oldestFunctionalSkills-basedHighlights abilities rather than a chronological listing of your work historyWorks well for people with gaps in their work history, those who frequently change jobs, and young workers just entering or reentering the workforceCombination

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Which Resume Works Best For Me?Chronological ResumeContact InformationSummary of QualificationsExperienceEducationFunctional ResumeContact InformationSummary of QualificationsSkillsWork HistoryEducation



Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Formatting and PresentationYour final resume should be:Easy to scanConcise yet completeUse basic fontsThe bottom lineKEEP. IT.SIMPLE.



Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Should I Send A Cover Letter?Cover letters should reaffirm your desire for an open positionRemember: Youre always competing with multiple other candidates for the same positionAny chance you can to stand out, take itAll jobs dont need or require a cover letter, but it never hurts to add one to submitted applications or resumesWith online applications, certain job portals allow applicants to upload both resumes and cover letter attachments

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/What Goes In A Cover Letter?Start with your contact informationShould match the resumeUse the company information nextContact persons name, title, company name, addressThe first paragraph explains why you are writingGet the readers attentionThe second paragraph talks about qualificationsWhy youre a good fit for the job

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/What Goes In A Cover Letter?The third paragraph should talk about education and skillsKeep it relatable to the job applying forThe fourth paragraph should discuss availabilityCater to the employers needs and convenienceThe final paragraph should thank the person for their time and considerationUse a proper closingSincerely typically works bestSign and type your name

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/So What Have We Learned?What are the Parts of a Resume?What is the difference between a Summary of Qualifications and the old Objective?What is a keyword? How is it different from a buzzword?Tell me some sections that go into a resume.What are their importance?Formatting and Cover LettersWhen should you use a chronological resume?When should you use a functional resume?What role does a cover letter play in finding a job?

Copyright Job-Applications.comhttp://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Additional ResourcesFor more information about creating a resume, check out the following resources from Job-Applications.com:

http://www.job-applications.com/http://www.job-applications.com/blog/https://www.youtube.com/user/MrJobApplicationshttp://www.job-applications.com/video-library/https://www.facebook.com/JobApplications


job-applications.com resume lesson plan

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