RESUME WRITINGBy:Andrea Wolf & Karen Ziegler

WHY IS A RESUME IMPORTANT? It is your marketing tool.

An application is a legal document used to collect the exact same information from each applicant. A resume is used to highlight your skills.

Almost everyone needs a resume in today’s competitive job market. Even teenagers seeking their first “real” job can benefit by having a resume.

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE? Identification

Give your name, address, telephone number and email address

Jill Goodfellow123 Main StreetPewaukee, WI 53072(262)691-1234jill.goodfellow@yahoo.com

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE? Summary

Include 3 to 5 statements which describe your qualifications. Enthusiastic and hard-working high school student. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Driven to succeed and attain goals. Able to work both independently as well as part of a

team.

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE? Education

List High School name and location Include last grade completed Could also include Grade Point Average

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE? Experience

Does not only include paid-jobs but also volunteer activities.

Should include: name of employer, location, dates of employment/volunteer work, job title.

Describe your responsibilities, specific skills and duties.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED EXPERIENCE? A job Volunteer work Babysitting Yard work Household chores Dog walking/Pet sitting

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE? Achievements/Activities

Include any Awards, Clubs, Sports, etc.

Examples: National Honor Society 2008, 2009Honor Roll 2007, 2008, 2009Sussex Hamilton Football 2008, 2009Boy Scouts 2000-2007

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE? Computer skills

Skill level: basic, working knowledge, proficient

Examples: Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE? References

Typically, on a professional resume, you would not include references. This should be listed on a separate page.

Ask permission before using someone as a reference.

Choose your references carefully. Be prepared with 3-5 references.

RESUME DO’S Develop a rough draft and then have

someone proof-read it. Keep the length to one page. Only use one font throughout the resume.

Use a font that is easy to read and use black ink.

RESUME DON’TS Don’t include your whole life history Don’t use pronouns: I, me, my Don’t use abbreviations Don’t use contractions: don’t, can’t, won’t Don’t include reasons for leaving your past

job(s) Don’t include previous wage information