Resume WritingResume Writing

September 19, 2012September 19, 2012

Jeanette HicklJeanette HicklVCU University Career CenterVCU University Career Center

Division of Student Affairs Division of Student Affairs Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University

AgendaAgenda

ResumesResumes– PurposePurpose– FormatsFormats– ContentContent– Organization and AppearanceOrganization and Appearance

Cover LettersCover Letters– PurposePurpose– FormatFormat– ContentContent

Purpose of a ResumePurpose of a Resume

Goal: ?Goal: ?

an interviewan interview A resume is a strategic personal A resume is a strategic personal

marketingmarketing tool to sell your relevant tool to sell your relevant experience, education, skills, experience, education, skills, accomplishments and qualifications accomplishments and qualifications to potential employersto potential employers

Resume FormatsResume Formats

Resume Resume – Chronological Resumes Chronological Resumes

– Functional ResumesFunctional Resumes– Combination ResumesCombination Resumes

Curriculum VitaeCurriculum Vitae

Resume Content Resume Content *Use the categories that fit you*Use the categories that fit you

CORE CONTENT AREAS:CORE CONTENT AREAS:

Name and Contact Name and Contact Information Information

Objective or Professional Objective or Professional Interest StatementInterest Statement

EducationEducation ExperienceExperience Scholarships/Honors/AwardsScholarships/Honors/Awards

ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES:ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES:

Certification/LicensureCertification/Licensure Selected Coursework/Selected Coursework/

Projects/PresentationsProjects/Presentations

Research ExperienceResearch Experience Publications & PresentationsPublications & Presentations Professional OrganizationsProfessional Organizations Computer/Technical SkillsComputer/Technical Skills Skills SummarySkills Summary Additional ExperienceAdditional Experience Professional Development – Professional Development –

training, professional training, professional organizations, workshops, organizations, workshops, conferencesconferences

Student OrganizationsStudent Organizations Community Community

Service/VolunteerService/Volunteer Foreign LanguagesForeign Languages

Name and Contact Name and Contact InformationInformation

Do not write “Resume” or “Curriculum Do not write “Resume” or “Curriculum Vitae” on your resumeVitae” on your resume

On top of page:On top of page:– Name – slightly larger font size (14 or 16)Name – slightly larger font size (14 or 16)– Contact information – legible font size (11 or Contact information – legible font size (11 or

12)12)– AddressAddress– Phone number(s) (cell – screen calls, Phone number(s) (cell – screen calls,

professional voicemail)professional voicemail)– Email address (remove hyperlink, professional)Email address (remove hyperlink, professional)

Name & Contact InformationName & Contact Information~Examples~~Examples~

Jamie T. StudentJamie T. Student907 Floyd Avenue 907 Floyd Avenue ▪▪ Richmond, VA 23284 Richmond, VA 23284 ▪▪ 804.123.4567 804.123.4567 ▪ ▪

sstudentj@vcu.edutudentj@vcu.edu______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jamie T. StudentJamie T. StudentCurrent Address:Current Address: 907 Floyd Avenue 907 Floyd Avenue ▪▪ Richmond, VA 23284 Richmond, VA 23284Permanent Address:Permanent Address: 123 Lovely Lane 123 Lovely Lane ▪ Fairfax, VA 32145▪ Fairfax, VA 32145

804.123.4567 804.123.4567 ▪ ▪ studentjt@vcu.edustudentjt@vcu.edu______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jamie T. StudentJamie T. Student Current Address: Current Address: studentjt@vcu.edustudentjt@vcu.edu Permanent Address:Permanent Address: 907 Floyd Avenue 804.123.4567907 Floyd Avenue 804.123.4567 123 Lovely Lane 123 Lovely Lane Richmond, VA 23284Richmond, VA 23284 Fairfax, VA 32145Fairfax, VA 32145

ObjectiveObjective OptionalOptional

If you have one, be specificIf you have one, be specific

Avoid clichés or general statementsAvoid clichés or general statements

Focus on how the employer would benefit, not on Focus on how the employer would benefit, not on how they can help youhow they can help you

Consider targeting your objective for each Consider targeting your objective for each resume you send outresume you send out

ObjectiveObjective~Examples~~Examples~

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVETo obtain a position as a Victim Advocate. To obtain a position as a Victim Advocate.

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVESeeking a Co-chair position with International Seeking a Co-chair position with International Women’s Alliance through the 2012 conference.Women’s Alliance through the 2012 conference.

OBJECTIVE (PROFILE)OBJECTIVE (PROFILE)Recent gender studies graduate with interest in Recent gender studies graduate with interest in victim’s advocacy and experience as a certified victim’s advocacy and experience as a certified grant writer seeking victim advocacy.grant writer seeking victim advocacy.

EducationEducation

List all degrees in reverse chronological List all degrees in reverse chronological orderorder

Abbreviating degrees is appropriate; Abbreviating degrees is appropriate; writing them is preferred writing them is preferred

GPA is recommended (3.0 or above)GPA is recommended (3.0 or above) Indicate graduation with honorsIndicate graduation with honors Do not include high school graduationDo not include high school graduation

EducationEducation~Examples~~Examples~

EDUCATIONEDUCATIONBachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, May 2013 Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, May 2013 Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VAVirginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA

EDUCATIONEDUCATIONVirginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VirginiaVirginiaBachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s StudiesBachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies May May 20132013GPA: 4.0GPA: 4.0

ExperienceExperience

Focus on Focus on relevantrelevant experience experience Include other relevant experienceInclude other relevant experience Can include unpaid experience, internships or Can include unpaid experience, internships or

volunteer workvolunteer work Begin descriptions with strong action verbsBegin descriptions with strong action verbs Include complete but succinct descriptionsInclude complete but succinct descriptions Avoid the use of personal pronounsAvoid the use of personal pronouns Avoid the use of articles (a, an, the)Avoid the use of articles (a, an, the) Focus on skills and accomplishments rather than Focus on skills and accomplishments rather than

including a comprehensive list of job dutiesincluding a comprehensive list of job duties Quantify accomplishments whenever possible (for Quantify accomplishments whenever possible (for

how many? how often? etc)how many? how often? etc)

Action VerbsAction Verbs Use strong, descriptive action verbs to describe Use strong, descriptive action verbs to describe

your experienceyour experience If it is a current experience, use the present If it is a current experience, use the present

tensetense If it is a previous experience, use the past tenseIf it is a previous experience, use the past tense Avoid gerunds (-ing)Avoid gerunds (-ing) Vary your action verbs (refer to action verb list Vary your action verbs (refer to action verb list

in resume guide)in resume guide) Avoid “duties include” or “responsible for”Avoid “duties include” or “responsible for” Refrain from using “handled” or “dealt with” Refrain from using “handled” or “dealt with”

when referring to peoplewhen referring to people

Examples of Advocate Examples of Advocate DescriptionsDescriptions

Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.visits with clients.

Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior. Interview individuals or family members to compile information on Interview individuals or family members to compile information on

social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history. Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or

community services for assistance.community services for assistance. Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families. Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money

management, sanitation, or housekeeping.management, sanitation, or housekeeping. Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution. Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide

information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.information on agency services, requirements, or procedures. Monitor free, supplementary meal program to ensure cleanliness of Monitor free, supplementary meal program to ensure cleanliness of

facility and that eligibility guidelines are met for persons receiving facility and that eligibility guidelines are met for persons receiving meals.meals.

Meet with youth groups to acquaint them with consequences of Meet with youth groups to acquaint them with consequences of delinquent acts.delinquent acts.

ExperienceExperience~Example~~Example~

RELEVANT EXPERIENCERELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Feminist Student NetworkFeminist Student Network Richmond, VARichmond, VA

AdvocateAdvocate May-July 2012 May-July 2012 Provided information or refer individuals to public or Provided information or refer individuals to public or

private agencies or community services for private agencies or community services for assistance.assistance.

Interviewed individuals or family members to compile Interviewed individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.institutional, or drug history.

Consulted with supervisor concerning programs for Consulted with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.individual families.

HonorsHonors Honor SocietiesHonor Societies Scholarships awardedScholarships awarded Other awardsOther awards Alphabetical or reverse chronological orderAlphabetical or reverse chronological order Include graduation with honors in Include graduation with honors in

Education sectionEducation section (cum laude, magna cum (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude)laude, summa cum laude)

HonorsHonors~Example~~Example~

HONORSHONORS VCU Scholarship, awarded 2011VCU Scholarship, awarded 2011 Golden Key International Honour Society, inducted Golden Key International Honour Society, inducted

20092009 Virginia Commonwealth University Dean’s List, all Virginia Commonwealth University Dean’s List, all

semesterssemesters

OrganizationsOrganizations Focus on relevant organizationsFocus on relevant organizations

Highlight leadership positionsHighlight leadership positions

Include memberships in professional organizations Include memberships in professional organizations and student organizations related to fieldand student organizations related to field

Include years of membershipInclude years of membership

Can be combined with Honors or another sectionCan be combined with Honors or another section

List in reverse chronological order or alphabeticallyList in reverse chronological order or alphabetically

Outreach Outreach

Include relevant volunteer Include relevant volunteer experience or community serviceexperience or community service

Consider elaborating on this Consider elaborating on this experience; organize just like experience; organize just like experience sectionexperience section

Organizations/OutreachOrganizations/Outreach~Example~~Example~

ORGANIZATIONS/OUTREACHORGANIZATIONS/OUTREACH Co-founded Feminist Student Network at CU-BoulderCo-founded Feminist Student Network at CU-Boulder Planned three International Women’s Week (IWW) Planned three International Women’s Week (IWW)

conferencesconferences Co-chair, International Women’s Alliance, coordinated Co-chair, International Women’s Alliance, coordinated

25th Annual IWW XXXX25th Annual IWW XXXX Team Captain for XXXX Race for the CureTeam Captain for XXXX Race for the Cure Coordinated campus effort for the National Breast Coordinated campus effort for the National Breast

Cancer Coalition’s “Campaign 2.6”Cancer Coalition’s “Campaign 2.6”

Resume Resume Organization and AppearanceOrganization and Appearance

Consistent organization is critical to an Consistent organization is critical to an effective resumeeffective resume

The appearance and organization of the The appearance and organization of the resume is just as important as the resume is just as important as the contentcontent

Skim …Skim …in less than 5 seconds - ATSin less than 5 seconds - ATS

Resume OrganizationResume Organization Avoid templatesAvoid templates Consistent organization Consistent organization Use horizontal spaceUse horizontal space Balanced page Balanced page Fill the pageFill the page White space in between White space in between

sections and entriessections and entries Use tabs, not space-bar to Use tabs, not space-bar to

indentindent Use “print preview”Use “print preview” Resumes should be one Resumes should be one

page in most casespage in most cases A second page is justified if A second page is justified if

it includes relevant, it includes relevant, significant informationsignificant information

If you use more than one If you use more than one page, make sure you page, make sure you include “Name, Page #” & include “Name, Page #” & avoid stragglers on all avoid stragglers on all subsequent pagessubsequent pages

Use Use boldbold, CAPS, , CAPS, italicsitalics and and underliningunderlining strategically and strategically and sparinglysparingly

Be consistent with heading Be consistent with heading style and marginsstyle and margins

Use one font style and size Use one font style and size (except for your name and/or (except for your name and/or headings)headings)

Font: Times New Roman or Font: Times New Roman or ArialArial

Font Size: no smaller than 10 in Font Size: no smaller than 10 in Arial or 11 in TimesArial or 11 in Times

Margins: at least 0.5 inchesMargins: at least 0.5 inches Avoid paragraphs Avoid paragraphs Use bullets, not dashesUse bullets, not dashes Avoid numbering your secitonsAvoid numbering your secitons

Resume Appearance - Resume Appearance - ProofreadProofread

Use all periods or no periods at the end Use all periods or no periods at the end of sentencesof sentences

Dashes used in dates – consistent size, Dashes used in dates – consistent size, consistent spacingconsistent spacing

Check for spelling and grammatical Check for spelling and grammatical errorserrors

Spellcheck does not check words in all Spellcheck does not check words in all capscaps

Avoid personal pronouns and personal Avoid personal pronouns and personal informationinformation

Resume Appearance - Final Resume Appearance - Final CopyCopy

Avoid graphics, pictures, color inkAvoid graphics, pictures, color ink Print on laser printerPrint on laser printer Use high quality, 100% cotton paper Use high quality, 100% cotton paper

in white or off-whitein white or off-white Don’t staple or foldDon’t staple or fold Don’t print on both sides of paperDon’t print on both sides of paper If mailing, use large envelopeIf mailing, use large envelope

ReferencesReferences List 3-5 professional references on a separate document List 3-5 professional references on a separate document

following the resume following the resume Copy and paste your contact information at the top of the Copy and paste your contact information at the top of the

pagepage When listing references include name, title, When listing references include name, title,

organization/institution and department, business address, organization/institution and department, business address, phone number, and emailphone number, and email

Don’t write “References available upon request” on your Don’t write “References available upon request” on your resumeresume

ALWAYS ask permission from person giving you the ALWAYS ask permission from person giving you the referencereference

Offer your references a copy of your resumeOffer your references a copy of your resume Inform your references of the positions you’re applying for Inform your references of the positions you’re applying for

so they are preparedso they are prepared

ReferencesReferences~Example~~Example~

REFERENCESREFERENCES

Janet R. Hutchinson, Ph.D.Janet R. Hutchinson, Ph.D.

Professor of Public Policy Professor of Public Policy

Chair, Department of Gender, Sexuality & Women's StudiesChair, Department of Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies

Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University

Crenshaw House, 919 W. Franklin StreetCrenshaw House, 919 W. Franklin Street

Richmond, VA 23284-3060Richmond, VA 23284-3060

Phone 804/828-8041Phone 804/828-8041

jhutch@vcu.edujhutch@vcu.edu

Cover LettersCover Letters

Why write one?Why write one?

Purpose:Purpose: Introduce yourself/your resumeIntroduce yourself/your resume Indicate the position you are seekingIndicate the position you are seeking May take the place of the objectiveMay take the place of the objective Highlight your qualificationsHighlight your qualifications Tailor letter to the jobTailor letter to the job

Cover Letter FormatCover Letter Format

Business letter format:Business letter format:(Left justify everything)(Left justify everything)

Your address Your address Today’s dateToday’s date Employer’s name, title, organization, addressEmployer’s name, title, organization, address Greeting Greeting Body Body Closing (Sincerely, Yours truly)Closing (Sincerely, Yours truly) Your signatureYour signature Your typed nameYour typed name Enclosure(s): resume, application, Enclosure(s): resume, application,

references...references...

Cover Letter FormatCover Letter Format

Simplified format:Simplified format:

Leave off greeting and closingLeave off greeting and closing Use this option when you are not writing to a Use this option when you are not writing to a

specific personspecific person Allows you to avoid generic greetings (To Allows you to avoid generic greetings (To

whom it may concern; Dear Sir or Madam)whom it may concern; Dear Sir or Madam)

E-mailing a Cover LetterE-mailing a Cover LetterTwo options:Two options:

1. Your e-mail is the cover 1. Your e-mail is the cover letter, attach your letter, attach your resumeresume

– Leave off return Leave off return address, date and address, date and employer’s addressemployer’s address

– Follow basic cover letter Follow basic cover letter writing guidelines for writing guidelines for the body of your e-mailthe body of your e-mail

– E-mail cover letters E-mail cover letters should be briefer than should be briefer than traditional cover letterstraditional cover letters

– Spell check and proof Spell check and proof read your e-mail prior read your e-mail prior to sendingto sending

2. Write a brief e-mail, 2. Write a brief e-mail, attach your cover attach your cover letter and resumeletter and resume– Follow traditional cover Follow traditional cover

letter writing guidelines letter writing guidelines – Spell check e-mail and Spell check e-mail and

cover letter prior to cover letter prior to sending sending

Content: First ParagraphContent: First Paragraph

Introduce yourself and state why you are Introduce yourself and state why you are contacting the organizationcontacting the organization

Indicate the specific position of interest and how Indicate the specific position of interest and how you learned of the positionyou learned of the position

Include degree you are seeking and when it will Include degree you are seeking and when it will be awardedbe awarded

You may wish to quickly summarize your You may wish to quickly summarize your experience/qualifications in one sentenceexperience/qualifications in one sentence

Content: Body ParagraphsContent: Body Paragraphs

Explain why you are interested in this position Explain why you are interested in this position and this organization – demonstrate that you and this organization – demonstrate that you have done your researchhave done your research

Address each skill or qualification in the position Address each skill or qualification in the position description and explain how you meet the description and explain how you meet the organization’s needs – be specificorganization’s needs – be specific

Provide examples that demonstrate your skillsProvide examples that demonstrate your skills Do not just repeat your resumeDo not just repeat your resume

Content: Concluding Content: Concluding ParagraphParagraph

Reiterate your interestReiterate your interest Invite the employer to contact you and repeat Invite the employer to contact you and repeat

your contact information (it should already be your contact information (it should already be listed at the top)listed at the top)

Indicate how and when you will follow up (if you Indicate how and when you will follow up (if you have the contact information to do so)have the contact information to do so)

Thank the employer for their time and/or Thank the employer for their time and/or consideration of your applicationconsideration of your application

Cover LettersCover Letters

Other information to include:Other information to include:

Request information or interview Request information or interview Explain gaps in employment, why you are Explain gaps in employment, why you are

reentering the job market, or why you are reentering the job market, or why you are changing the focus of your careerchanging the focus of your career

If you were informed of the position by an If you were informed of the position by an employee of the company, include their nameemployee of the company, include their name

Tips For A Tips For A Stellar Cover LetterStellar Cover Letter

Address letter to a specific individual, when Address letter to a specific individual, when possiblepossible

Be specific when discussing your career goal and Be specific when discussing your career goal and qualificationsqualifications

Give supporting evidence of your skillsGive supporting evidence of your skills Try not to start many sentences with “I”Try not to start many sentences with “I” Write no more than 3 or 4 paragraphsWrite no more than 3 or 4 paragraphs Write simply and clearlyWrite simply and clearly Cover letter should complement, not repeat your Cover letter should complement, not repeat your

resumeresume Let your personality come throughLet your personality come through

ResourcesResources

Go to Go to www.students.vcu.edu/careers

Scroll down and click on “Resume Guide” Scroll down and click on “Resume Guide” and “Job Search Correspondence Guide ” and “Job Search Correspondence Guide ” on the bottom/center of the pageon the bottom/center of the page

VCUVCU University Career Center University Career Center

Jeanette Hickl Jeanette Hickl jwhickl@vcu.edu

804-828-4846804-828-4846University Student CommonsUniversity Student Commons

Monroe Park Campus Monroe Park Campus www.students.vcu.edu/careerswww.students.vcu.edu/careers

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.