Parts of a Rsum

RsumA rsum is a written compilation of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments and is used to apply for jobs.There are several basic types of rsum used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted rsum.A rsum is typically sent with a cover letter that provides additional information on your skills and experience to apply for jobs.Parts of a RsumMAIN HEADINGYour rsum, whether its chronological or functional, should always begin with your name; add your middle initial for an even more professional look. Following your name, list your contact information, including your complete address, area code and phone number, and e-mail address.MAIN HEADING. If possible, include a telephone number where messages may be left for you. The outgoing message at this number should be in your voice, it should mention your full name, and it should be concise and professional. Dont give a number that is always busy because youre using a modem on that line. Prospective employers tend to call the next applicant when no one answers.

For your e-mail address, be sure it sounds professional instead of something like toosexy4you@hotmail.com or sixpackguy@yahoo.com. Also be sure that youre using a personal e-mail address. Putting your work e-mail address on your rsum announces to prospective employers that youre using your current employers resources to look for another job.Career ObjectivesCareer objectives are most appropriate for specific, targeted positions, but they may limit a broader job search.CAREER OBJECTIVE Recruiters think such statements indicate that a candidate has made a commitment to a career and is sure about what he or she wants to do. Career objectives, of course, make the recruiters life easier by quickly classifying the rsum. But such declarations can also disqualify a candidate if the stated objective doesnt match a companys job description

Career objectivesIf you choose to omit the career objective, be sure to discuss your objectives and goals in your cover letter. Savvy job seekers are also incorporating their objectives into a summary of qualifications, which is discussed next.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS A summary of qualifications section lists your most impressive accomplishments and qualifications in one concise bulleted list.Summary of qualificationsA summary of qualifications will include three to eight bulleted statements that prove youre the ideal candidate for the position. When formulating these statements, consider your experience in the field, your education, your unique skills, awards youve won, certifications, and any other accomplishments that you want to highlight. Include numbers wherever possible. Summary of qualificationsA summary of qualifications is more likely to be included in the chronological rsum of an experienced job candidate. It is less likely to be found in a functional rsum.

Educational BackgroundThe education section shows degrees and GPA but does not list all courses a job applicant has taken.Educational BackgroundThe next component in a chronological rsum is your educationif it is more noteworthy than your work experience. In this section you should include the name and location of schools, dates of attendance, major fields of study, and degrees received. By the way, once youve attended college, you dont need to list high school information on your rsum. Your grade point average and/or class ranking may be important to prospective employers.WORK EXPERIENCE OR EMPLOYMENT HISTORYThe work experience section of a rsum should list specifics and quantify achievements.WORK EXPERIENCE OR EMPLOYMENT HISTORYIf your work experience is significant and relevant to the position sought, this information should appear before education. List your most recent employment first and work backward, including only those jobs that you think will help you win the targeted position.

WORK EXPERIENCE OR EMPLOYMENT HISTORYA job application form may demand a full employment history, but your rsum may be selective. Be aware, though, that time gaps in your employment history will probably be questioned in the interview.Employers name, city, and state Dates of employment Most important job title Significant duties, activities, accomplishments, and promotions When listing your dates of employment, be sure to include both months and years. Some employers are suspicious when they see only years listed. In addition, if youre currently employed, make that clear. For example, you could write your dates of employment as March 2004 to present. Your employment achievements and job duties will be easier to read if you place them in a bulleted list. When writing these bullet points, dont try to list every single thing youve done on the job; instead, keep the prospective employers needs in mind. Make sure your list of job duties shows what you have to contribute and how youre qualified for the position youre applying for. Do not make your bullet points complete sentences, and avoid using personal pronouns (I, me, my) in them. If youve performed a lot of the same duties for multiple employers, you dont have to repeat them.

Strengthen Your Rsum With Action Verbsaccelerated achieved analyzed collaborated conceptualized constructed converted designed directedenabledencouraged engineered established expanded expedited facilitated improved increasedintroducedmanaged organized originated overhauled pioneered reduced resolved restructuredreviewedrevitalizedscreenedservedspearheaded spurredstrengthenedtargeted transformed

Identified weaknesses in internships and researched five alternate programs Reduced delivery delays by an average of three days per order Streamlined filing system, thus reducing 400-item backlog to 0 Organized holiday awards program for 1,200 attendees and 140 awardees Created a 12-point checklist for use when requesting temporary workers Designed five posters announcing new employee suggestion program Calculated shipping charges for overseas deliveries and recommended most economical ratesManaged 24-station computer network linking data in three departments Distributed and explained voter registration forms to over 500 prospective student voters Praised by top management for enthusiastic teamwork and achievement Secured national recognition from American Cancer Society for fund-raising project

CAPABILITIES AND SKILLSEmphasize the skills and aptitudes that prove youre qualified for a specific positionRecruiters want to know specifically what you can do for their companies. Therefore, list your special skills, such as Proficient in preparing federal, state, and local payroll tax returns as well as franchise and personal property tax returns. Include your ability to use the Internet, software programs, office equipment, and communication technology tools. If you speak a foreign language or use sign language, include it on your rsum.CAPABILITIES AND SKILLS Describe proficiencies you have acquired through training and experience, such as Certified in computer graphics and Web design through an intensive 350-hour classroom program. Use expressions such as competent in, skilled in, proficient with, experienced in, and ability to; for example, Competent in writing, editing, and proofreading reports, tables, letters, memos, manuscripts, and business forms. Youll also want to highlight exceptional aptitudes, such as working well under stress, learning computer programs quickly, and interacting with customers. If possible, provide details and evidence that back up your assertions; for example, Mastered PhotoShop in 25 hours with little instruction. Search for examples of your writing, speaking, management, organizational, and interpersonal skillsparticularly those talents

AWARDS, HONORS, AND ACTIVITIESAwards, honors, and activities are appropriate for the rsum.AWARDS, HONORS, AND ACTIVITIES If you have three or more awards or honors, highlight them by listing them under a separate heading. If not, put them with activities or in the education or work experience section if appropriate. Include awards, scholarships (financial and other), fellowships, deans list, honors, recognition, commendations, and certificatesIf you have three or more awards or honors, highlight them by listing them under a separate heading. If not, put them with activities or in the education or work experience section if appropriate. Include awards, scholarships (financial and other), fellowships, deans list, honors, recognition, commendations, and certificatesPERSONAL DATAOmit personal data not related to job qualifications.Todays rsums omit personal data, such as birth date, marital status, height, weight, national origin, health, and religious affiliation. Such information doesnt relate to genuine occupational qualifications, and recruiters are legally barred from asking for such information. Some job seekers do, however, include hobbies or interests (such as skiing or photography) that might grab the recruiters attention or serve as conversation starters. REFERENCESAsk three to five instructors, your current employer or previous employers, colleagues or subordinates, and other professional contacts whether they would be willing to answer inquiries regarding your qualifications for employment. Be sure, however, to provide them with an opportunity to refuse. No reference is better than a negative one. Do not include personal or character references, such as friends, family, or neighbors, because recruiters rarely consult them. Companies are more interested in the opinions of objective individuals who know how you perform professionally and academically. One final note: most recruiters see little reason for including the statement References furnished upon request. Its unnecessary and takes up precious space. Types of RsumChronological RsumA 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.Chronological rsums focus on job history with the most recent positions listed first.

Chronological RsumThe most popular rsum format is the chronological rsum, shown in Figures 13.6 through 13.9 in our rsum collection. It lists work history job by job, starting with the most recent position. Recruiters favor the chronological format because such rsums quickly reveal a candidates education and experience record. Recruiters are familiar with the chronological rsum, and as many as 85 percent of employers prefer to see a candidates rsum in this format.Chronological RsumThe chronological style works well for candidates who have experience in their field of employment and for those who show steady career growth, but it is less appropriate for people who have changed jobs frequently or who have gaps in their employment records. For college students and others who lack extensive experience, the functional rsum format may be preferable.

Functional RsumBecause functional rsums focus on skills, they may be more advisable for graduates with little experience.Functional RsumA 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.

Functional Rsum Like a chronological rsum, the functional rsum begins with the candidates name, address, telephone number, job objective, and education. Instead of listing jobs, though, the functional rsum groups skills and accomplishments in special categories, such as Supervisory and Management Skills or Retailing and Marketing Experience. This rsum style highlights accomplishments and can de-emphasize a negative employment history. People who have changed jobs frequently, who have gaps in their employment records, or who are entering an entirely different field may prefer the functional rsum. Recent graduates with little or no related employment experience often find the functional rsum useful. Older job seekers who want to de-emphasize a long job history and job hunters who are afraid of appearing overqualified may also prefer the functional format. Be aware, though, that online job boards may insist on chronological format. In addition, some recruiters are suspicious of functional rsums, thinking the candidate is hiding something.

Combination ResumeA 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.

Targeted ResumeA targeted resume is a resume that is customized so that it specifically highlights the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It definitely takes more work to write a targeted resume than to just click to apply with your existing resume. However, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.

Resume With ProfileA resume with a profile section includes a summary of an applicants skills, experiences and goals as they relate to a specific job.

Mini ResumeA mini resume contains a brief summary of your career highlights qualifications. It can be used for networking purposes or shared upon request from a prospective employer or reference writer who may want an overview of your accomplishments, rather than a full length resume.

Non-traditional ResumeA non-traditional resume is a web-based version of your resume that may include photos, graphics, images, graphs and other visuals.

Application Letter or COVER LETTERAn application letter is a formally written one-page letter that accompanies a resume and other requested documentation in application for a job or academic program. Application letters are often synonymous with cover letters, and in addition to describing what materials are included in the application, an application letter should also take time to highlight the qualifications that prepare the writer for acceptance into the job or academic program.Cover letterA cover letter addressed to someone by name is more likely to be read, especially if its unsolicited. If you dont know the name of the person in charge of hiring, make the effort to find out by calling the employer.Three purposes(1) introducing the rsum, (2) highlighting your strengths in terms of benefits to the reader, and (3) gaining an interview. In many ways your cover letter is a sales letter; it sells your talent and tries to beat the competition.Application letters typically begin with an introductory paragraph that states the position being applied to, reveals how the minimum qualifications for the position are met and asks the reader to continue reading to learn more about the applicant's qualifications.Paragraphs that follow the introduction paragraph typically highlight the top reasons the applicant should be considered. For experienced applicants, these paragraphs typically highlight work experience and workplace projects of significance. For less experienced applicants and new graduates, these paragraphs might highlight academic experience, such as classes taken that would be useful in this position or any particular academic projects or honors received.An application letter should also include a concluding paragraph that express appreciation to the receiver for taking the time to consider the application. The final sentence should convey that the applicant looks toward the future by asking for a formal interview in-person, online or by phone.

an opening that introduces the message and identifies the position, (2) a body that sells the candidate and focuses on the employers needs, and (3) a closing that requests an interview and motivates action.Recruiting professionals disagree about how long to make a cover letter. Many prefer short letters with no more than three paragraphs. Others desire longer letters that supply more information, thus giving them a better opportunity to evaluate a candidates qualifications.These recruiters argue that hiring and training new employees is expensive and time-consuming; therefore, they welcome extra data to guide them in making the best choice the first time. Follow your judgment in writing a brief or a longer cover letter. If you feel, for example, that you need space to explain in more detail what you can do for a prospective employer, do so.When putting your cover letter together, remember that the biggest mistake job seekers make when writing cover letters is making them sound too generic. You should, therefore, write a personalized, targeted cover letter for every position you apply for.As you revise your cover letter, notice how many sentences begin with I. Although its impossible to talk about yourself without using I, you can reduce I domination with this writing technique. Make activities and outcomes, and not yourself, the subjects of sentences. For example, rather than I took classes in business communication and computer applications, say Classes in business communication and computer applications prepared me to . . .Instead of I enjoyed helping customers, say Helping customers was a real pleasure. BionoteA short 2 or 3 sentence description of the author written in the 3rd person, usually to accompany an article.