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Peirce College, Career Development Services

The Basics of Writing a The Basics of Writing a ResumeResume

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Why Write a Resume?

Your resume is a personal pitch intended to persuade a potential employer that you are the best one to do the job.

A resume helps you to keep track of your professional experience and skills you have acquired. No matter how long you have been at your current job, you should always keep it updated.

“Good resumes open doors to job interviews; interviews open doors to jobs.”

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First Rate Resumes

1. Format

2. Content

3. Winning Words

4. Do’s & Don’ts

5. Proofread!

Proofread!

Proofread!

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Resume Formats

There are three different formats when

writing a resume. The three formats are:ChronologicalFunctionalCombination

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Chronological Format

This is the most common type.It begins with the most recent job listed

first in the Work Experience section.It is best for job seekers who have

advanced through one field.It is also suitable for people who have

not gone through many job changes or long gaps.

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Functional Format

The attention is focused more on the skills developed at different jobs.

The dates of employment play a minor role.

This is suitable for entry level, career changers, and mature professionals with various experiences.

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Combination Format

This type of format focuses on putting your work experiences in chronological order, but emphasizes skills like one would with a functional resume.

Dates and process are both important.

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Resume ContentAll resumes should include the following: Heading Objective (in most cases) Summary of Qualifications (optional) Education Work Experience

Optional inclusions: Skills/Qualifications Activities/Organizations Honors

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Heading

Your name should appear on the first line, larger and bolded (usually no bigger than 14pt font).

Include address, phone number, and email. If you are moving, give current and permanent

addresses and/or dates. If scanning your resume, always center your

heading. Do not abbreviate (except for the state). Do not use Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Miss.

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Anita Job123 Main Street

Philadelphia, PA 12255phone: 123.456.7890

email: Anita_job@internet.com

Heading Example

•The name is bolded and in a larger font than the rest of the heading

•No use of Mr., Miss, or Mrs. to avoid discrimination

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Objective An objective is one or two sentences about the specific job you want and what you can

contribute to the employer in return for the job. Use an objective when…

You are pursuing a specific job goal. You know the exact title of the position for which you are applying. Make it your objective. You have a diverse career background that needs direction. You are a new graduate and need to formalize your goals.

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Examples of Objectives

Bad Objectives: To obtain a job utilizing my skills and abilities. Seeking a position where I can advance.

Good Objectives: Sales management position using expertise in motivating

sales personnel in order to increase profit sharing. To obtain an Accountant position in which my knowledge and

skills as a Financial Analyst can be applied in order to benefit the mission of the organization.

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Anita Job123 Main Street

Philadelphia, PA 12255phone: 123.456.7890

email: Anita_job@internet.com Objective

A senior position in sales/marketing management in a mid-size pharmaceutical company

Heading and Objective

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Summary of Qualifications

A summary of your experience and qualifications that relate the most to the job for which you are applying.

A brief (3 or 4 lines) statement.

May be used in place of or following your objective.

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Example of a Summary of Qualifications

Summary of QualificationsExtensive experience in the high performancemarketing industry with a proven ability toincrease sales. Able to obtain excellent salesresults through direct calls on users andmanagement of third-party distribution channels.

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Education

Include:Name of institutionLocation (city and state)Date of graduation, or potential graduationDegree awardedField of studyGPA optional

If your GPA is a 3.0 or better, you can include it.

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Example of Education Section

EducationPeirce College Philadelphia, PAB.S. Paralegal Studies, GPA: 3.8Degree expected June 2009

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Work Experience

The order of jobs depends on the resume formatChronological: List most recent job first,

generally the last 3 jobs or last 10 years, description of duties should relate to your objective and the position you seek.

Functional: Focus on positions that relate closest to the job you seek, list other work experience under a separate heading in less detail.

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The Basics

Name of companyPosition heldLocation of company (city and state)Dates of employment (month and year)Description of duties & responsibilities

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Description of Duties

Bad Descriptions: Use “I” Use complete sentences Are too general Are too long and hard to follow

Good Descriptions Use action verbs Are specific and measurable Describe what you did and your successes Are positive and sell your skills Relate your past skills and experiences to the job

you seek

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Work ExperienceSales Manager 1998-PresentSeldane Research Santa Fe, NM• Manage Staff of 10 with volume of over $25 million• Negotiate large contracts; represent company; corporate

field contact for service and maintenance• Set forecasts; coach sales staff and critique their abilities• Oversee and write all performance evaluations, salary

reviews and expense accounts

Example of Work Experience

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Skills/Qualifications

Before writing your resume it is important to recognize valuable skills. Skills categories can include: Specialized skills (ex: certifications, computer

software) Computer skills Office skills Communications skills

Avoid overgeneralized phrases Be specific about what you know and relate it to the

job you want

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Activities/Organizations

Include hobbies and personal interests if they are employment related, non- controversial, and they show skills and experienceNational affiliations/professional

organizationsRelevant positions held in clubsHonor/academic societies

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Honors

Dean’s ListWho’s whoScholarshipsAwards

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Winning Words

When describing your responsibilities, start each statement with an action word. This is the active voice and demonstrates initiative and drive

Keep verbs the same tenseCurrent job=present tensePast job(s)=past tense

Use NOUNS for an electronic resume because of the scanning function

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Do’s & Don’ts

Do Keep it brief; 1-2 pages Include your name and contact

information at the top of the first page

Put your name and page number at the top of the second page

Open with a strong objective and/or summary

Include a cover letter when mailing your resume

Use the right format for your skills and objective

Be neat, organized and professional Use the same font and verb tense

throughout Be creative

Don’t Use a template Lie Misspell Use colored paper or fancy

fonts Supply personal information Include salary information List discriminatory affiliations Include the phrase “references

available upon request” Include hobbies or personal

interests unless they relate to your objective

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PROOFREAD

Read your resume over for spelling mistakes, repeated words, capitalization and content errors

Give your resume to a reliable person to proofread for you

Read your resume backwards to check for errors

Proofread it again