Resumes For Today’s Job Market

Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., Adjunct Counselor Counseling Dept., Cypress College

Resumes

• Resumes• Cover Letters• Transferrable Skills• Online Presence• Branding• Resources

The “Rules” Have ChangedSince the economic recession, resumes are different• What A Resume Does• Marketing Tool vs. Biography

• What Should Be Included• Summary vs. Objective Statement• Quantifiable Accomplishments vs. Job

Duties• How They Are Laid Out• Emphasize What You Offer Them vs. Self

Serving• Customized to the Reader vs. Generic

• How They Are Sent Out• Online or email vs. ‘Snail Mail’

Resumes

• Purpose• To Get an Interview

• Contents• Brief & Relevant to the Job• Experience, Skills, Education & Abilities

• Types• Different Types – Use What Best Represents

You

Different Types of ResumesUse Format That Best Represents You • Chronological• Functional• Combination• Online• Scannable• PDF• HTML• Plain text (ASCII)• Email

Cover Letters

• Purpose• Grab and Direct Reader’s Attention• Introduce Yourself• Personalize to Them • Show Your Writing Style

• Content• Highlight Most Relevant & Important• Address Questions or Previously

Unmentioned

Online PresenceOnline Presence Expected to Replace Resumes Your Online Presence Will Impact Your Job Search!

• Social Media• Linked In – Professional Use Only!

• Others: YouTube, Facebook, etc.• Blogging• Websites• Web Domain Name• Email Address

Transferrable Skills•Usable in Many Different Jobs

(Writing, Critical Thinking, Computers, Interpersonal Skills, Self Management.)

•Emphasize Transferrable Skills When:•Lacking Experience in the Job•Transitioning into a New Direction•Gives You an Advantage (i.e. Multi-

lingual)

•See Workshop: “Identifying Your Transferrable Skills” for more information

Personal BrandingComplete “Personal Marketing” Tools with “Branding”• What Makes You Unique• Mission Statement• Elevator Speech

• Resume & Online Presence• Graphics (colors, fonts, images, etc.)• Most Job Search Websites Give Help with This

Tools & Resources –On Campus

• Career Planning Center• Computerized Programs• Links to Job Search/Resume Websites• Handouts, Books and Other Resources• Workshops (Handouts from Prior Available)

• Career Counselor• Fullerton College – Workforce Center (Job

Placement)

Tools & Resources –Off Campus

• Local One-Stop Career Centers• Computerized Programs• Handouts, Books and Other Resources• Workshops

• See Handouts• Career and Job Coaches for Hire• List of Job Search Websites

Handouts Available

• Website Resources• Employment History – Working Document• So How Do You Find Your Dream Job or

Career?