Resumes:

The Fundamentals

What is a Resume?

An advertisement that discloses your accomplishments and qualifications to a potential employer

A promotional brochure about you An example of your organizational and

communication skills

What is the Purpose of a Resume?

Your resume does not get you a job. Your resume gets you an interview. Your resume must:– Arouse the curiosity of the reader– Grab attention– Sparkle with interest– Differentiate you from the competition– Make you stand out from the rest

Resume Rules

There are few rules that cannot be broken, with good cause

Do not hold back. This is not the time to be modest

Never tell a lie (never break this rule)

Tips for Writing Resumes

Resumes should be concise Resumes should not be detailed. It is not necessary to

list every job- only relevant work experience Present information in list format not in paragraphs Do not use declarative sentences (“I developed the…”) Use action verbs!!

Tips for Writing Resumes

Avoid passive constructions (“was responsible for managing”)

Describe past accomplishments so that they can be measured objectively (“saved the company $3500 for the fiscal year”)

Check your resume for proper grammar and correct spelling

Use normal page margins (1” and 1.25”)

Tips for Writing Resumes

Allow for room between the different sections of the resume

Resumes should be printed on high quality paper stock with a matching envelope

Use simple, professional looking fonts Use techniques for emphasis (bolding, bullets, capital

letters). Avoid underlining. Customize your resume to a specific position. (include

only experience that is relevant to the job)

Tips for Writing Resumes

Eliminate unnecessary details– age– height– weight– marital status– disabilities– social security number– religion

Tips for Writing Resumes

Do not include a grade point average unless it is very good

Do not include a picture List hobbies and interests only if they are relevant to

the position you are seeking Arrange information on the resume so that the most

current, most important, most relevant information is presented first

Tips for Writing Resumes

Do not include details that might minimize your experience (part time, seasonal, temporary)

You may omit the phrase “References available upon request” if you need more room to describe work experience or education

Avoid the “objective statement”. It can be articulated in your cover letter. If you do use an objective statement be specific. “Seeking a rewarding position” is too vague.

Areas to Investigate

Work History (paid and unpaid) Education, Seminars, and Training Volunteer and Community Service Research, Publications, and Presentations Languages and Special Skills Licenses and Credentials Professional Organizations Honors and Awards Activities Sports

Resume Content

Heading Profile Experience Education

Heading

Indicate your name in large, bold letters Use the name by which you are commonly

referred Include only one address Include telephone number with area code Include your email address if applicable

Profile

The profile section of the resume consists of the lines at the top that get the potential employer to read the rest of the resume

Potential Headings for the Profile section:– Profile– Interests– Strengths– Areas of Skill/Knowledge, Expertise

What to Include in the Profile Section

Rule: Keep it Concise (less than ten lines) List:

– Overview or Highlights of Experience– Brief Summary of Qualifications– General Statements/Remarks about Skills– Relevant Personality Traits– Overall Personal and Professional Strengths

Example Profile Entry

PROFILETen Years Social Work Experience

Extensive Clinical Experience Working with Children

Thorough Knowledge of Therapeutic Techniques

Experienced in Treatment Planning

Excellent Interpersonal Communication Skills

Stable - Reliable - Dedicated

Experience

Potential Headings for the Experience Section:– Experience– Employment– History– Professional History– Experience Highlights

What to Include in the Experience Section

NAME OF INSTITUTION Location/ Dates– Job Title– Description of Duties, Tasks, Responsibilities– Highlights of Experience– Accomplishments, Achievements– Skills, Training, Special Projects, Awards

NAME OF INSTITUTION Location/ Dates– Job Title– Description of Duties, Tasks, Responsibilities– Highlights of Experience– Accomplishments, Achievements– Skills, Training, Special Projects, Awards

Example Experience Entry

EXPERIENCEACME DISTRIBUTION Birmingham, AL / 1996-2001

Administrative Assistant Screened and routed incoming calls and visitors Word Processed and proofread correspondence Handled filing and general office administration

Education

If your career is well represented by your experience, your education can be stated briefly without dates.

If you are a recent college graduate, you can highlight your education and include classes, honors, awards, activities, affiliations, studies abroad, and special projects.

Recent graduates may want to consider placing the education section before the experience section.

If you completed your undergraduate degree in 15 years, consider omitting the dates

If you did not graduate, consider using phrases like “Studies in Computer Programming (two years)”

List pertinent workshops, seminars, and training

What to Include in the Education Section

EDUCATIONNAME OF INSTITUTION Location/ Dates

Degree / Major Concentration

Certifications

Awards, Honors, Distinctions

Memberships, Organizations, Clubs

Extracurricular Activities

Example Education Entry

EDUCATIONUNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO Montevallo, AL / 2000

Bachelor of Science Degree

Political Science

Student Government Association

College Bowl Team

Dean’s and President’s List

Example Resume

JANE DOE123 Falcon Way • Montevallo, AL 35115 • (205) 665-5555 • doe1234@anynet.com

 

PROFILETen Years Social Work Experience

Extensive Clinical Experience Working with ChildrenThorough Knowledge of Therapeutic Techniques

Experienced in Treatment PlanningExcellent Interpersonal Communication Skills

Stable - Reliable - Dedicated 

EXPERIENCEGateway Family Services Pelham, AL / 1994–presentChild Therapist

• Provide out-patient therapeutic services to at-risk youth• Develop and implement individual and group treatment plans• Coordinate therapeutic activities, programs and interventions• Maintain current and accurate case and progress notes• Utilize professional contacts to form a web of community-based services

 Community Youth Services Pelham, AL /1994Social Work Intern

• Aided professional staff with therapeutic activities and programs• Assisted with individual and group treatment planning• Maintained current and accurate case and progress notes

EDUCATIONUniversity of Montevallo Montevallo, AL / 1994Bachelor of Science in Social WorkCumulative GPA: 3.84

• Sullivan Humanitarian Award Recipient, 1994• Golden Key Honorary Member, 1994• Phi Alpha Social Work Honorary President, 1994