The Rights and Wrongs of ResumesCareer & Professional Development Center

What is a Resume?

•A resume is a written document that lists your work experience, skills, and educational background. It is used as a marketing tool for job seekers.

•It allows employers to know about your past, present, and future capabilities as a person.

Why Write a Resume?

•To persuade employers you are the best person for the job.

•To construct a professional image of yourself an establish your credibility.

•To provide a sample of your written communication skills and work experience.

•To convince prospective employers you deserve an interview.

Resume Styles•Chronological: lists your work experience

in a chronological sequence starting with your most recent job experience.

•Functional: is organized by your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.

•Combination or Chrono-functional resume: combines features of both chronological and functional resumes by showcasing your skills and accomplishments but provides a glimpse of your work history.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Chronological Resumes

Advantages• Most widely used and

recognized by employers.• Easy to follow snapshot of

your work experience.• Especially use if you have

a solid and consistent work experience or volunteer experience that matches the position you are applying for .

Disadvantages• If you have little or no

experience (work, internship, or volunteer).

• If you have large gaps (that are not accounted by being in school) between work experiences.

• You have switched to several jobs over the past several years.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Functional Resumes

Advantages• You are an entry-level job

seeker that has no or little work related experience.

• You are re-entering the job field after lengthy absence.

• You have work experience but showcasing your skills would be more beneficial than using a chronological resume.

Disadvantages• Many employers view

them with suspicion (VERY IMPORTANT!)

• They are not widely used.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Combination Resumes

Advantages• Like a functional resume,

it allows you to showcase your skills and attributes to a potential employer.

• In addition, you diffuse suspicions by including your work history.

• It is becoming more popular.

Disadvantages• Most employers still

prefer chronological resumes and are still suspicious that you are trying to conceal aspects of your work background.

RESUMES: THE BREAKDOWNSections of a Resume and How to Organize Them

Contact Information• Simply list contact information at the top of the

page. You do this to provide the employer with essential information so you may be contacted for an interview.

1. Your full name2. Permanent address (and/or current address)3. Phone number4. E-mail address*Make sure whatever information you list is

current and phone numbers and e-mail address given are something you check regularly.

Contact Information Sample #1

Will Smith555 Rich Road

Beverly Hills, California 90210(903) 555-5555

willsmith2010@yahoo.com

Contact Information Sample #2

Monica Flyermwflyer0@frostburg.edu

301-576-0089Current Address Permanent Address50 Oz Lane 3245 Brick Road Dr.Frostburg, MD 21532 Orlando, FL 32801

OBJECTIVE

•Objective Statement: career goal or summary related to major or job.

•1-3 lines summarizing the position you are applying for and your main qualifications.

•Use an objective statement when you have little relevant work experience, are changing careers, and/ or looking for an entry-level job.

SKILLS SUMMARY

•Skills Summary: includes information that reflects general or acquired skills (i.e. from relevant classes or work experience, computer or technical skills).

•1-3 lines summarizing the skills you possess and your main qualifications.

•Or you can use 1-5 bullet points with simple short sentences.

Objective and Skills Summary ExampleObjectiveTo obtain a full time position in the social work

field; special emphasis on helping children and families in troubled situations by utilizing my protection services background.

Skills Summary Sociology and Psychology skills, experience in

Microsoft office, customer service, marketing and communication. Ability to perform office tasks and interact effectively using excellent written and oral communication skills.

EDUCATION

•Education: Typically use the college you are attending, the dates you attended or are attending, your major/ minor, and city and state.

•Extra: You could also include your GPA; however, only include if it is 3.0 and above.

•Not necessary to include high school information.

•You could also include relevant course work or classes.

Education SampleFrostburg State University, Frostburg, MD Aug

2011-PresentBachelor of Science in ManagementGPA: 3.5/4.0

Education SampleFrostburg State University, Frostburg, MD Aug 2013-

PresentBachelor of ScienceMajor: PsychologyMinor: Sociology

Relevant Course WorkChild Development Lifespan DevelopmentMarriage & Family Relationships Introduction to Counseling

Experience and Additional Info•Work Experience: Includes listing most

current work history first and so on. •If using, functional resume break down

specific skills (i.e. computer skills, human resources, etc.)

•Honors: Includes any awards you received in college or graduate program.

•Leadership and Volunteer Activities: Includes club affiliations, volunteer work, and leadership positions held.

Work Experience Sample

Summer Camp CounselorCamp Anytown May-August 2014Hagerstown, MD

•Prepared and taught lesson plans for 9th-12th graders.

•Enforced directions, rules, and safety procedures.

• Introduced creative opportunities for students through activities and in class discussions.

Alternative Headings

•Continuing Education•Achievements •Computer Skills•Internships•Technical Training•Military Experience•Licenses and Certifications•Relevant Course work

Awards and Activities Example• Dean’s List, Frostburg State University• Vice President of Student Government Association• Secretary of Sociology Club• Day Camp Counselor, Boswell PA

Spring 2014, Fall 2014

Aug 2013-May 2014

Aug 2014-May 2015

June-Aug 2015

The Rights of Resumes• Do appeal to your

companies values.• Use key words mentioned

in the job description in your resume by including similar/ relevant work history or any other experience. summary.

• Use bold titles and bullets to let your resume stand out and be easy to read.

• Be short and snappy.

• Keep resume to one page UNLESS you do have relevant work experience or essential information.

• DO NOT USE A MICROSOFT WORD TEMPLATE!

• If creating your own resume, make sure it is well organized.

• Use plain English and make sure to use appropriate action words.

The Wrongs of Resumes• Don’t have a sloppy or

unprofessional looking resume (i.e. stay away from colored paper and colored inks; don’t cram information).

• Don’t be careless by having incorrect grammar, missing punctuation, and/ or misspelled words.

• Don’t try to sound “more professional or smart” by using big, unnecessary words and avoid vagueness.

• Don’t lie. • Don’t underwhelm your

experience (i.e. retail jobs usually involve fast-paced environments, dealing with disgruntled customers, working in a team as well as independently).

• Avoid long-windedness by having long sentences or paragraphs.

• Don’t use personal pronouns (i.e. using “I” or “we”).

Examples of the Rights and Wrongs of Resumes1. Personal pronoun: “I

demonstrated professionalism, tact, and diplomacy while I worked with our customers in high-pressure situations.”

2. Long-windedness: “Spent three years working on major accounts, as both a lead generator and a closer, demonstrating proven skill in organizing and managing a territory with efficiency as well as in developing customer databases.”

1. “Demonstrated professionalism, tact, and diplomacy while working with customers in high-pressure situations.”

2. “Spent three years working on major accounts. Generated leads and closed sales. Demonstrated proven skill in organizing and managing a territory and in developing customer databases.”

Examples Continued

3. Wordy and vague: “My intensity and focus are at inordinately high levels, and my ability to complete projects on time is unspeakable.”

4. Misspelled words: “Proven ability to track down and correct erors.”

End Notes

•For additional help with proofreading resumes, cover letters, interviews, finding jobs/ internships, and what to do with your major, please schedule an appointment with:

Career Services124 Sand Spring Hall (behind Chesapeake)

301-687-4403 •Look at our website: http

://www.frostburg.edu/clife/career/