WESTLAKE VILLAGE - ENCINO - PASADENA - WEST LOS ANGELES - IRVINE

INSPIRATIONfor change

Resume Writing Workshop

Yas DjadaliGSEP Career Services

Today’s Topics

Creating/Polishing your resumeCustomizing your cover lettersUtlizing Career Services ResourcesAnd MY main goal…

Decrease the fear…

Strengthen your brand…

Be that top 5%…

RESUME: What’s the purpose?

• Marketing tool to get you the interview • Overview of your education, experiences, and

skills• Used to demonstrate a match between you and the

job description/employer• Script for your job interview

Types of Resumes

Chronological◦ List your former positions in descending chronological order◦ Start with most recent job and work back to your earliest

Functional ◦ Focuses on your skills and experience, rather than chronological work history◦ Used most often by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in

employment historyCombination

◦ Lists your skills and experience first, then lists employment history◦ Highlights the skills that are relevant to the job, and provides the chronological

work history that employers prefer

Contact Objective

Experience (Related/ Professional/ Additional)

Skills/ Areas of Knowledge/ Languages

Professional Affiliations, Leadership, Honors and AwardsCommunity

Service

Education/ Credential/ Certifications

Contact Information:

Bold name, larger font Appropriate email

Seeking the _______ position at ________, where I can apply my _________ skills and my experience/background/interest in _________.

Objective:

Education

Spell out University and degreeList in reverse chronological orderInclude graduation date (versus dates attended)

Experience

Include position title, name of organization, city/state, dates

Use consistent formatting throughout resumeBegin bullet points with action verbsAvoid “I” statementsQuantify & qualify (#, %) when possible

Bullet Points

Use Action + Results formatHighlight tasks performed, accomplishments achieved,

skills used, knowledge gainedPractice:

Consider your current/previous experienceCircle all the skills you have used/gainCreate 2 bullet points

Other Categories

Languages: fluent, conversational, sign languageProfessional Affiliations:

Relevant to positionOfficer positionBoard / committee member

References: separate page, same heading as resume

COVER LETTER: What’s the purpose?

A one-page letter of introduction (3-4 paragraphs) An opportunity to state your relevant interests and

qualifications Specifically demonstrates that your background

matches their job description/organization Reflects your written communication skills

(handout)

Cover Letter ContentUse same heading as resume

First Paragraph: For what position are you applying at which organization? How did you learn about this position?

Second Paragraph: What are your relevant qualifications Why are you interested in this particular position at this particular

organization?

Third Paragraph: Refer to resume, request interview, thank employer for their

consideration

GSEP Career Services

Clarifying your Career Objective(s)Career AssessmentsResume & Cover Letter CritiquesInterview PreparationJob Search & Networking StrategiesCareer Panels & Fairs

Did it work…

Decreased fear?

Strengthened brand?

Being that top 5%?

Resume/Cover Letter Feedback

PepPro: first document uploadedDrop-In Advising: Mon – Thurs, 12 – 3 pmEmail gsep.careerservices@pepperdine.eduIndividual Career Counseling Appointment:◦ Education: Yas Djadali, yas.djadali@pepperdine.edu◦ Psychology: Sadaf Mayet, sadaf.mayet@pepperdine.edu

WESTLAKE VILLAGE - ENCINO - PASADENA - WEST LOS ANGELES - IRVINE

INSPIRATIONfor change

Need additional assistance? Visit Career Services! GSEP Career Services: WLA, 5th floor

Appointments & Drop-In