If you're applying for a job with Dunder Mifflin, you'll need a great resume. So, the question becomes, what goes in to a great resume?
Instead of reading through a text book on resumes and talking about the reading, I'd like you to go online and search resume guidelines, conventions, suggestions, etc. There are many websites that talk about resumes and related topics, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find.
When you find a site (or a few) that talk about resumes, post what you find in the comments section, tell us where it came from (provide the url) and tell us briefly what you think of the suggestions provided. Also, print out what you find and bring it to class (along with your existing resume, if you have one). In class Friday we'll put together what we agree upon as being proper resume guidelines and conventions.
Feel free to let me know if you have questions,
Daniel
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• Through my research on resume building, I found that Microsoft Word has a helpful template application. It is under File, New, Resume.
ReplyDelete• The process of how to create a resume is laid out clearly at this site: http://www.uwgb.edu/careers/Creating_Resume_Guide.htm#Process
• Another site that has a helpful step by step process was:
http://www.myfuture.com/toolbox/createresume_all.html
Below is the info from myfuture website. Of all of the websites researched, it seems the most helpful and easy to follow because it gives steps with tips and examples. It includes completed example resumes at the bottom of the page. Finally, this site has a “Resume Builder” application. This application is a fill in the blank form that creates the resume from the information you submit. Below is the step by step instructions that omit the examples and tips.
Here it is...
Create Your Résumé
Your résumé is one of the first steps in going for a job, and in beginning to build a foundation for your career.
Step-by-Step
Examples
Résumé Builder
Step-by-Step
Your résumé is a summary of your experiences in work and in school. Employers match your résumé against their job openings to discover if you'd be a good fit. As such, it's important to make your résumé a good representation of yourself. Here's how, step by step:
1.Create a career objective
In one or two sentences, state the job type and organization type (or industry) you're aiming for. Make it simple. Consider the type of work you enjoy and are looking for.
2.List your experiences
Starting with your most recent or current job, list your previous work experiences.
3.List your skills
Since you've just graduated from high school and haven't had too much time for "real world" experience, the "Skills" section of your résumé is a place where you can show your strengths and individuality. Start by stating each skill. Then back it up with a two- to three-line explanation of how you learned that skill or why you believe you have it. Make these entries short, clear, and to the point.
4.List your activities
List activities in which you have participated and include what your specific role was in each.
5.List your education
6.List any awards you've won, and when
7.List your personal interests
Examples
For comparison, you may want to take a look at these two fictional sample résumé:
• Review Example One: Bill Smith
• Review Example Two: Jane Wyman
Résumé Builder
Ready to put together a résumé of your own? Our résumé Builder form is a good place to start. Complete the relevant fields and we'll assemble a résumé to get you started. Save it, or copy it and save it as a Word document so you can edit it later.
Collected on 1/13/09 from: http://www.myfuture.com/toolbox/createresume_all.html
One of the best places I have ever found, which I use quite often is:
ReplyDeletehttp://students.careers.wsu.edu/Content/Documents/CareerServices/resumepacket-f2008.pdf
It not only gives formatting for a few different types of resumes, but also ideas for content that you may want to include. One of the best aspects of the site is that it provides good phrases and action words that may be beneficial. In my opinion, one of the hardest parts of writing a resume is picking and choosing what to include, and this site does a good job of helping you decide as it walks you through each section.
I found this site to be really great:
ReplyDeletehttp://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/gettingthejob/a/Resume_Writing.htm
Here is what the site covers:
Purpose of Resume Writing
Create a positive first impression.
Tell who you are.
Describe what you have learned.
List your accomplishments.
Resume Format – General Guidelines
Resume Format - Section Titles
Before Writing Your Resume
Some general keyword examples
Some technology industry examples
Tips for Resume Design
After the Resume
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/careerdev/resources/resume/
ReplyDeleteI found this site to be useful. This site is well-organized because it is divided into several steps. Each step covers specific part of the resume. As a result, it is really easy to follow each step to write a resume.
http://www.selinc.com/uploadedFiles/Literature/Miscellaneous/Intern_Sample_Resume.pdf
Also, I found this sample to be useful. It shows basic essential form of resume.
I spent my research time looking specifically for engineering resume builder help websites since that is what I am majoring in as well as several students in our class. These websites give sample engineering resumes and what they should include as well as general tips for formatting, cover letters and creating a great resume.
ReplyDeleteSample engineering resumes:
http://workbloom.com/resume/sample/mechanical-engineer-01.aspx
Sample format and layout for an engineering website: http://www.eng.iastate.edu/ecs/students/ResumeWriting-update-new.html
Contents for the Resume
Name
use a larger font size than the text of the resume; for example, 16-18
upper case if a short name; may mix upper and lower case if a long name
Contact information
use both a local and permanent address with phone numbers may
cell phone
provide e-mail address;
may abbreviate the state; if you abbreviate, use the same style in other sections of resume
Objective
indicate position desired, for example, co-op, internship or summer employment and include the month or semester desired
use phrases rather than complete sentences
do not use the pronouns, I or me
do not use general statements, for example, "a challenging position," "progressive company;" each word chosen should add value
may use name of company and location
Education (Update each semester)
use reverse chronological order; begin with Iowa State University
include the degree sought, the major and minor, year of graduation.
may list major as Undeclared Engineering
GPA = 0.00 or first semester at ISU
Work experience
Think like an employer. Remember employers think of competencies.
Organize the remaining sections in order of the reverse chronological order and begin with the most recent employment
include the name of the company or organization, city and state
list dates of employment on the right side of the page or on the line with job title or type of work
list part-time and/or summer jobs
choose the most relevant; do not need to include all jobs
choose keywords and action verbs to describe your duties
Relevant Skills
may use different captions, for example Computer Skills or Professional Skills
emphasis on Computer Skills may require sub-sections for example, applications, software, languages, operating systems, etc.
may include foreign language abilities
Activities
combine Honors and Activities if the list is short
may include high school activities; list ISU activities first
include extra-curricular activities, volunteer experience, athletics and/or social organizations
recommend emphasizing Activities before Honors if you have two entries because Activities demonstrate your initiative
Honors
include in Education or may combine Activities and Honors
may include high school honors; list ISU honors first
may include any recognition or scholarships
References
may omit statement "References available upon request" on resume
list references on separate page and include your name on the page
ask references for permission to list their names and provide them with a copy of your resume; usually have three references
use correct abbreviation such as Mr., Ms., or Dr. before the name
allow your references to decide if they want their e-mail address listed
Final Checklist
present your qualifications and competencies honestly
use an original format rather than a template
check for spelling and grammatical errors
keep length to one page
do not use the title "resume" or use a date
use good quality, light colored paper and a laser printer if presenting the resume to a person
do not fold or staple; use a large envelope
maintain accurate contact information on your resume if using postal mail
do not include a photograph on your resume
Here is a very helpful website I found that I used in writing my resume:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.resumetemplates.org/
I decided to look at a few different career services sites from univeristies all over the U.S. This seemed like the best idea to me since they are geared toward helping college students build more affective resumes.
ReplyDeleteA few helpful sites were...
http://careers.unc.edu/yourjobsearch/resumes_letters/resumes.html
Resume Tips
Basic Content
While there are several formats that are acceptable for constructing your resume, the basic content for most resumes is similar. You must include your name and contact information (including email), objective (except for the Primary resume that you will upload into the UCS Registration system), education, honors, experience, skills, and activities.
Action Words
Demonstrating your skills is a key element of your resume. Descriptive verbs like “coordinated”, “developed”, “supervised”, “initiated”, “evaluated”, tell an employer your qualifications. UCS has compiled a useful list of action verbs that we encourage you to use to strengthen your resume. Get more tips on action words by reviewing our Resumes handout (handout also available in Word).
Cosmetic Appearance
Your resume format is as important as your content. The resume should be constructed so that the reader easily sees all information and does not have to guess at your skills. Be aware of margins, white space, typos, and overall “cosmetic” appearance.
Paper and Printing
Use good paper in white or off-white and use a readable font of at least 10 point. Print your resume on a laser printer.
Demographic Information
Do not include personal information like marital status, age, race, etc.
Get it Critiqued
Be sure to have your resume critiqued
http://www.northwestern.edu/careers/findinternshipjob/resumes/developingresume.html
Personal Experience Review
Brainstorm any and all information about yourself in the following areas:
•Career or Job/Internship Objective
•Education- including GPA and/or coursework
•Thesis/Independent Projects/Research/Publications
•Study Abroad
•Work Experience (include paid and non-paid experiences)
•Community/Civic Involvement
•Professional Affiliations and/or Status
•Special Skills (Foreign languages, computer competencies, statistics, research, etc.)
•Activities/Leadership
•Honors/Awards
•Interests
Both of these sites had good information and break downs of how to translate the college experience and activities into a great resume.
this is the website I found:
ReplyDeletehttp://tars.rollins.edu/crummer/career_management/skills/resume.PDF
It includes a lot of information about action verbs to use, sections to include, sample resumes, and even a section about international students...which may not be necessary for our purposes. However, it looks like it could be very helpful.
When I wrote my first resume, I just mimicked my dad and older sister's resumes.
This is the website I found. It comes up if you type "resume" into google but it is the resource I've used to update my resume.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bestsampleresumes.com/
The main reason I prefer this resource is that is contains sections for many different jobs and areas of interests.
I examined the suggestions for an accounting resume which discusses the organization for each section of the resume and also gives suggestions on content. Personally, my largest problems have been with the contents of each section so this resource has been helpful.
Finally, the bottom of the page describes the type of language to use throughout the resume. They say to use accounting terms and try to "use action verbs when contructing statments."
I feel that this is a great source for any job applicant and can really help the construction of a strong resume.
In my resume searching, I used google and came across many websites that all offered great help. Here is one of the sites.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.care.org/careers/resumeguide.asp
It breaks down and gives you step by step instructions as well as tips and suggestions on what to do. But when I wrote my first resume, I found the template on Microsoft Word to be just as useful.
I focused my searches on resumes for engineers as well, finding this site to be worthwhile.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.resumelogic.com
This site has numerous free templates available specified toward different engineering disciplines.
One thing that stands out about this site was the availability of an "Entry Level Engineer" template in its "Resources" section.
Here is the resume site that I found most useful:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.howtowritearesume.net/index.aspx
I found this site is very helpful in the sense that it offers a variety of different tools to help you build your resume. You are able to construct your resume on the site with a large number of different styles and formats. In addition it has a section for “tips and tricks” as well as a section strictly for resume help articles. One of the most useful features of the site by far is the B=blog area. In the blog area people are able to talk about what has helped them in constructing and refining their resume as well as post helpful links that help you build your resume. Not only does the site provide resume building help it also aids you in job placement. The site has an area where you can post your resume that acts as a medium to give your resume maximum exposure to companies in your field of interest.
http://msn.careerbuilder.com/MSN/Category.aspx?categoryid=CL
ReplyDeleteThis site has a bunch of links that are all really helpfull. My favorite link was "10 things to leave off your resume". Things to leave OFF your resume that surprised me were references, personal attributes, and minute details.
http://www.resume-resource.com/
ReplyDeleteThis one isn't the most detailed resume explanation as to step-by-step directions for resume writing. However, it gives a wide variety of examples-- both in style and content-- including suggestions of what information to include or exclude based on the job being pursued (administrative vs. management, military vs. health care, etc.) and one's career experience (high school/college graduate vs. executive). I enjoyed seeing the different styles of resumes posted because I think it is important for a resume to stand out visually as well.
I am a hospitality major, so I went on a
ReplyDeletehttp://www.free-resume-tips.com/resumetips/foodservice.html
I learned that sometimes people use job titles unrelated to their current career goals,and that they are much better off using skill headings rather than job titles.
Mariya
http://www.careerperfect.com/content/resume-writing-help-how-to-write-student-resume/
ReplyDeleteThis page of the website focuses on strategies for new graduates (without a substantial amount of actual work experience):
"An effective resume captures an employer's interest within the first 15 seconds. Typically, a new graduate's most relevant skills are gained through academic study. However, unless a candidate's education is in a highly sought after area, competing with more experienced candidates may prove challenging---especially if one does not have related work experience. Thus, a well-designed resume with a qualitative (versus quantitative) focus will immediately pique interest and maximize the marketing potential of your recent education, practicum, internships, etc."
*This page did not go into too much detail but the most important thing I gathered from it is to focus on the quality of what I have learned as opposed to the quantity of experience in the field.
http://www.quintcareers.com/resume_keywords.html
This website suggests that companies use a keyword search before anyone even looks at your resume. If your resume does not contain certain keywords, it is essentially thrown out:
"The bottom line is that if you apply for a job with a company that searches databases for keywords, and your resume doesn't have the keywords the company seeks for the person who fills that job, you are pretty much dead in the water.
So, how can we figure out what the magic words are?
First, we know that in the vast majority of cases, they are nouns. Job-seekers have long been taught to emphasize action verbs in their job-search correspondence, and that advice is still valid. But the "what" that you performed the action in relation to is now just as important. In the following examples, the underlined nouns are the keywords that relate to the action indicated by the verbs:
Conducted cross-functional management for initial and follow-up contact.
Coordinated marketing campaigns and special events.
Managed customer database, product updates, and upgrades.
Functioned in project-management role.
Oversaw procurement, allocation, distribution control, stock levels, and cost compilation/analysis."
*I thought this was interesting because it shows just how important your word choice is for your resume.
This is the website I found: http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/gettingthejob/a/Resume_Writing.htm. It seemed to have a lot of useful information about resume writing and was particularly helpful because it was geared to new grads. Similar to what everyone else has posted, this Website addresses resume writing with three categories: the purpose for writing it, format of your resume, and resume design.
ReplyDeleteI hope this will be a useful reference.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFor engineers specifically a resume should have more of a focus on technical skills such as data collection and analysis skills. Also, with job experience it is good to tell what technical skills you specifically used in that job.
ReplyDeletehttp://bestsampleresume.com/engineering-resume.html
This is Joe Westergreen
ReplyDeleteHere are ten resume tips from resume writing services to generates more interviews and higher salary offers. (http://www.free-resume-tips.com/10tips.html)
Tip 1 - Use Titles or Headings That Match The Jobs You Want
Tip 2 - Use Design That Grabs Attention
Tip 3 - Create Content That Sells
Tip 4 - Quantify and Use Power Words
Tip 5 - Analyze Ads and Job Descriptions to Identify Key Words
Tip 6 - Identify and Solve Employer's Hidden Needs
Tip 7 - Sell the Benefits of Your Skills
Tip 8 - Create An Image That Matches The Salary You Want
Tip 9 - Prioritize the Content of Your Resume
Tip 10 - Tweak and Target Your Resumes and Cover Letters
Another website i found was:
15 Tips for Writing Winning Resumes by Quest Career Services, LLC.(http://www.questcareer.com/tips.htm)
This website was useful because it gives a list of 15 things that you should think about when writing your resume and gives some specific examples of how to use action words to make your resume stand out more.
This is the website I found.
ReplyDeletehttp://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/gettingthejob/a/Resume_Writing.htm
This page has a lot of useful information about resumes, including formatting, key terms and design tips. It also includes a link for a decent resume template.
This is one of the links for resume templates.
http://www.resumetemplates.org/templates/
On this site, you can search resume templates for certain job positions. This is pretty handy, considering that not all jobs require the same qualifications.
http://wiki.wsu.edu/wsuwiki/Resumes
ReplyDeleteThis is the website I used when I made my resume and I think its useful because when using this resume I was able to actually find a job. It has a basic outline of what should be in a resume and has generaly good tips about what sort of information should be in each section.
http://www.bestsampleresume.com/info/resume-template.html
ReplyDeleteThis site showed some good templates for resumes and there are also different types of resumes to look at as examples.
Good job on these everyone, there is some good stuff here!
ReplyDelete