Your resume' is a vital document in successful job hunting. The resume' is the only contact between you and the employer, until you meet face to face. You will need to catch their eye in some way through your resume'.
Employers are regularly confronted with hundreds of resumes. They do not have time to plough through lengthy documents. So make your resume' brief and effective. The aim of your resume' is to win you an interview so that you have the opportunity to impress the employer in person.
In addition to the information provided throuh this page, we highly recommend that you refer to "Resumes" article published by The Career Center of Santa Clara University, CA.
The document is in Adobe Acrobat format, you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader
to view them. You can download a copy of Acrobat Reader for free here.
Resumes, The Career Center,
Santa Clara University, CA
The elements of your resume'
Essential:
- Name
- Contact address and telephone numbers
- Work History
- Education History
- Continuing Professional Development
- Professional Memberships
- References
Optional:
- Publications
- Technical skills
- Languages
- Other areas of professional interest
Points to remember:
A concise resume' works best. Keep the length to a couple of pages that the employer is likely to read. A lengthy document will work against you.
Start from the present and work backwards. Recent information is more interesting to your prospective employer who wants to know what you are doing now.
Keep the style consistent eg the way you handle dates.
Layout is very important in making a resume' readable. You should leave plenty of white space. Leave good margins at the top and bottom and on the sides. This creates a pleasing, well-planned appearance.
Presentation should be excellent. Printed copies of your resume' should be printed on good quality white paper. If you're emailing your resume' remember that it should contain as little formatting as possible. This will ensure that your resume' looks as good at the receivers end as it does at your end.
For each role include a brief description of what you liked, learned and contributed. Mention the computer packages/library systems/software you've used. Include duties that will give your resume' a look of advancement from job to job. Be careful not to inflate your achievements. Remember a reference check will reveal if you exaggerated.
Use action verbs to avoid repetition eg achieved, compiled, developed, obtained, organised, participated in, planned, prepared, supervised etc.
How to overcome lack of work experience
Gather other selling points. Look for relevant skills eg tasks done for school, college, community groups, personal interests. The skills used are more important than whether it was voluntary or paid work.
Don't overload your resume' with educational details but do highlight the areas where you achieved good results.
Include scholastic awards.
Include professional affiliations.
Don't forget courses outside the Information profession such as customer service, computer programmes, word-processing, etc.
Resume' types
Chronological
This type of resume lists experiences in a strict time sequence with the most recent experience first. This format works best for people who have had no gaps in employment and are well on their way up their career ladder. You can use this format when:
A - You have a solid and consistent record of progress
B - Your strongest work experience is reflected in your most recent job
Functional
This type of resume lists your experiences by skill areas. For example, your skill areas might include supervision, marketing, and customer service. Then, under each of these categories, you can describe the skills you have gained from all your work and volunteer experiences. This format can be very effective for those who have held several of the same kinds of positions, those who wish to focus on skills to change to another position, or for those who are returning to the workforce after a prolonged absence. Dates of employment can be eliminated. Use this format when:
A - You are re-entering the workforce after a lengthy absence or little of your work history pertains to the job you want
B - You want to highlight the background that is of interest to the employer
Modified (Combined)
This type of resume is a combination of the reverse chronological and the functional. It lists your experiences by skill areas and also includes employers and dates of employment.
Resume' samples
Some Resume' Samples are courtesy of Resume' World Inc. All resume samples are in Adobe Acrobat format, you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. You can download a copy of Acrobat Reader for free here.
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Update Your Resume'
Your resume'
Have our experts help you create a resume' that gets you the interview and helps you land the job! Bring your current resume' / credentials and visit us at the Welcome Service Office (WSO) to constructively assess your resume'. We will guide you in putting together a resume' that best showcases your particular skills / expertise and comply with current North American standards.
Meanwhile, take advantage of the many online resume' resources available. These will give you ideas for your own resume' to discuss with our career consultants when you meet. Take a look at a variety of styles and practice creating the perfect resumes that will sell you to prospective employers.
Sites with advice on resume' writing
http://www.mycareer.com.au
Take a look at the sample resumes and covering letters in the "Career Resources" section. MyCareer also has an automated resume' builder for registered members.
http://www.seek.com.au
The "Career Resources" section of the Seek site provides a checklist and advice for resume' writers as well as a resume' builder.
For an extensive list of career advice web sites visist our Web Links / Career Help section.
Update your resume' regularly
The resume' is not a static document. It should be updated even while you are employed with significant accomplishments or new skills. Then, when you decide to look for another position, your resume' will be ready to use.
Remember, we have the expertise to advise you about your resume'. Please contact us at the Welcome Service Office (WSO)
