A resume is a representation of yourself on paper. It describes your accomplishments, experience and skills. It provides a first impression of you so that employers will want to know more in an interview. You may need more than one version of your resume for different jobs.

Ten seconds!

Ten seconds is the amount of time your resume will be given to make a first impression.

Focus on a goal
Identify your skills
Review your experience

There are three types of resumes:

1).The chronological resume is the most commonly used resume. It lists your work history, starting with your most recent job. It should include a brief description of each position and your accomplishments. It should include information relevant to the position for which you are applying and, in most cases, it should not go back any further than ten years.

2).The functional resume highlights your skills, abilities, credentials, accomplishments and qualifications but does not correlate these characteristics to prior employers. Qualifications and skills are the primary focus rather than employment record. This format works well for individuals making career changes or for those individuals with employment gaps.

3).The combination resume is a combination of both the chronological and the functional resumes. It is a popular choice in today’s competitive market. It highlights your skill areas and lists the jobs you have held including specific job responsibilities and accomplishments.

Once you have chosen the format that is best for you, it is important to choose the proper headings to highlight key information. Skills and qualifications are captured in the top third of the resume. You may find that using bold or CAPITAL LETTERS will assist in making your headings easier to read. Your resume format must be consistent throughout. Graphically, it should be easy to read and pleasing to the eye. Sometimes it is helpful to bullet information. Bulleting information will make it:

l Easy to Read l Powerful

l Concise l Attractive

When using sentences for job descriptions, it is most beneficial to begin with a “power word”. Power words avoid unnecessary use of words and immediately state a duty/action you performed on the job.

“POWER WORD” LIST FOR RESUME PREPARATION

Achieved Eliminated Managed Revamped

Actively Enlarged Motivated Responsible

Accelerated Equipped Negotiated Responsibilities

Accomplished Established Organized Revised

Adapted Evaluated Originated Reviewed

Administered Expanded Participated Scheduled

Analyzed Expedited Performed Significantly

Approved Founded Planned Simplified

Coordinated Generated Pinpointed Set Up

Conceived Guided Produced Sold

Conducted Increased Programmed Solved

Completed Influenced Proposed Strategically

Controlled Implemented Proved Structured

Constructed Initiated Provided Streamlined

Created Interpreted Raised Profits Successfully

Delegated Invented Recommended Supervised

Developed Improved Recorded Supported

Demonstrated Launched Reduced Taught

Designed Lead Reinforced Trained

Directed Lectured Reorganized Wrote

Suggested Resume Headings

Your goal is to catch the eye of the employer and draw it to the most pertinent and powerful information in your resume. One way to do this is through effective use of headings within your resume. Refer to the following list of options:

Professional goal Academic training

Objective educational credentials

professional objective employment objective

occupational goal educational background

career goal curriculum highlights

education

vocational experience professional development

employment experience professional involvement

professional experience professional affiliations

vocational activities professional credentials

work experience professional publications

experience professional organizations

summary professional conferences

employment record professional organizations

qualifications Professional accomplishments

Professional work experience

professional society memberships

Additional experience honors

activiTIes publications

special recognition extra-curricular activities

presentationS/awards hobbies and interestS

scholarships/grants special skills

academic honors research projects

summary of qualifications references

Computer applications

CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

Contact Information

At the top of the resume, type in your name, address, telephone number, and email address.

Do not abbreviate Street or Avenue
Include ZIP code
Day time telephone number or cell phone number
E-mail address or fax number
Do not use your current employer’s telephone or fax number

Job Objective

The objective should represent the specific field or job title that you are pursuing.

· Tailor your objective to the position for which you are applying

· Include job title, specific company name, industry, and/or geographical area

Education

List school and training programs you have attended.

Most recent first – school, degree or program, and date completed
Additional information, continuing education, seminars or special courses related to objective

Work Experience

List schools and training programs that you have attended. Focus on achievements and specific skills.

Most recent first
Years employed
Company names and addresses
Specific job titles
Current and past jobs
Part-time work, self-employment, volunteer work, and internships

Additional Information

Include any relevant information specifically targeted to the job for which you are applying.

References

State on Resume: References and Portfolio available upon request.

Details of references should be provided on a separate sheet of paper. See Page 14 for details on writing References.

SAMPLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

Paula Taylor

67 Benefits Lane

Gardner, MA 01440

978-634-0022

OBJECTIVE

Seeking a challenging Administrative Assistant position in which I can utilize my education and experience.

EDUCATION

Pursuing Associate Degree: Business Software Systems

Anticipated date of graduation: May 2002

Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Dean’s List: 2001

Related courses: keyboarding, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, principles of accounting

Certificate: Graphic Design, Awarded 1994

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg, MA

EXPERIENCE

Human Resource Staff Assistant 1998-present

Heywood Hospital, Gardner, MA

Provide Human Resources information to 565 staff persons. Enter data on new employees, enter payroll deductions, utilize Excel to develop spreadsheets, supervise interns from local community college, and provide general support for the Director of Human Resources.

Clerical Assistant 1995-1998

Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Provide information for faculty and staff in a fast-paced Human Resource Office. Typed memos, researched insurance questions, and completed work assigned by the Assistant Director of Human Resources.

Clerk 1994-1995

Responsible for daily sales and returns of merchandise including lay-aways. Coordinated customer home deliveries, assisted in conducting year-end inventory, balanced daily cash receipts.

PORTFOLIO and REFERENCES

Available upon request

FUNCTIONAL RESUME

Contact Information

At the top of resume, type your name, address, telephone number and email address.

Do not abbreviate Street or Avenue
Include ZIP code
Day time telephone number or cell phone number
E-mail address or fax number
Do not use your current employer’s telephone or fax number

Job Objective

The objective should represent the specific field or job title that you are pursuing.

· Tailor your objective to the position for which you are applying

· Include job title, specific industry, company name if available, and/or geographical area

Functional Sections:

This section provides information about you.

Two to four sections describing your areas of expertise
Qualifications and accomplishments
Use concise action statements that will attract the employer’s attention

Work Experience

List job history by date, company name, location, and title.

List most recent job first
Title, company name, city, state

Dates of employment

Education

List schools and training programs you have attended.

List most recent experience first – school, degree or program, and date completed
Additional information, continuing education, seminars or special courses related to objective
Certification may be listed under education or it may be listed under its own heading

Additional Information

Any relevant information targeted to the job for which you are applying.

References

State on Resume: References and Portfolio available upon request.

Details of references should be provided on a separate sheet of paper. See Page 14 for details on writing References.

SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL RESUME

DANA MYERS

52 Eastshore Boulevard l Gardner, MA 10440 l 978-630-0000

OBJECTIVE

To work as an Administrative Assistant in the area of office management involving organization, problem-solving, public relations and creativity.

OFFICE SKILLS

Ÿ Microsoft Windows’ NT Ÿ PageMaker 7.0

Ÿ Word 2000 Ÿ Access 2000

Ÿ Accounting Ÿ Desktop Publishing

PROBLEM-SOLVING

Made decisions according to policy in the absence of Office Manager. Worked in high pressure environment while attending to student and employee problems regarding Student Services and Human Resources related issues. Resolved problems before referring them to supervisor.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Interfaced with hospital employees, student body, and staff members. Answered and routed all incoming telephones calls. Coordinated social functions for 2000 students.

CREATIVITY

Created newsletter using Adobe PageMaker and assisted in copy paste-up. Designed posters, flyers, calendars, and bulletins for college students and hospital staff.

EDUCATION

Associate Degree in Business Software Systems, 1999

Certificate in Computer Assisted Accounting, 1998

Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Human Resource Assistant Clerical Assistant

Heywood Hospital Mount Wachusett Community College

Gardner, MA 01440 Gardner, MA 01440

1995 to present 1994 to 1995

REFERENCES and PORTFOLIO

Available upon request

SAMPLE COMBINATION RESUME

Paula Taylor

67 Benefits Lane

Gardner, MA 01440

978-632-0022

OBJECTIVE

Seeking a challenging Administrative Assistant position in which I can utilize my education and experience.

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
A results oriented self-starter
Knowledge of Excel 6.0 for Windows
Familiar with Microsoft Word and Windows 98
Proficient in advanced accounting functions

EDUCATION

Pursuing Associate Degree: Business Software Systems

Anticipated date of graduation: May 2002

Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Dean’s List: 2001

Related courses: keyboarding, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, principles of accounting

EXPERIENCE

Human Resource Staff Assistant 1998-present

Heywood Hospital, Gardner, MA

Clerical Assistant 1995-1998

Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

Provided information for faculty and staff in a fast-paced Human Resource Office. Typed memos, researched insurance questions, and completed work assigned by the Assistant Director of Human Resources.

PORTFOLIO and REFERENCES

Available upon request

RESUME WORKSHEET

(This is a guide, not an actual resume – refer to sample resumes)

FULL NAME: _____________________________________________________

HOME ADDRESS: _________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP: _________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ____________________________________________________

EMPOLYMENT OBJECTIVE: (Optional))

(state the job you are currently seeking) ___________________________________________

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

· ___________________________ · _________________________

· __________________________ · _________________________

EDUCATION: (start with most recent education, high school is not usually required)

MOUNT WACHUSETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE GARDNER, MA 01440

(Candidate for) Associate Degree (or Certificate) in:

___________________________________ , ______________________

(major) (Graduation date)

___________________________________________________________

Major Courses: (Optional) ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Cumulative Grade Point Average: ________________________________

(Optional, 3.0 or better)

College Honors: _____________________________________________

EXPERIENCE: (Start with most recent employer,)

___________________________ ______________________________

(Job title) (Date employed)

___________________________ ______________________________

(Company name) (City, State)

___________________________________________________________

(Use “power words” to describe accomplishments and transferable skills.)

___________________________________________________________

___________________________ ______________________________

(Job title) (Date employed)

___________________________ ______________________________

(Company name) (City, State)

___________________________________________________________

(Use “power words” to describe accomplishments and transferable skills.)

___________________________________________________________

___________________________ ______________________________

(Job title) (Date employed)

___________________________ ______________________________

(Company name) (City, State)

___________________________________________________________

(Use “power words” to describe accomplishments and transferable skills.)

___________________________________________________________

EXPERIENCE: (Optional)

___________________________ ______________________________

(Position) (Date employed)

___________________________ ______________________________

(Name of organization) (City, State)

___________________________________________________________

(Use “power words” to describe accomplishments and transferable skills.)

___________________________________________________________

INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES: (Optional, as they relate to position)

___________________________________________________________

PORTFOLIO AND REFERENCES: Available upon request

RESUME SHOULD NOT INCLUDE

Your resume should be tailored to the job or position, giving the most important information in the most concise manner. However, the information included should not invite any biases that may inadvertently work against you. The following list provides examples of items that you should not include:

Ÿ Age Ÿ Weight

Ÿ Height Ÿ Health status

Ÿ Race Ÿ Religion

Ÿ Marital status Ÿ Gender-specific information

Ÿ Number of children Ÿ Family background

Ÿ Home ownership Ÿ Social security number

Ÿ Religious affiliation Ÿ Driver’s license

Ÿ Picture Ÿ Geographic preference

Ÿ Unrelated hobbies Ÿ Supervisor’s name and title

Ÿ Test scores Ÿ Sports interest

Ÿ Political affiliations Ÿ High school graduation date

Ÿ Why change in employment

Ÿ Actual references: names and addresses

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. A simple rule of thumb: if it does not relate to the job, it probably should not be included.

Resume Critique Checklist

_____ Is the overall appearance pleasing to the eye?

_____ Does the format look professional?

_____ Do strong “selling points” stand out in the top third of the resume?

_____ Is it well-typed with no spelling errors?

_____ Could your resume tell the same story if it were shortened?

_____ Has irrelevant information been eliminated?

_____ Have you accounted for all periods of time in your employment history?

_____ Are the industries and/or product lines, as well as your duties in specific
jobs, made clear?

_____ Do appropriate sentences begin with “power words” and are they used in
the correct tense (present tense for current employment and past tense
for previous employment)?

_____ Does the resume emphasize your problem-solving capabilities?

_____ Is your writing style clear? Is it easy to see a clear picture of your
qualifications?

_____ Does the resume convey clear benefits to a potential employer?

REFERENCES

References are an important part of the resume package. It is a good idea to begin compiling your list of references while working on your resume. Remember, always request permission from each individual reference prior to submitting their name to an employer. In many cases, a good reference can make or break a job offer.

Some employers request references be sent with the resume. If so, it is a good idea to mail the references as requested. However, if possible, it is more effective to wait and bring your references to the interview. If an employer does not request it, you may offer the interviewer your references at the end of the interview.

Use the same font, paper, and format as you did for your resume. This style gives a professional and polished look. Refer to the example as follows:

Paula Taylor

67 Benefits Lane

Gardner, MA 01440

978-632-0022

email: p_taylor@aol.com

References

Name

Company Name or Institution (i.e., Mount Wachusett Community College)

Address (Include city and state, i.e., Gardner, MA)

Phone (work number only)

Relationship (i.e., supervisor, professor, colleague)

Name

Company Name or Institution (i.e., Mount Wachusett Community College)

Address (Include city and state, i.e., Gardner, MA)

Phone (work number only)

Relationship (i.e., supervisor, professor, colleague)

Name

Company Name or Institution (i.e., Mount Wachusett Community College)

Address (Include city and state, i.e., Gardner, MA)

Phone (work number only)

Relationship (i.e., supervisor, professor, colleague)

Writing A Cover Letter

Your cover letter is important and requires your time in writing and proofreading the finished product. An effective cover letter can impress an employer and sway a decision to interview you. A poorly written cover letter can cause your resume to end up in the rejection pile.

Every resume, whether faxed, e-mailed, or hand delivered, must include a cover letter. The letter should capture the employer’s attention. It is your introduction, explaining who you are, where you saw or heard of the opening, why you are qualified for the job, and what to look for in your resume. It should be three or four paragraphs and limited to one page in length.

Because every job is unique, and has specific requirements, you will want to create a new cover letter tailored to each job for which you are applying. Your cover letter, like your resume, should be printed on high-quality paper and should be flawless.

Generally, it is not a good idea to mention salary history within the body of the cover letter. If you do not have a great deal of experience in the field, or if your salary history is much higher than what will be offered, disclosing this information may cause your resume to be eliminated before it is even considered.

A cover letter should be addressed to the job contact, or to an individual in the Human Resources department, at a targeted company.

The first paragraph should explain the job for which you are applying and why you are interested in that position. Describe how you heard about the job opening, and why the work of the department or company holds particular interest for you.

The second paragraph should describe your qualifications/skills with those listed in the job description – don’t repeat your resume. Focus on the skills, experiences, or accomplishments that are most likely to appear relevant to the employer.

The third paragraph should describe what you can do for the company. You need to show that you understand the employer’s needs and that you have something to offer. This is also an appropriate place to state your desire to request a personal meeting. You could then indicate the time when it is easiest to reach you, whether the employer can contact you at work, and if you will be following up with a phone call.

Descriptive Words for Cover Letters

Active Efficient Positive

Adaptable Energetic Practical

Aggressive Enterprising Productive

Alert Enthusiastic Proficient

Ambitious Extroverted Realistic

Analytical Fair Resourceful

Attentive Forceful Respectful

Broad-minded Imaginative Self-reliant

Conscientious Independent Sense-of-humor

Consistent Logical Sincere

Constructive Loyal Sophisticated

Creative Mature Systematic

Dependable Methodical Tactful

Determined Objective Talented

Diplomatic Optimistic Willing to travel

Disciplined Perceptive Willing to relocate

Discrete Personable

Economical Pleasant

Ten seconds!

“POWER WORD” LIST FOR RESUME PREPARATION

Suggested Resume Headings

CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

Contact Information

Job Objective

Education

Work Experience

Additional Information

References

SAMPLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

Paula Taylor

FUNCTIONAL RESUME

Contact Information

Job Objective

Functional Sections:

Work Experience

Education

Additional Information

References

SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL RESUME

DANA MYERS

OBJECTIVE

OFFICE SKILLS

PROBLEM-SOLVING

PUBLIC RELATIONS

CREATIVITY

EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

REFERENCES and PORTFOLIO

SAMPLE COMBINATION RESUME

Paula Taylor

SKILLS

RESUME WORKSHEET

RESUME SHOULD NOT INCLUDE

Making Copies of Your Resume

Resume Critique Checklist

REFERENCES

Writing A Cover Letter

Descriptive Words for Cover Letters

Sample Cover Letter