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We have all heard the statement that first impressions are the most important and lasting. Your resume is the first introduction of yourself to a prospective employer. A poorly written and unorganized resume does not give a favorable first impression. As a result, you may be very qualified for the position that is available but never have the opportunity for an interview. However, a professional and well-written resume can secure you an interview with a company. A resume is a valuable selling tool in getting hired. Recruiters typically review hundreds of resumes in a given day and this may be the only opportunity for you to represent yourself in the most positive light.
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Here is some advice on how to write an award-winning resume!
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- List your e-mail address and even a URL, if you have your own web page. Employers should have no trouble in attempting to locate you.
- Always a good idea to have the most important information as close to the top of the resume as possible. If you are a recent college graduate your education along with your GPA should be listed ahead of work experience. However, experienced professionals should have work history listed before education on the resume.
- Resume preparers should choose white or off-white paper that provides a clean background for the scanner. Also, colored paper resumes that are faxed do not transmit legible and as a result are difficult for employers to read.
- Use good-quality bond paper for your resume.
- Don't fold your resume because scanners often read creases as lines.
- Experienced professionals should present to employers a slate of accomplishments that are entirely different from those that a new graduate would offer. Students should write resumes that draw heavily on collegiate and internship experiences. Also, new graduates resumes need to be more general by nature, allowing for consideration in numerous positions.
- Pay careful attention to spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style.
- Use a simple, easy-to-read font.
- Tailor your information to the job you're seeking.
- Seek help at your career/alumni services or local library.
- Don't specify your political or religious beliefs. Whether your a Republican or Democrat, Christian, Muslim or Jewish has nothing to do with your qualifications for the job.
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Tips for a scannable resume
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- Use black ink
- Keep it simple
- Use font sizes 10 to 14 points
- Use just one type style. Arial type is best. Courier and Times New Roman are acceptable also
- Avoid using Italics, script, underlining, horizontal or vertical lines, or graphics
- If you must use two pages, make sure your name is on the second page
- Use a laser quality printer. Resumes from dot matrix printers do not scan well
- Do not staple the resume
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Chronological Resume
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The chronological resume is the most widely used format. When using this format, list work history in the order they occurred; beginning with the most recent and working backwards.
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Sample of a Chronological Resume
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The chronological resume is the most widely used and accepted throughout the industry
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John A. Doe
1452 Normandy Ave.
Alliance, Ohio 44483
Ph: 412-372-8968
E-mail Address
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| Professional Objective: |
To secure an Engineering position in a progressive organization where it would be possible to implement the knowledge acquired through my education and experience.
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Education:
GPA:
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BSME, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 1996
3.97
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Work History:
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| 1997-Present |
XYZ Automotive Company, Kent, Ohio
Design Engineer, responsible for new product design and implementation. Currently assist in tooling changes. Supervise ten drafters/detailers in engineering department. |
| 1995-1997 |
Plastic Design Service, Kent, Ohio
Drafter/Designer Intern, was responsible for checking engineering prints to specification. Worked with Senior Level Engineers in new product development
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| Skills: |
AutoCAD Release 14, Computer Proficiency, Tool and Die certificate
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| Professional Organizations: |
President of Local Engineering Society Chapter
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| References: |
Available upon request |
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THE AWARD-WINNING RESUME HAS POWER!
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When composing your resume; remember to use action verbs. Here is a list of some:
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Advised
Arranged
Design
Taught
Developed
Wrote
Hired
Improved
Conducted |
Created
Built
Organized
Implemented
Published
Introduced
Gathered
Oversaw
Produced |
Invented
Orchestrated
Supervised
Negotiated
Sold
Operated
Established
Planned
Directed |
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Interviewing Tips
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- Learn as much about the company beforehand - know its products and services, its profit margin, management style, culture and any other pertinent information. Good sources are college career services, the library and the Internet.
- Do practice interviews. Many career services centers offer workshops, mock interviews, or one-on-one coaching.
- Think about how your work experience, education and activities can relate to the job you're applying for.
- Allow plenty of time to get to the interview and if possible, visit the company location in advance so that you know how long it takes to get there.
- Plan your interview attire in advance and make sure your clothing is pressed, your shoes are shined, and your hair and nails are well groomed.
- Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references.
- Speak slowly and clearly and don't be afraid to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts.
- Be honest. Don't attempt to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned from them.
- Be assertive. Remember that the interview is a way for you to learn if the position is right for you.
- At the end of the interview if you feel the position is a good career move for you and that your qualifications match what the employer is seeking ask for the job.
- Ask the interviewer for a business card and send a thank-you note or e-mail as soon as possible.
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Dress For Success
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An individual who presents a professional appearance through proper attire will most likely land the job of their choice!
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Women should wear a professional dress, preferably a suit. Navy blue, black, and brown are good colors for interview apparel. Avoid trendy fashions and excessive jewelry. Hair and nails should be clean and neat.
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Men should wear dress slacks, preferably a suit. Also, men should wear a tie, dress shoes and shirt. Hair should be trimmed, neat and nails should be clean.
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Remember first impressions are the most lasting and your personal appearance reveals a lot about yourself. A clean, crisp, polished professional image will assist you in securing the position you are interviewing for.
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