Resumes For
Today’s Job Market
Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., Adjunct Counselor
Counseling Dept., Cypress College
Resumes
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Resumes
Cover Letters
Transferrable Skills
Online Presence
Branding
Resources
The “Rules” Have Changed
Since the economic recession, resumes are different
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What A Resume Does
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Marketing Tool vs. Biography
What Should Be Included
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Summary vs. Objective Statement
Only Relevant to Job vs. Whole History
What Should Be Emphasized
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Accomplishments vs. Job Duties
The “Rules” Have Changed
(Continued)
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How They Are Laid Out
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Emphasize What You Offer Them vs. Self Serving
Customized to the Reader vs. Generic
When They Are Sent Out
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Was “Quantity” – Volume increases odds of response
Now “Quality” – Better fit and tailored will increase odds
How They Are Sent Out
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Online or email vs. ‘Snail Mail’
Resumes
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Purpose
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To Get an Interview
Contents
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Brief & Relevant to the Job
Experience, Skills, Education & Abilities
Types
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Different Types – Use What Best Represents You
Different Types of Resumes
Use Format That Best Represents You
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Chronological
Functional
Combination
Online
Scannable
PDF
HTML
Plain text (ASCII)
Email
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Cover Letters
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Purpose
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Grab and Direct Reader’s Attention
Introduce Yourself
Personalize to Them
Show Your Writing Style
Content
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Highlight Most Relevant & Important
Address Questions or Previously Unmentioned
Online Presence
Online Presence Expected to Replace Resumes
Your Online Presence Will Impact Your Job Search!
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Social Media
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Linked In – Professional Use Only!
Others: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Blogging
Websites
Web Domain Name
Email Address
Transferrable Skills
• Usable in Many Different Jobs
(Writing, Critical Thinking, Computers, Interpersonal Skills, Self Management.)
• Emphasize Transferrable Skills When:
• Lacking Experience in the Job
• Transitioning into a New Direction
• Gives You an Advantage (i.e. Multi-lingual)
• See Workshop: “Identifying Your
Transferrable Skills” for more information
Personal Branding
Complete “Personal Marketing” Tools with “Branding”
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What Makes You Unique
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Mission Statement
Elevator Speech
Resume & Online Presence
Graphics (colors, fonts, images, etc.)
Most Job Search Websites Give Help with This
Tools & Resources –
On Campus
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Career Planning Center
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Computerized Programs
Links to Job Search/Resume Websites
Handouts, Books and Other Resources
Workshops (Handouts from Prior Available)
Career Counselor
Fullerton College – Workforce Center (Job Placement)
Tools & Resources –
Off Campus
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Local One-Stop Career Centers
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Computerized Programs
Handouts, Books and Other Resources
Workshops
See Handouts
Career and Job Coaches for Hire
List of Job Search Websites
Handouts Available
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Website Resources
Employment History – Working Document
So How Do You Find Your Dream Job or Career?