RESUME WRITING
Objectives
• Understand the purpose of a resume
• Discuss stages of resume writing: Preparation, Format,
Content, and Evaluation
• Identify resume sections and their respective content
• Help you identify next steps and available resources
The Purpose of a Resume
• Provide a summary of experiences and qualifications; tell your career
story
• Communicate your potential value
• Marketing tool to obtain an interview
• Helps prepare you for interviews
Effective Resume Writing
• Communicates specific and relevant
competencies & accomplishments
• Well organized, concise and easy to
read
• Indicates career direction & interests
Employers
spend about
30 seconds or
less reviewing
your resume.
Preparation
• Research the career area
• Identify target audience
• Review job descriptions for the field
• Gain an understanding of what skills are needed to obtain
employment in your area of interest
Content Possibilities
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Contact Information*
Objective
Education*
Experience*
Activities
Honors
Awards
Skills
* Denotes typical categories on a resume
A resume should not
include everything
and anything!
Employers are looking for
a concise resume.
Contact Information
Chris McCormick
c-mccormick@northwestern.edu
Campus Address
192 Orrington Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 888-5041
Permanent Address
888 Santa Cruz Road
Arcadia, CA 91007
(826) 888-0767
Chris S. McCormick
2133 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 491-3366
C-mccormick@email.com
Objective
 An “at a glance” picture of you and your career interests
Optional but helpful when applying for Co-op or
Internship through MCD
 A good objective statement answers questions:
– What position(s) are you applying for?
– What are your main qualifications?
– What is your professional identity?
Objective Examples
Weak:
Strong:
To find a job in business with opportunity for
advancement
To secure a Co-op in the field of industrial
engineering which utilizes interest in logistics and
supply chain management.
Education
EDUCATION
Northwestern University, Evanston IL
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Anticipated June 2012
Current GPA: 3.3/4.0
Relevant Courses: List key courses
Courses allow you to emphasize your skills and background
• Course titles in engineering
•
Experience
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Chicago, Illinois
Intern, June 2007 – August 2007
 Analyzed statistical data from Contractor Performance Reports to
compile a database providing benchmarking data for subscribing
Medicare contractors
 Contributed to the development of current and new services
related to the Medicare business
•
Emphasizes past and present employment and/or activities
•
Identify transferable skills
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May also be called: Professional Experience, Relevant Experience, Leadership Experience,
Work History, etc..
Bullet Point Description
Weak:
Answered phones and wrote messages
Strong: Served as liaison between clients and 14 staff
members by effectively communicating inquiries and
issues to the appropriate department
Elements of Description
• Action verbs
• Positive modifiers
• Quantitative/qualitative indicators
• Answer journalistic questions
• Achievement Focused
• Terminology of your chosen field
Activities and/or Honors
ACTIVITIES
Site Leader, Community Development Corps
Coordinator, Used Winter Coat Drive
Volunteer, Alternative Student Break
HONORS
Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholar, March 2005
University Women Scholarship, May 2005
Excellence in Leadership Scholarship, June 2005
 Focus on content that is relevant to position/employer
 Emphasize skills acquired, leadership/team roles,
achievements
 Include: clubs, sports, volunteer, community activities
Skills
Skills should address qualifications you have training on and/or
considerable experience utilizing, as well as relevance to the
position/employer.
Hardware, software operating
• Computers
systems, languages
• Technical/Lab
• Languages
Equipment, standard process
Level of ability (fluent, proficient,
conversant, reading/writing
ability)
Do Not Include…
• SSN
• Pictures
• Ethnicity/Race
• Birth date
• Salary history
• References
• Religion
• Height/weight
• Reasons for leaving previous employer(s)
Final Draft – Do’s and Don’ts
DON’T
DO
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Tailor for each position
•
Use acronyms
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Highlight section headings
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Use a template
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Use action verbs
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Repeat information
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Quantify accomplishments
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Exaggerate or lie
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Use technical language
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Use fancy/unusual fonts
•
Proofread multiple times
•
Hurry/rush to send it out