Creating a Resume Leda Goodman, CPRW Covenant College, April 2014 In addition to our original guide for resumes, we have decided to add info on how to write ATS friendly resumes. Content is still very much the same, but the format is very different. For instance, at this time most ATS software cannot read a two column resume format. This poses a problem with our original two column guide. We will continue to update our guides to allow you to use a format that is easily customizable for various jobs, with information that is relevant and accessible to potential employers. Below you will find information on how to write an objective statement, cover letter, and your resume. Please read the information provided, before customizing the template of your choice with your own information. Our tips should help you communicate more effectively and minimize mistakes. Once you have a working resume and cover letter, email them to centercc@covenant.edu, so we can help you strengthen, proofread, and effectively target your submissions. We can also be reached at 706-419-1160. The goal of a resume is to make it easy for employers to imagine your fit with their needs, and if they should invite you for an interview. Potential employers will spend 5-7 seconds looking at your resume. Be consistent, concise, and accurate. Conveying a strong picture of how you do your work – in the reader’s mind. When using any of our templates, remember to remove the border lines on your final resume. (Set your borders to be invisible: Format > Borders and Shading > Borders > None.) We recommend you submit your resume in .txt or word, and .pdf. Read and follow all submission directions closely for each job you apply for. Cover letters, statements of purpose, and letters of inquiry are all very similar. We highly recommend sending a cover letter with your resume. But, if you do, make sure it is well written! Do not include references on your resume, unless you are an educator. Crafting Your Resume Header We encourage you to experiment with layout and formatting to make your resume stand apart. Remember that your resume should be professional, clear, and easy to read. Addresses are no longer necessary. LinkedIn or blog addresses are encouraged. Note: if the job description or directions mention submitting a “résumé” make sure to use the accent marks every time you write that word. If they do not use accent marks, do not include them yourself. Here are two sample ideas to get you started: Your Name 14049 Scenic Highway, Box ### Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 706-456-1234 Youremailaddress@gmail.com Your Name LinkedIn.com address | Youremailaddress@gmail.com | 706.456.1234 Your Professional Objective There is an ongoing debate about whether or not objective statements are needed. My rule of thumb is this: If you are trying to break into a new career/field—write an objective! If your current field and experience strongly qualifies you—no written objective is needed. If you are applying for graduate school—no written objective is needed. A professional objective is a brief, concise description targeted to the specific position you are pursuing. Everything on your resume supports your objective. Plan for the initial reader to be an administrative assistant or computer software (ATS) , that reviews numerous resumes for multiple positions. Your professional objective/profile should include the following: The position for which you are applying and at what organization What you hope to offer in this role (or if this is an internship, what you hope to gain) Examples of Strong Objectives: To secure an internship at Cigna where I can further expand and apply my business education as I consider a full time career in underwriting. To secure a position with W&S as a graphic designer with particular interests in information design, packaging, exhibits, and audio-visual presentations. To gain experience in family counseling through securing an internship with the United Way assisting with objective implementation in an urban social services environment. References Do not include references on the same page as your resume. Do not write “references available on request” as that is no longer acceptable. Instead, use the same header as your resume to create a separate reference page. DO NOT PROVIDE REFERENCES UNTIL ASKED (unless you are an educator). Include the following information for each reference: Mr./Ms./Dr. First and Last Name Title and/or Relationship to you Company/Institution Name Address City, ST, Zip Phone number Email address What do you need to know before writing a cover letter? The goal of the cover letter is to establish a relationship with the potential employer. The cover letter complements the (factual, non-personal) resume by being relational, professional, and showing off your writing skills. The goal is to persuade the reader to consider your resume more thoroughly and connect the dots in their mind. Avoid beginning every sentence with first person language. Limit yourself to one sentence per paragraph that starts with either “I” or “my.” Carefully proofread your letter. It should be error-free, clear, concise, and professional. Avoid using slang terms, contractions, gimmicky language, or puritan wording. Field lingo and acronyms can be used, but only as appropriate. Remember your job search is not ultimately about you, but about them and their needs – Communicate how you fit into their company/organization, in relation to the specific job for which you are applying. Your goal is to show them what may qualify you to help them address needs, with the hope that they will bring you in for an interview. Write your Cover Letter 1. Use a standard block or modified block letter format. 2. Greet the reader (example “Dear Mr. Jones,”). Do not address your cover letter to “To Whom It May Concern.” Do your research and find out the name and title of the person considering your resume. If you cannot find a name, use a title such as, “Director of…”, “Hiring Manager”, or “Internship Coordinator,” instead. 3. If you are mailing or hand delivering, your address belongs at the top of the letter. If you are sending your resume electronically, place your contact information below your signature. (Do not include it in both places.) First Paragraph Simply mention which position you are applying for and how you heard about it. Nothing else is needed. Imagine that this is one half of a conversation and someone has asked you “What position are you inquiring about?” Second Paragraph Communicate how your specific experience, interests, skills, and even personality will be an asset to them. Imagine the person responds to your first paragraph and asks: What qualifications do you have for this job? Please demonstrate how you have already been prepared for this position. From your research, networking, etc., what interests you in our organization? Could you mention your enthusiasm about our projects based on your research of our organization? How might your background and interests help us meet our needs? How do you hope to be an asset to us? What do you have to offer or give to this position? (For internships) Tell me what you have to offer and what you hope to gain through this experience. Close the second paragraph with a statement that shows intent and communicates excitement. Remember: Your job search is about what you can do for employers, not what they can do for you. Third Paragraph: Customize as you are able: “You will find my resume attached for your consideration. Thank you for taking time to consider me for this position. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to learning more about your needs and how I might be able to help you address them.” Optional (only if needed): “I anticipate being in Your Town Name in Specific time frame, if you would be available to meet with me while I am in the area, please let me know, so I can plan accordingly.” Sincerely, *Joe Student *When sent as the body of an email, you will need to list your contact information below your name in the signature (close of the letter), but not at the top of the letter. How to Write an ATS Friendly Resume What is ATS? Applicant tracking system—Computer software commonly used by employers to manage the entire recruitment process. ATS allows employers to: Receive and review resumes and job applications Screen and test potential candidates Schedule interviews Send follow-up emails Check references Facilitate the hiring process Onboard new hires Commonly used for regulatory compliance based on data collection and reporting capabilities Why do you need to write a resume for ATS? ATS systems have been used since 1988. In 2000 only 22% of resumes were electronic, however now, over 90% of resumes are submitted electronically. This has enabled employers, both large and small, to meet complex government reporting and fair hiring regulations. In the past, ATS were primarily used by big companies and software could only read .txt files. However, with new software reading more formats, small companies have jumped on the ATS bandwagon, and are finding ATS cost effective, especially with increasingly limited manpower. There are many things you need to keep in mind when writing a resume that will encounter ATS. 1. The best place to start is with keywords. It is critical that you identify the keywords necessary for each position you are applying for. We suggest that you print the job description and underline the keywords you think they are looking for, that also apply to you. Try to integrate their lingo and keywords into your documents, but only if they are consistent with your experience and what you have to offer. 2. Design your resume for both the human eye and the computer to read. 3. DO NOT USE: italics or underlines, graphics or logos, charts or graphs, tables or columns. 4. DO USE: Capitals, Small Capitals, Bold. 5. Bullets are fine to use, but only use standard bullets not fancy ones. 6. Only use symbols found on our keyboard. Use spaces on both sides of a hyphen or “em dash.” 7. Instead of using columns, create lists in a single word string, with an “em dash” or vertical line to separate info that would have been in columns, examples of both – and | : Accounts Payable – General Ledger Reconciliation Community Development | Intercultural Experience 8. Use only standard fonts: Serif: Times New Roman, Cambria, Garamond, Georgia, or Palatino Linotype San-serif: Calibri, Arial, Arial Narrow, Tahoma, Trebuchet, or Verdana 9. Use common section headings, examples include: SUMMARY OR PROFILE | RELEVANT EXPERIENCE OR WORK EXPERIENCE | CERTIFICATIONS EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT | PUBLICATIONS OR PRESENTATIONS TECHNICAL SKILLS OR LANGUAGES | EDUCATION OR EDUCATIONAL TRAINING 10. List every job separately with Organization and Location (city and state) on one line, and your title/role with the time frame you held that role, together but on a separate line from the Organization. 11. Keep in mind that ATS are looking to qualify you or eliminate you; be competitive and remember that networking is still the number 1 way to secure a job. If you know you are encountering an ATS, reach out to someone you know and let them know that you have applied. 12. If the HR department asks for you to take a personality or skills test, take it seriously and answer it in light of who you are and the position you are applying for. Be professional. ATS Friendly Template Insert your header with contact information Descriptor / Objective Statement / Profile Summary (header may not be necessary) Your concise and targeted objective here. See the Your Professional Objective section for guidelines. Profile Summary of Skills Related to a Specific Position (header may not be necessary) Hard skills (equipment or technology) | Soft skills (interpersonal) | Other (Choose skills that illustrate what you have to offer to the specific position) Education Bachelor of Arts, Insert your major here, Expected graduation: Month 20XX Minor: Subject Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA GPA: x.x/4.0; Dean’s List: (which semesters?) Self-funded approximately 40% of tuition and college expenses (*do not state this if percentage is less than 40%) Bachelor’s Thesis: Insert Sip Title (*Once you are out of school and working, this section will move to the bottom of your resume.) Relevant Coursework: Only list classes if they directly apply to your objective. Related Experience Job Title, Month Year - Month Year ORGANIZATION, City, ST Do not simply list job tasks or job description. Instead, focus on specific transferrable skills, accomplishments, knowledge gained, and quantifiable results Use the bullet feature in MS Word to list each item; do not manually insert bullets or add spacing Keep everything aligned to the left instead of using standard settings Do not include punctuation at the end of bullets Use an action verb only once, then retire it Departmental Intern, May 2009 - August 2009 (seasonal) ORGANIZATION, City, ST Example of knowledge gained related to objective statement Communication of transferrable skills and/or quantifiable results related to the objective statement Major accomplishments include… Write these in past tense Don’t tell them something, show them how you have accomplished work and met goals, without using first person language *Note: People do not care if you were paid for your previous work; they care about what you gained through those experiences, especially if it is relevant to them. Appropriate Section Header Title or Role, Organization, Location, Consistent Time Frame Format Vice President, Campus Stewardship Committee, Covenant College, August 2009 - Present Regular Contributor, Student Newspaper – Bagpipe, Covenant College, April 2009 - Present Academic All-Conference Athlete, Men’s Soccer Team, Covenant College, November 2008 Other Appropriate Section Header Volunteer, Widows’ Harvest International, Chattanooga, TN, Month Year - Month Year Senior High Youth Leader, Some Church, City, ST, June 2008 - May 2009 Note: The borders on this template need to be removed on the final version. Highlight the text in each table (there are 2) and right- click, and then select Borders and Shading. Choose “None” and click “OK.” Each section will also need a balance of white space between sections when the boxes are taken off, to make it easier on the reader’s eye. Non-ATS RESUME BODY Insert your header with contact information Objective Your concise and targeted objective here. See Your Professional Objective for guidelines. *Everything that exists below the objective statement either to supports it or to shows what else you have to offer, relevant to this position. Education Bachelor of Arts, Insert your major here, Expected graduation: Month 20XX Minor: Subject Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA GPA: x.x/4.0; Dean’s List: (which semesters?) Self funded approximately 40% of tuition and college expenses (*do not state this if percentage is less than 40%) Bachelor’s Thesis: Insert Sip Title (*Once you are out of school and working, this section will move to the bottom of your resume.) Related Coursework Only list classes in this section, if they directly apply to your objective (this whole row can be deleted by right-clicking and selecting “Delete cells”, then “Delete entire row”). Work Experience Job Title, Month Year-Month Year Organization, City, ST Do not simply list job tasks or job description. Instead, focus on specific transferrable skills, accomplishments, knowledge gained, and quantifiable results Use the bullet feature in MS Word to list each item; do not manually insert bullets or add spacing Keep everything aligned to the left instead of using standard settings Do not include punctuation at the end of bullets Start each bullet with an action verb and use it only once, then retire it Intern for Institutional Capital Markets, May 2009-August 2009 First Trust Portfolios, Wheaton, IL Developed customer relationships through phone contact Provided research support for client portfolios Participated in investment forums for commercial banking clients Appropriate Common Heading *Leadership Activities, Awards, Presentations, or Publications. Don’t combine headings. Ditto (*such as community service, etc.) Personal Profile Title or Role, Organization, Location, Consistent Time Frame Format Vice President, Campus Stewardship Committee, Covenant College, August 2009 - Present Regular Contributor, Student Newspaper – Bagpipe, Covenant College, April 2009 - Present Academic All-Conference Athlete, Men’s Soccer Team, Covenant College, November 2008 Volunteer, Widows’ Harvest International, Chattanooga, TN, Month Year - Month Year Senior High Youth Leader, Some Church, City, ST, June 2008 - May 2009 Choose skills that illustrate what you have to offer to the specific position Formally trained pianist – ten years Enjoys interacting with people from various cultures Speaks fluent German This section could easily switch places with the education section, especially if you have already graduated. Note: The borders on this template need to be removed on the final version. Highlight the text in each table (there are 2) and right- click, and then select Borders and Shading. Choose “None” and click “OK.” Each section will also need a balance of white space between sections when the boxes are taken off, to make it easier on the reader’s eye. Extra Help and Examples Note: There are various ways to make text stand out: Bold, ALL CAPITALS, and SMALL CAPTIALS. Some examples are shown below, in the left hand column. Whichever one you choose, it should be consistent throughout your document. Color is not used, unless you are a graphic designer or artist. Note that these are listed in a Non-ATS format, but they could easily be incorporated into the ATS format. Publications Sealy DP, Pekarek L, Russ D, Sealy CD, Goforth G. Vital Signs and demographics in the Preparticipation Sports Exam: Do They Help Us Find the Elusive Athlete at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death? Cur Spor Med Rep, 6:9 Nov/Dec 2010, pg338-341. Presentations Cochran, Diana and Wiersema, Anna. Fostering Spiritual Development Through Entering Unamuno's “San Manuel Bueno, Martir.” North American Christian Foreign Language Association Conference. Point Loma Nazarene University. 28 March 2009. Langue et identité dans la littérature maghrebine. Senior Integration Paper Presentation. Covenant College. April 2012. Professional Skills Research Experience Research Assistant/Intern, June 2010- July 2010 HARVEY A. FRIEDMAN CENTER FOR AGING, WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, St. Louis, MO Researched articles related to neuropsychology, the brain, and aging; Submitted findings for review Utilized SPSS and Sigma Plot Interacted with human research subjects from scheduling and completing informed consent documentation to administering individual research tests and recording results Delivered a presentation on research data analysis, Age Effects on Spatial Navigation Strategies: Pilot Data; Successfully identified and addressed issues related to ongoing study Advanced knowledge in biological and chemical fields of science Speaks fluent Spanish and enjoys interacting with people from various cultures Quick learner especially regarding concepts and images Analytical mind; Solid organization, interpersonal and management skills Formally trained in music for over ten years Proficient Excel skills; Experience using SPSS Operant Conditioning Experiment, August 2008-December 2008 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT, COVENANT COLLEGE, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA Completed Skinner Box Operant Conditioning (positive reinforcement and extinction) Work Experience Resident Assistant, August 2009-May 2010 COVENANT COLLEGE, Lookout Mountain, GA Responsible for enforcing school policies and ensuring good condition of facilities Cooperated with staff members to organize events and foster community among residents Teaching Experience Student Teaching Placement II, Kindergarten EIP classroom, March 2010 – April 2010 DADE ELEMENTARY, Trenton, GA Student Teaching Placement I, 4th Grade, January 2010 – March 2010 CHATTANOOGA VALLEY ELEMENTARY, Flintstone, GA Field Experience, 2nd Grade, September 2009 – December 2009 BATTLE ACADEMY, Chattanooga, TN Student Practicum, 2nd Grade, September 2007 – December 2007 DADE ELEMENTARY, Trenton, GA Power Words absorbed accelerated accommodated accomplished accounted for achieved acquired acted adapted addressed adhered adjusted administered advanced advertised advised advocated 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