CURRICULUM VITAE/RESUME
Outcomes
• Define what a RESUME is.
• Two types of RESUME.
• RESUME format and content.
• RESUME OBJECTIVE and/or CAREER PROFILE.
• Create a job reference page.
• Create a professional cover letter to accompany your RESUME.
• Write a THANK YOU letter to the employers with whom you have
interviewed.
RESUME - YOUR TICKET TO AN
INTERVIEW.
“YOU NEVER GET A
SECOND CHANCE TO
CREATE A FIRST
IMPRESSION.”
Your RESUME is one of
your FIRST
IMPRESSIONS with a
potential
EMPLOYER
WHAT IS A RESUME
A short account (1-2 pages) of your Experience, Qualifications, and
Achievements.
• Its goal is to capture the reader’s interest.
• Most resumes only get 20-30 second scan by the reader.
• It MUST have enough IMPACT to GRAB the ATTETION of the
prospective EMPLOYER.
The Employer Wants to know
• What can you do for me?
• How can you improve my operations?
• Can you make me money?
• Save me time?
• Keep my customers happy?
Your resume must not only show the skills you have; it must
demonstrate your success.
Types Of Resumes 1: Chronological
It is the MOST common type of Resume
• It lists previous jobs & dates; most recent job first
• It identifies work accomplishments and skills connected to each job.
• Easier to prepare and is generally successful
Formatting your Resume
You can arrange your resume in a variety of formats.
However, most resumes follow this type of order:
• Contact information
• Objective or Career Profile
• Summary of Skills
• Work Experience
• Education
• Professional Affiliations (optional)
Contact Information
Your CONTACT INFORMATION is the most
IMPORTANT PART of your Resume:
NAME
Address (optional)
City, Province, Zip Code
Telephone Number – Email Address
Professional affiliation; e.g. www.linkedin.com (optional)
OBJECTIVE & CAREER PROFILE
OBJECTIVE
A short statement that includes the job title you
want, and the main reason why they should
consider your for the position.
CAREER PROFILE
A short paragraph (three –to five sentences)
that highlights your experience and
qualifications that match the job you are
applying for.
Summary of Skills
Skills Related to the Job You Are Seeking or Strengths/Key
Accomplishments
Include the skills that are directly relevant to the job you are seeking.
Use strengths and accomplishments to highlight these skills
Education
• List diploma, degree(s) or certificate(s) and the school name, city and
province.
• List dates of completion
Structure of Resume
• Be consistent in structure to make it easy for readers to skim through
your resume quickly without confusion.
• Font: 10-12 points
• Bold for name and positions
• Dates – Month/Year
• Paper color – WHITE
• Spacing – 1 or 2 line spacing
• Use short, bulleted statements
• Use numbers or percentages
• Avoid personal pronounces like “I” or “ME”
• Start your statements with action VERBS!!!
Chronological Resume
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Easy to follow. • Doesn’t hide flaws in the work
history, such as job changing or
• Work history shows progression.
“spotty” work history.
• Your objective / summary is the
• Doesn’t allow flexibility to change
same or similar to your recent
objective to something different
experience.
from your experience.
Types Of Resumes 2: Functional
• Uses career profile in lieu of objective.
• Focuses on jobseeker’s knowledge; skills and abilities.
• Lists company names, titles and job dates at the bottom.
• May list number of years experience in a function.
Functional Resume
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Dates/positions not emphasized. • Employers are sometimes
• Skills/experience from not so recent suspicious of this format
jobs can be emphasized. because it can disguise negative
• Hides downward regression. information.
• Emphasis on transferrable skills. • Employers may assume all skills
• Objective may be different from are current.
your experience. • Absence of dates may confuse
• Appropriate when considering a employers.
career change.
Creating a Cover Letter
A Cover Letter accompanies a Resume and tells the employer why
he/she is receiving your Resume
Used to convince the employer:
• Why you are best candidate
• That you understand the position for which you are applying
• Why you should be considered for an interview.
Cover Letter
Cover Letter Content
• First, your cover letter should include your contact information so that
the prospective employer can get in touch with you. Include current
date.
• Second, your cover letter must include the name of the hiring
manager and his/her title; company name and address, followed by
the proper salutation.
• Important: Never use the salutation: “To whom it may concern.”
Cover Letter Content (Cont.)
Third, your cover letter should include at least three paragraphs:
1. What position your are applying for and where you found the job
posting – first paragraph.
2. What you have to offer (middle paragraph(s).
3. How you want to be contacted at the employer’s time and
availability.
And last don’t forget the closing; your name, and the word
“Enclosure(s)” to indicate that your are enclosing your Resume.
Reference Page
• Prepare as a separate page.
• You may not include on your Resume. “Reference Available Upon
Request.”
• Prepare at least three references; usually either two professional and
on personal or three personal and on professional.
Thank You Letters
Send immediately after an interview:
• Card
• Letter
• Phone call
• Email
A thank you letter reemphasizes your value to the company and
restates your interest in the position.
