Crafting a Winning Resume

RESUME PREPARATION Career Services Main Campus, 2 locations: NMC 146, across from the Transfer Center or Career Center on 28th& Illinois Lawrence Campus Room 139

Tips for Creating a Superior Resume #1 Getting Resume Noticed #2 Formatting The Best Organization Chronological Skills/Functional Internet

Critical Components of a Resume Header Profile or Summary Education and Training Skills and Accomplishments Employment Civic Involvement and Extracurricular Activities

Header Overview: Include Contact Information such as Name, Address, Phone Number(s), Email Be ready for a phone screen! Ensure that your voicemail is professional. Use an appropriate email account NOT hotmama666@hotmail.com Example: Sally Cooper 1234 Apple Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46208 (317) 555-5555, sally.cooper@ivytech.edu

Profile Overview: The Objective section is now replaced with the Summary or Profile . A Profile allows you to summarize your your skills and/or professional background. HINT: include keywords that have been stated in a job posting. Example: A loyal, conscientious and dependable professional with 4 years experience in management. Pay careful attention to detail. Possess highly effective communication skills and interact well with others. A strong team member who effectively implements new procedures into work routines.

Education Overview: Highlight formal educational programs and continuing education or on-the-job training. Start with Ivy Tech and work your way back in history Include your GPA if it s 3.0 or higher. DO NOT include your High School information Example: Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, IN Pursing an Associates Degree in Business Management GPA: 3.6; Anticipate Graduating in 2007 Relevant coursework: Introduction to Business, Financial Accounting, Business Law, Business Development, Managerial Finance.

Skills Overview: Highlight both technical skills (computer knowledge, welding, typing) and soft skills (strong work ethic, good communication). Look at the job posting for skills to emphasize Example: SKILLS Communication Data Entry Organization 10-Key Calculator Office Machines Bookkeeping Inventory Control Microsoft Office Problem Resolution Scheduling Staff Supervision Marketing

Experience Overview: You need to include every place of employment from at least the last 5-7 years. Mention what you did, but focus on what you accomplished. Use #s, %s, $s, to show results For assistance describing a position go to www.onetcodeconnector.org Example: WorkOne, Indianapolis, IN Nov 2006 - Present Employment Services Specialist Demonstrate ability to work in a fast paced environment, providing clear communication and training to a diverse client population including employers, students, and members of the community. Provide a variety of services to clientele regarding preparation for searching for jobs. Instruct job applicants in presenting a positive image by providing help with resume writing, personal appearance, and interview techniques. Work independently to efficiently complete numerous administrative duties

Civic Involvement Overview: Include extracurricular activities, student clubs, and volunteer work. Consider joining a student club while @ Ivy Tech! Employers like this. If your GPA is high enough, DEFINITELY join PTK it practically glows on your resume. Be careful including political or religious affiliations. Example: Chapter President, Society of Human Resources Management 2004 2007 Chapter Treasurer, Toastmaster International 2004 2007 Multicultural Affairs Committee, Ivy Tech Community College 2004 2007 President, National Honors Society 2003 2004 Treasurer, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) 2000 2004 Panelist, FBLA Academic Team 2000 - 2003

General Resume Guidelines Do NOT use templates!!!!! 1 page is best, 2 pages maximum Use Times New Roman or Arial Font Font size should be between 10pt-12pt. (Exception to this would be your Name in your header) Margins should be 1 inch on top, bottom, and sides Be consistent with formatting and fonts Do not use Personal Pronouns (I, Me, My) Be Honest Do not include References Available Upon Request

Cover Letters Goal: Catch employers interest!! Body of letter Opening Job title How you heard of position or organization Brief summary of who you are What you can contribute Middle Explain why interested in position/organization How you will perform based on past experience Closing Give contact information Provide concrete timeline when you will be in contact with them

TAILORING THE RESUME AND COVER LETTER Carefully review job announcement Secure copy of job description Identify key job skills, and highlight company needs Include key qualifications in both cover letter and resum In the cover letter: Mention the target company by name Mention how you learned of the job List specific qualifications (reflected from the job posting) that make you an excellent candidate to interview Cover letter and resume must include daytime telephone number Telephone voice mail and/or message machine is professional Do not include introductions that are unprofessional