Writing a Great Resume

1. Writing a Great Resume Created by: George Mason University School of Management Career Services

2. Presentation Overview • Prep Steps • What to Include • Types of Resumes • Resume Categories • Writing the Details • Putting It All Together • Next Steps…

3. Prep Step 1: Know the purpose of a resume A resume does not get you a job… A resume does get you an interview. And, putting time and consideration into your resume is one of the best ways to prepare for your interviews!

4. Prep Step 1: Know what you have to offer • Think functional skills & personal qualities SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS Advise people Handle complaints Plan agendas Analyze data Interpret languages Program computers Audit financial records Interview people Promote events Budget expenses Investigate problems Recruit people Compile statistics Listen to others Review programs Coordinate events Manage projects Run meetings Correspond with others Mediate between people Sell products & services Create new ideas Motivate others Speak in public Delegate responsibility Negotiate contracts Supervise others Design data systems Organize people & tasks Teach classes Edit publications Persuade others Write for publication Try it now! List three of your functional skills.

5. Think functional skills & personal qualities SAMPLE PERSONAL QUALITIES Assertive Expressive Persistent Attention to detail Firm Perform well under stress Authentic Flexible Poised Candid Generous Resourceful Committed to growth Hard working Respectful Cooperative Honest Sense of Humor Curious Loyal Sincere Dynamic Open-minded Spontaneous Empathic Optimistic Tolerant Enthusiastic Patient Versatile Try it now! List three of your personal qualities.

6. Prep Step 1: Know what you have to offer Build your list of… • work experience • academics • volunteer work • classes • course projects Try it now! List at least five activities / experiences.

7. Prep Step 2: Know your audience • Learn as much as you can about the position, field & employer • Career Library • Professional Associations • Employer Websites • Occupational Outlook Handbook- www.bls.gov/oco • Career Network (user id: student, password: jack$$pot) • PatriotJobWeb Contacts

8. With a Little Prep… • Your resume can then: • Focus on skills & qualities you want to use most • Present your strengths based on the employers needs Need help defining your strengths? Don’t know what career fields to target? Come visit us in Career Services!

9. Three Types of Resumes • Chronological • Functional • Hybrid

10. The Chronological Resume • When would you use this type? • You have a significant amount of continuous experience, OR • Your experiences have been progressively more responsible. • What is the general outline of this type? • List experience in reverse chronological order • Most important information at the top

11. The Chronological Resume

12. The Functional Resume • When would you use this type? • When you don’t have a lot of experience in the specific area of work for which you are applying • What is the general outline of this type? • Group your skills and qualities into 3 or 4 functional areas • Strengthen your skills and qualities by listing where you acquired them

13. The Functional Resume

14. The Hybrid Resume • When would you use this type? • Your most related experience is not your most recent, OR • You have related experience and want to add special emphasis to your skills and qualities • What is the general outline of this type? • Resume is organized by skill categories • Under each category, experiences are in chronological order

15. The Hybrid Resume

16. Resume Categories – Heading • Name – Biggest thing on the resume • Full Address – May need current & permanent • Phone number with area code • Email – (Make it professional!) • Website – If you have a personal one to share

17. Resume Categories - Objective • What does an objective do? • Clarifies the purpose of your resume • Presents a clear statement of your goals • When should I use an objective? • Always have one in mind! – What is your purpose? • Include it on the resume when it is very targeted • specific type of position • specific skills you offer

18. Resume Categories – Objective (2) • Some objective writing tips… • Keep it clear & simple • Be specific • Focus on what you will offer, rather than what you are looking for • Remember: Everything on the resume should support this purpose/objective

19. Resume Categories – Education • Be sure to include: • Names of Schools • Degrees Earned • Major / Minor • Date Attended or Graduation Date • Could also include • GPA (general rule, include if 3.0 or above) • Honors / Awards • Selected Courses

20. Resume Categories – Experience • Remember – Experience can be: • Paid part-time/full-time positions • Internships • Volunteer work • Club/campus group involvement • Significant course projects

21. Resume Categories – Experience (2) • Required Information • Name of Employer / Organization • Location – City & State • Position Title • Dates • Accomplishments & Major Responsibilities This piece can be the most challenging. Let’s take a few moments to explore it…

22. Writing the Details… Storming & Forming Exercise Choose a position or activity that is easy to talk about Brainstorm a list of everything that you did in that position / activity Start your accomplishments with action verbs Include more relevant skills and accomplishments and put them first

23. Writing the Details… Storming & Forming Exercise (2) • For each item on your brainstorm list, search for specifics • How much? How often? • How many people? How much $? • What were the results? • Condense your brainstorm to 3-5 concrete tasks & accomplishments using action verbs

24. Resume Categories - Other • Summary of Qualifications • Relevant Courses • Course Projects • Honors & Awards • Work Experience • Management Experience • Research Experience • Leadership Experience • Other Experience • Computer Skills • Professional Associations/Memberships • Languages • Community Service

25. Putting It All Together… Things to Remember • Keep your language concise and clear • Provide concrete evidence (#, %, $) • Ask does it support my purpose? • Avoid stating salary requirements • Avoid offering any negative information

26. Putting It All Together… Formatting • Attract & hold your reader’s attention • Combinations of capital lettering, underlining, bold face type, and indentations can jazz up your paper (italics/underlining are problematic for resume scanning) • Well placed white space can help the reader’s eye move across the paper • Whatever format you choose, be sure to be consistent

27. Putting It All Together… Final Details • Check for grammatical, spelling & typing errors • Critique! Critique! Critique! • Laser print on resume paper

28. School of Management Career Services Enterprise Hall, Room 008 (703) 993-1880; som.gmu.edu/career mycareer@gmu.edu Next Steps… Make an appointment or come to walk-in hours for additional help or questions. Walk-In Hours for SOM Career Services: Monday & Friday 2:00pm-4:00pmThursday 10:00am – 12:00pm University Career Services SUB 1, Rm 348 (703) 993-2370 Same Day appointments, 1:30 – 4:00 pm http://careers.gmu.edu