CHAPTER 7

1. CHAPTER 7 Professional Experience—Chronological

2. Summary of Employment History The summary in a chronological resume includes: • Dates of employment (month, year) • Name of the company/organization you worked for • Description of the organization (if necessary • Location of the company (city and state) • Job title(s) • Responsibilities and duties • Accomplishments, results, and demonstrated skills Chapter 7

3. Which Resume Format? • Chronological format. • The most traditional format and the one most employers prefer. • Should be used by students with little real-world experience. • Functional and Hybrid formats. • Are becoming more acceptable in today's market of frequent job changes. Chapter 7

4. Professional Experience • Your professional experience is the heart of your resume. • Employers focus on this section. • Employers are looking for reason to eliminate you. • Use this section to accentuate the positive. • Demonstrate that you have the experience and ability to do the job. • Prove that you are someone who can solve problems and contribute significantly. Chapter 7

5. Dates of Employment • List month/year employment began/ended. • Write "until present" if still at that job. • If you have gaps you want to camouflage: • List dates of employment after the company's name and location (detracts attention). • List only the years of employment. • Use only if you have no other choice. • If you held many part-time jobs, consolidate them into one heading. • Example: 2008—Present: Part-time Employment Chapter 7

6. Company Information • List the company's name. • If a large corporation, include the division. • If a subsidiary of a larger company, mention it as well. • Write a one-line description of the past employer if it is not well known. • List the city/state where your past employer is located. • Do not include streets addresses or phone numbers. Chapter 7

7. Job Title • Use a job title that every employer understands. • Avoid such titles as Jr. Data Entry Operator—Level Two. • Simply state it as Data Entry Operator. • If you had more than one job title, set off each job title. • Emphasize upward mobility and increased responsibility with each job. Chapter 7

8. Duties and Responsibilities • List three or four major duties. • Always use action verbs. • Mention the people (by job title) you interacted with. • Example: Reported to Vice President of Sales • Do not repeat responsibilities. • Always show upward mobility. Chapter 7

9. Accomplishments • List your most impressive accomplishment first. • Qualify in terms of concrete employer benefits. • Do not tell how you achieved your accomplishments. • Make the employer interested enough to ask how you did it during an interview. • Stress skills if you have no outstanding accomplishments. Chapter 7

10. Action Verbs • Action verbs are the key to an effective resume because they: • Create impact and enliven a resume. • Emphasize action and accomplishments. • Present you as an achiever and a success. • Concisely focus the reader's attention on your accomplishments. • Examples: developed, exceeded, initiated, persuaded, presided, scheduled, recommended Chapter 7