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Your
resume :
An instant introduction
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WEB
RESOURCES |
•
Virginia's Job Bank at VEC
•
Monster
•
Career
Builder
•
Career Planning at About.com
• Career Resumes
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TIPS
ON RESUME WRITING |
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• Be consistent in
your presentation — format, spacing,
font, verb tense.
• Keep the résumé to
one page.
• Check for proper grammar and misspellings.
• Be sure to include contact info
— name, address, e-mail address, and
phone number.
• Include an objective or summary.
• Present information in reverse chronological
order. Start with your most recent work
experience.
• Use active language.
• Don’t use nicknames.
• Sell yourself. This is your opportunity
to shine.
Sources: Virginia Employment Commission:
Mid-Atlantic Guide to Information on Careers. |
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WHAT
TO INCLUDE |
•
Any jobs you have held
• Volunteer activities and levels of
leadership
• Mission trips
• Extracurricular activities and levels
of leadership
• Awards and honors
• Published writing
• Conferences and seminars you have
attended
• Internships
• Peer counseling
• Mentoring
• On-the-job training
• Certifications |
You have about one minute to make your first impression with a potential employer — and it’s not even in person. It’s through your résumé. So make the moment count by presenting a résumé with style and substance.
Gathering information:
• Start by making a list of your accomplishments, skills, and talents.
• Draw from your education, work, volunteer and community activities, internships, and sports participation.
• Add examples of your accomplishments or awards.
• List positions of leadership.
• Remember that on a résumé, it’s OK to brag.
• Don’t pad your list with irrelevant or untrue statements.
Now review the list, not only to see where it’s strong, but also where it’s weak. If the list is all about academic achievements, join an organization or start volunteer activities that reflect your interests. Try becoming a mentor, teaching Sunday school or joining the debate team.
Putting it all together:
• Put your most recent experiences and accomplishments first.
• Be concise.
• Check spelling and accuracy.
• Take the time to make your résumé look good.
• Use a high quality paper and an easy-to-read font.
• Revise your résumé as you add experiences to ensure you will have a current résumé ready when you want to make a good impression.
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