English 11 Ms. Carper and Mrs.

Dawson

A resume is a one page summary of your skills, education, and experience.

You must spend a good deal of time creating, proofreading, editing, and perfecting your resume.
A resume is one of the most important pieces of writing you will ever create.

 How

long do employers typically look at a resume?

a. 10 minutes b. Less than 30 seconds c. 3 minutes d. 1 minutes

Employers often receive hundreds of resumes for a single position. They do not have time to pour over every word on each one. This increases the importance of the smallest details.

Not all resumes are the same, but these are the common elements they all should include:
Heading Objective Education

Relevant Experience
Other Experience Skills

Cover Letter
References (omit for this project)

Essential personal information Formal name

Address (both permanent and temporary)

Phone number Email (if you have one)

One sentence explanation of the type of job

To become head of the Dance Committee

Fairly specific If applying to multiple types of jobs, change your objective to match each type

Only note your high school information

Saint Johns Catholic Prep, 2011-Present

Do not include middle school

Specify attendance dates and expected graduation dates

Note relevant courses Also can include an education-related honors

Include previous employers, their locations, dates of employment, and job title
Walmart/ Frederick, MD/May 2012-Present/Cashier

Include at least one or two one-line description of job duties and responsibilities
Ex. Assisted customers by completing register transactions.

Use action verbs (see last page of handout)

List special activities and organizations your are involved in

Student Government Association Environmental Club Soccer team

Include years in which you participated

Includes special skills or talents that are not included elsewhere on the resume
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Communication Skills: Fluent in French

Skills should be relevant to the job

Expresses qualifications for the job

Dear Ms. Carper/Mrs. Dawson, I am writing in the hopes that you will consider me for the Dance Committee.

Highlight specific qualities related to the job Tailor your words (reference the classified ad when writing your cover letter/resume)

Includes 2-3 people who have observed your work habits (employers, teachers, coaches) Include 2-3 people who can speak about your character Make sure you ask their permission! Only ask people who will speak well of you.