resume writing

By: Andrea Wolf & Karen Ziegler

​WHY IS A RESUME IMPORTANT?

• It is your marketing tool.
  • An application is a legal document used to collect the exact same information from each applicant.
  • A resume is used to highlight your skills.
• Almost everyone needs a resume in today’s competitive job market. Even teenagers seeking their first “real” job can benefit by having a resume.


WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE?

• Identification
  • Give your name, address, telephone number and email address
  • Jill Goodfellow 123 Main Street Pewaukee, WI 53072 (262)691­1234 jill.goodfellow@yahoo.com


WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE?

• Summary
• Include 3 to 5 statements which describe your
• Qualifications.
  • Enthusiastic and hard­working high school student.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Driven to succeed and attain goals.
  • Able to work both independently as well as part of a team.


WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE?

• Education
  • List High School name and location
  • Include last grade completed
  • Could also include Grade Point Average


WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE?

• Experience
  • Does not only include paid­jobs but also volunteer activities.
  • Should include: name of employer, location, dates of employment/volunteer work, job title.
  • Describe your responsibilities, specific skills and duties.


WHAT IS CONSIDERED EXPERIENCE?

• A job
• Volunteer work
• Babysitting
• Yard work
• Household chores
• Dog walking/Pet sitting

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE?

• Achievements/Activities
• Include any Awards, Clubs, Sports, etc.
• Examples:
  • National Honor Society 2008, 2009 Honor Roll 2007, 2008, 2009 Sussex Hamilton Football 2008, 2009 Boy Scouts 2000­2007


WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE?

• Computer skills
  • Skill level: basic, working knowledge, proficient
  • Examples:
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint
    • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel


WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE?

• References
• Typically, on a professional resume, you would not include references.
• This should be listed on a separate page.
• Ask permission before using someone as a reference.
• Choose your references carefully.
• Be prepared with 3 to ­5 references.


RESUME DO’S

• Develop a rough draft and then have someone proof­read it.
• Keep the length to one page.
• Only use one font throughout the resume.
• Use a font that is easy to read and use black ink.


RESUME DON’TS

• Don’t include your whole life history
• Don’t use pronouns: I, me, my
• Don’t use abbreviations
• Don’t use contractions: don’t, can’t, won’t
• Don’t include reasons for leaving your past job(s)
• Don’t include previous wage information