This Slideshow includes resume formats, sections of a resume, what to and not to include in a resume and more!

1. Introduction to
Resume Writing
Host:
Career and Student Services Coordinator
Ms. Sarah-Lynn Brunner
bsarahlynn@itu.edu
408.331.1026 Ext:220

2. Overview of Student Success
Center
• Individual Career • ITU Recruiting
Counseling Job Listings
• Drop-ins Resume Match
• Workshops On-campus
Interviews
• Career Assessment
Tools
• Mock Interviews
• Career Resource Library
• Career Fairs

3. Agenda
• Purpose of a resume
• Resume formats
• Sections of a resume
• What not to include in a resume
• References

4. Purpose of a Resume
• Introduction to employer
• Personal advertisement
• Get you an interview

5. Basic Formats for Resumes
• Chronological
• Reverse Date Order
• Functional
• Grouped by Skill Category

6. Components of a Resume
Necessary Information: Optional Information:
• Contact information • Objective
• Course highlights
• Education
• Projects/research
• Experience (tasks, skills • Computer skills
learned) • Foreign languages
• Honors/awards
• Volunteer work /
community service
• Activities/Interests
Many more…

7. Contact Information
• Name
• Address: Campus/Permanent
• Telephone number
• Email address

8. Objective
• Convey a match between you and the position
• Communicate what you have to offer
• Identify skills that will benefit the organization/industry
• Tailor your objective to the job/field
Example:
“Seeking an internship with XYZ Corporation in which
I can utilize my proven leadership abilities and
recognized customer service skills.”

9. Education
List formal education with the highest degree first
• Optional Information:
• Include: – Minor/Concentrati
on
– Institution
– Dean’s List
– City, State – Grade Point
– Degree Average
– Major title – Exchange
– Graduation date programs*
– Dissertation or
Thesis*
– Honors, awards, sc
holarships*

10. Experience
• Full-time, part-time, volunteer, or internship
• List in reverse chronological order
• May use “Related Experience” section
• Need to include:
Name of employer
City, State, and dates of employment/participation
Position titles
Position description

11. Position Description
• Demonstrate achievements, knowledge, skills, highlights,
and responsibilities related to the position
• Use action verbs: use past and present tense consistently
and accurately
• Break up large blocks of texts with bullets

12. Accomplishment Statements
Two parts:
• The results or benefits that came as a result of your
work. These results/benefits should be stated in terms
of the value added, and in as tangible and quantified a
manner as possible.
• The action you took to achieve those
benefits/results. (What steps you took or what
techniques you used)

13. Accomplishment Statements
• Benefits
• Much better awareness of the skills and abilities that
will be the foundation for your job search.
• Concrete credibility for everything you claim in the
way of qualifications and abilities. You will have
simple documentation of the value you can bring to an
employer.
• Greater confidence in presenting yourself to potential
employers. You will understand better that you are not
"asking for a job," but rather you are offering a
contribution to an employer.

14. Accomplishment Statements
- Increased profits -Received an award
- Reduced errors -Found a new opportunity
- Reduced losses -Accomplished more with
- Improved teamwork the same
- Made things easier - Prevented a problem
- Sped things up - Provided new resources
- Foresaw a problem - Developed a new
- Found an easier solution procedure
- Overcame obstacles

15. Examples
• "Saved $60 a year in service charges by proposing and
acquiring a checking account at a new bank for College
Council."
• " Instituted residence hall tutoring program that increased
average overall GPA from a 2.9 to a 3.3."
• " Increased membership in ABC student club by 50%
through creative advertising."
• "Presented training for new campus-wide email system to
approximately 30% of the student body."

16. Special Categories
• Course highlights
• Projects/research
• Research awards
• Certifications
• Computer skills
• Foreign language proficiency
• Special skills
• Volunteering / community involvement
• Leadership activities
• Honors, scholarships, awards
• Activities, interests

17. Interests and Activities
• Association memberships
• Academic/social clubs
• Athletic teams
• Hobbies
• Include offices elected to and contributions made to the
organization
• Select your interests and activities carefully

18. What NOT to Include
• Salary requirements or previous salaries
• Name or contact information of supervisors
• Personal information (e.g. birth date, marital status, health
status, picture, etc.)
• References - place them on a separate sheet
Note: if applying for jobs outside of the US, these may not
necessarily apply – do your research!

19. Points to Remember
• Use vocabulary of your field or industry
• Use concise phrases
• Use numbers to quantify achievements
• Avoid long paragraphs
• Omit personal pronouns (I, we, he, she, you)
• Action verbs

20. Points to Remember (cont.)
• Use bolding, italics, and underlining to highlight
or separate sections
• Margins should be ½ inch to 1 inch
• One page length is standard
• Use only one side of the paper
• Laser print on quality paper

21. References
• Have at least three references
• Ask before using someone as a reference
• Give resumes to your references and keep them
informed of your progress
• Things to include on reference sheet:
• Your contact information (same format as on resume is
recommended)
• Name of reference, company or
organization, address, phone number, and email
address

22. A Strong Cover Letter
• A Strong Cover Letter are targeted to employers
and specific jobs
• Promotes your abilities
• Looks organized and professional
• Enthusiastic and conveys interest
• Clear and concise articulation of skills
• Error-free

23. Components of a Cover Letter
•Your contact information
•Date
•Employers’ contact information
•Salutation
•Introductory paragraph
• Body of letter: one or more paragraphs connecting your
skills to employer needs
• Conclusion
• Closing
• Signature, if in paper format

24. Opening Paragraph
• Why are you writing?
• What position are you applying for?
• How did you hear of the opening or organization?
Example: Dr. Anderson in the Anthropology Department at
International Technological University recommended that
I contact you. I would like to apply for the archaeology
internship available in your office.

25. Middle Paragraph(s)
• Explain interest in working for this employer and reasons
for desiring this position
• Do NOT iterate entire resume; rather expand on one or
two areas that reflect relevant skills learned
• Emphasize skills or abilities that relate to the job
• Express confidence and enthusiasm

26. Final Paragraph
• Persistent, businesslike closing statement
• Indicate desire for a personal interview
• Example: I will call you on [date] to discuss this career
opportunity with [name of organization].
• “Thank you” for consideration
Closing:
Sincerely,
Sign name
Type name
Enclosure

27. Cover Letter Tips
• Address letter to a specific person if possible
• One page only
• Use industry “buzz words”
• Follow through with employer
• Let them know you have done your homework
• Say something flattering about the organization
(e.g.: “Energy Plus has an excellent reputation locally for
customer satisfaction, and I would like to become part of
your customer service team.”)

28. Good Luck!
Let us know how else we can help you!
Student Success Center
Host: Sarah-Lynn Brunner
bsarahlynn@itu.edu
http://csc.itu.edu/