How to Write a Resumé

Your resume is your marketing tool.  The resume will not get you a job, but it may get you an interview.  There are several formats for resumes.  There is no perfect formula. 

• Always remember everything in your resume needs to be focused toward the job you are trying to obtain.
• You may have several different resumes—a paper version called a “presentation” resume, a plain text version to e-mail, one for scanning, and a HTML version if you have a webpage. 

What to include in your resumé

HEADING: Center your name, address, city, state, zip code, and phone number.  Include e-mail address and your webpage address if applicable.

JOB OBJECTIVE:  State your job goal as clearly as possible.  Be specific.  Do not be vague.
Example-specific: "Seeking a position as a computer programmer."  Or “Computer Programmer."
Example-too vague:   "Looking for a position that offers opportunities for advancement."

QUALIFICATIONS:  List the strongest qualities you have that qualify you for the job you want, such as computer knowledge, communication skills, leadership, etc.  Each item needs to link you with the position for which you are applying.  This is a very effective section, especially if you are applying for a job in which you have little or no work experience.

EXPERIENCE:  List your most recent job first and then list earlier jobs in reverse chronological order. Include company name, city, state, dates of employment by year (Example: 2009-2010), and your position or title. Give a brief description of your job duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments.  The job description should be two-three lines in length or use bullet points.  Your work history can be limited to the past ten years.  You may go beyond that time frame if you feel it will help you obtain the job.  Again, list all job descriptions that will focus your past toward the job for which you are applying.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:  List your most recent educational experience first. Include school name, city, state, name of degree, major, and GPA if higher than 3.0.  If you have not yet received a degree, then you may list some of the courses taken if they are related to the job for which you are searching.  Do not list your high school education unless you received honors or awards, or you have no college education to list. 

ASSOCIATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND VOLUNTEER WORK:
Special sections such as these can be adapted to your specific situation.  List college or outside activities in which you are, or have been, involved.  Be sure to list any memberships with professional organizations or clubs.  List any offices you held with these organizations.  In this section you may also list any honors, achievements, or scholarships.  List volunteer experience in the same manner as you listed paid work experience.  List any awards or certifications that you may have received during past employment including the company name and award received.

REFERENCES:  Simply state "References and Additional Information Available Upon Request" or do not include this section.  Companies will request the information if required.  Use a separate page for your references.
Be sure to ask permission before you list anyone as a reference.  You may be quite embarrassed if you do not!

Sample Resumé

Casey Smith
1289 Main Street
Dallas, Texas 75289
214-584-6839
E-mail: casey_smith@aol.com

OBJECTIVE:   Administrative Assistant

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Microsoft Office—Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
• 10-key by touch
• File management                                           
• Professional telephone skills; multi-line phones
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Work cooperatively with a wide range of personalities

EDUCATION:

EXPERIENCE

Administrative Assistant
A & B Real Estate: Dallas, Texas  2010 – Present
Greet clients, answer phones, prepare correspondence,  schedule appointments and locate files for ten real estate agents, and assist with showing homes to potential buyers.

Student Assistant--Social Science Division
Tyler Junior College:  Tyler, Texas  2009 – 2010
Greet visitors to the office, answer multi-line phones, type documents for fifteen faculty members using Microsoft Word, filing, and other general office duties.

MEMBERSHIPS

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

References Available Upon Request.

How To Write A Cover Letter

Everyone who sends out a resume should include a cover letter.  If a resume is e-mailed, the cover letter can be the body of the e-mail message or attached as a separate document.  A well-written cover letter can get the employer’s attention and motivate him/her to read your resume carefully.  Before you write your letter, you should carefully research the organization, easily done using Google.  Recruiters complain about job seekers’ lack of knowledge about their organization. Keep the letter brief, yet informative; never more than one page.  Comment on what you like about the company and the job based on the research you’ve done.  Express how you can benefit the company. The following format is suggested.

Format

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip

Date of Writing

Name and Title of Person
Name of Company
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear _______:   (Address the letter to the person who could hire you.  If no contact name is known, you may state "Dear Manager.”)

First Paragraph—Introduction:  Identify the position for which you are applying and how you heard about the opening.  Describe why you are interested in that particular position.

Second Paragraph—Specifics:  Show that you know something about the company and the research based on the research you’ve done.  Connect how your past employment, skills and knowledge will benefit the company and would make you a desirable employee.  Be specific and present concrete proof that will support your presentation of your qualifications.   Use terms and phrases that are meaningful to the employer.  If you are applying for an advertised position, use the requirements in the ad and put them in bold type.

Third Paragraph—Closing:  State that you would like to meet with the person to discuss your qualifications for the position and that you will follow up with a phone call during a specific time frame.  Thank the person for reviewing your resume.  Provide phone numbers and e-mail addresses where you may be reached.  (Very Important Hint:  Be sure your answering machine or voice mail has a professional greeting without any music!)

Sincerely,

(Leave 4 blank lines here for your signature.  Sign your name in black or dark blue ink.)

Your typed name

Sample Cover Letter

Casey Smith
4700 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 751256

February 20, 2011

Barbara J. Smithgood
Director of Human Resources
J.B. Matherly Consulting
5901 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201

Dear Ms. Smithgood:

I am interested in the entry-level computer programming position you currently have listed with the Dallas County Community College District job listing system.  While researching companies in the Dallas area, J.B. Matherly Consulting emerged as having a strong organization, an excellent training program, and a solid reputation.  This position seems to fit very well with my education, experience, and career interests.  I would like to take this opportunity to present my qualifications to you.

I completed my Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Software Computer Programming/Developer at Eastfield College with a GPA of 3.8.  I have been recognized for my academic achievement through various awards and scholarships which are detailed in my enclosed resume.  My internship with Electronic Data Systems provided me with hands-on experience in programming using the latest languages and programs.  My experience there included mainframe and personal computer systems.  The time I spent at EDS confirmed my decision to pursue programming as a professional career.  

I would be pleased to have the opportunity to talk with you in person about this position and how my skills could be utilized at J.B. Matherly.  I will contact you in a week to discuss scheduling a possible interview time.  Should you wish to contact me, I can be reached at 806-321-4758 or by e-mail at Casey_Smith@aol.com. Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

 

Casey Smith

Enclosure

How To Write An Interview Thank You Letter

After an interview, you should always immediately write a thank you letter to the interviewer.  This always makes a good impression with employers.  Not sending a thank you letter also makes an impression, but not a good one!  Keep your letter brief and use it to remind the interviewer of the reasons why you are a good candidate for the position.  The letter may be a hand-written note or a business letter as shown below.

Format

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone

Date of Writing

Name and Title of Person
Name of Company
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear _______:   (You should always address the letter to the person with whom you interviewed.)

First paragraph:  Thank the person for the interview and restate the position for which you interviewed.  Once again, link a description of how and why you are qualified for that particular position.

Second paragraph:  Restate why you are interested in working for this employer and connect how your past employment and knowledge will benefit the company. Review some of the topics that were discussed in the interview.  Show the interviewer how the company can utilize your abilities. Use tangible proof that will back up your presentation of your qualifications.

Third paragraph:  Thank the person once again for the interview and then state any closing remarks to help you get the position.  Inform the interviewer of your desire to work for the company and your availability if he/she needs additional information or would like to set up another interview.  List phone numbers and e-mail addresses where you may be reached.

Sincerely,

(Leave 4 blank lines for your signature.  Sign your name in black or dark blue ink.)

Your typed name

Sample Interview Thank You Letter

Casey Smith
4700 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75256
806-321-4758

February 28, 2011

Barbara J. Smithgood
Director of Human Resources
J.B. Matherly Consulting
5901 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201

Dear Ms. Smithgood:

I would like to thank you for the interview this past Monday for the entry-level programming position at J.B. Matherly Consulting.  I truly appreciate the time and care you took in telling me about the job and learning more about me.  It was a pleasure talking with you and learning more about J.B. Matherly and its corporate culture.  I believe my qualifications and experience can be put to good use within your organization.

I believe my past two years of internship experience will benefit J.B. Matherly Consulting since I have utilized many of the computer programs which are currently in use including COBOL I and II, Oracle SQL and PL/SQL, and C++ Programming.  In addition to my qualifications and experience, I will bring excellent work habits and judgment to this position. With the countless demands on your time, I am sure that you require people who can be trusted to carry out their responsibilities with minimal supervision.

I look forward, Ms. Smithgood, to hearing from you concerning your hiring decision. Please feel free to contact me if you need more information about my qualifications.  I can be reached at 806-321-4758 or by e-mail at Casey_Smith@aol.com.  Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

 

Casey Smith

How To Write A Reference Page

Before listing anyone on your reference page, contact the person first and ask permission to list him/her as a reference.  Explain what position you are seeking and bring the person up to date on what you’ve been doing.   If possible, send your references a copy of your resume.  Failure to take this first step can lead to some embarrassing experiences.

List a minimum of three references.  References can be college instructors, former and current employers, or others who can attest to your skills, dependability. and ability to handle responsibility.

  Include as much as possible of the following information about each reference: Reference’s Name, Title, Company or Organization, Business Address, City, State, Zip, Business Telephone and E-mail address:

CASEY SMITH
4700 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75256
806-214-4758
E-mail: Casey_Smith@aol.com

 

REFERENCES

Dr. Julie Adams
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Alcatel-Lucent
1225 N. Alma Rd.
Richardson, TX 75081
972-999-4054
xxxxx@xxxx.com

Mr. Carlos Gonzales
Director of Human Resources
Electronic Data Systems
5400 Legacy Drive
Plano, Texas 75589
972-204-9000
xxxxx@xxxx.com

Dr. Drew Jones
Professor of Computer Science
Eastfield College
3737 Motley Drive
Mesquite, TX 75150
972-893-3853
wwwww@xxxx.edu

Provided by Eastfield College Career Exploration Room
3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite, TX 75150
Room C-138 Phone: (972)860-8310