Career DEVELOPMENT @ tcc

Resume - A Picture of You

YOUR RESUME IS A PICTURE OF YOU

Hundreds of resumes cross employers' desks every working day. Each has about 10 seconds to make an impression on the employer.  The resume must communicate to the employer what you can do for him/her. Its primary function is to help you get a job interview by SUPPORTING THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO A CERTAIN JOB.  It tells the employer who you are, what you know and what you have done.

A good resume ...

• is a marketing tool
• about the job hunter (not the job hunter's work history)
• focuses on the future (not the past)
• concise summary of your qualifications and experiences
• focuses on achievements and accomplishments (not on job descriptions)
• documents and prioritizes skills the job hunter enjoys using (not skills they had to use)

• targeted to a specific job or career goal

• will motivate an employer to want to meet with you

A good resume is not ...

• informal, lengthy, unfocused, lacking in pertinent detail or overblown
• a good job search tool (it will only open the door for an interview, not get you hired)
• an autobiography or detailed history of your life (include only the information that will tell an employer why they should hire you for the job they are trying to fill)

A resume is your opportunity to create a first impression which highlights your strengths to an employer. From this impression, the prospective employer will decide whether or not to interview you.

Be sure your resume is:

• Well-written. No spelling or grammatical mistakes. Keep it clear and concise. Have someone proofread your resume before you give it to an employer. Use your dictionary or your spell check.
• Proper Length. One page. As a rule, two page resumes are acceptable when you have over ten years of experience. Employers prefer to read only one page.
• Attractive. Typed and professional in appearance. An employer should be able to glance over the resume and read the main points.
• Relevant. Include only information having to do with the job you are seeking or your career goals.
• Personalized. There is not one correct way to write a resume. Use the style and format that best reflects your goals and accomplishments.
• Appropriate. Information and format must conform to employer expectations. There are specific requirements for electronic resumes that differ from traditional resumes.
• Balanced. Include only data that will help you get an interview. Eliminate any information that may not act in your favor such as age, religious affiliation, etc. Always ask your-self the question, "Will this bit of data help get an interview?" If not, do not use it.

What should be included in a resume?