YouYou on Paper on Paper

Resume Writing Tips for Resume Writing Tips for NewbiesNewbies

University of Santo TomasUniversity of Santo TomasGuidance and Counseling DepartmentGuidance and Counseling Department

What is a resume?

• a marketing piece or an advertisement of yourself

• In the academic field, a resume is called vitae, and it includes all published works

• not an autobiography• not personal in the sense of describing your

private life

Purpose of a resumePurpose of a resume

• Impress a potential employer and get you Impress a potential employer and get you an interviewan interview• Forces you to gather and clarify self-Forces you to gather and clarify self-

informationinformation• Lets you present yourself in the most Lets you present yourself in the most

favorable wayfavorable way

Resume RequirementsResume Requirements

• Neat, professional appearance, Neat, professional appearance, must be in typefacemust be in typeface• No negative information is givenNo negative information is given• All words are spelled correctlyAll words are spelled correctly• Brief contentBrief content• Writing is clear, concise, and easy to readWriting is clear, concise, and easy to read• All information is trueAll information is true

Formats of Resume

1. Chronological format follows a time sequence and emphasizes dates

Positions are described beginning with the present or most recent, regardless of how relevant they are.

Formats of Resume

1. Chronological format

Advantages Disadvantages

• most common, employers are comfortable with it

• several jobs within a particular time frame

• focuses on a major asset if work history is stable

• jobs of short duration

• achievement is evident • unexplained gaps in your work history

Formats of Resume

2. Functional format Emphasizes experience and skills, not dates

Chronological dates are not required , value of the experiences is prioritized

Formats of Resume2. Functional format

Advantages Disadvantage

• opportunity to highlight what you can do

• dates are not emphasized

• unexplained gaps or several jobs of short duration are not evident

• relevant experiences are described first even if they occurred early in your work history

• skills that are assets for the particular position can be grouped together.

Formats of Resume

3. Combination format Both chronological and functional Skills and experiences are functionally

highlighted, followed by a brief chronological listing of employment history

Writing TIPS

Name, address, telephone number must be written

A second telephone number may be included Email address (formal)

diovienavarra@yahoo.comX angprettyko@yahoo.com

Writing TIPS

Your name should stand out capitalized or bold fontEx. DIOVIE C. NAVARRA DIOVIE C. NAVARRA leave a space between each letter J O C E L Y N A. V I L L A R E A L or J O C E L Y N A. V I L L A R E A L

Writing TIPS

Career objective or cover letter? o If you believe an objective will help you get the

interview, write one that is clear and unique.o Otherwise, write a cover letter to define goals.

Work history or education?o It depends. Find out which will be more

impressive to a potential employer.

Writing TIPS

Educationo You can abbreviate your degree since most are

familiar with the common ones (ex. B.A., B.S., M.A. M.S., and Ph.D.)

o Degree or diploma Major field of study Name and location of educational institutiono Begin with your highest degreeo High school may or may not be included

Writing TIPS

Employmento Job or position titleo Employer name and location (exact address is not

necessary)o Inclusive dateso Brief duties and responsibilities

Writing TIPS

Affiliationso List only those which are relevanto Keep in mind that employers are interested only

in the ones that are assets for the positiono Include licenses and certifications

Writing TIPS

Types of wordings to be usedo Telegraphic phraseso Use specific action words o Be consistent o Do not abbreviate

Writing TIPS References

o You may write References available upon request References furnished upon request

o You may write 3 references Name Position Employer / affiliation Contact information (business telephone number, cellphone number, email address)

*** Ask permission first.

Writing TIPS Avoid:

o including personal data in the resumeo salary history or expectationso reasons for leaving past job/so hobbies and leisure time activities unless these are

definite assets (if so, include when listing skills or accomplishments)

o Social Security numbero using colorful/perfumed paper

Readability is important

Experience must be highlighted

Sell your competencies

Use action words

Market yourself through the resume

Education and training count

Resume Format

Font: Century GothicFont size: 11 (14 for Name only)Picture: pastedSpacing: Single (Double in between major divisions)Pages: 2 (maximum)

NAMEAddressContact Information (Landline no./Cellphone no./E-mail)

Power Statement / Career Objective (no heading)• less than 25 words• characteristic + position desired + what you can contribute to the company

e.g. dynamic, honest, committed Thomasian seeking a position in your company

EDUCATION

University of Santo Tomas Inclusive DatesCourseHonors Received (if any)

Name of School Inclusive DatesSecondary EducationHonors Received (if any)

WORK EXPERIENCE / TRAININGS ATTENDED

Company Inclusive Dates Position

• duties / responsibilities• always start with a verb• past tense form

EXTRA-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT

OrganizationPosition Inclusive Dates

• college organizations only• may include organizations outside of the university• accomplishments in the organization

SKILLS• bullet form• hard skills first

communication skills (written and oral) computer language / technical skills languages

• soft skills team player leadership

• use words such as, excellent, above-average, proficient, knowledgeable• list skills relevant to the position

SEMINARS ATTENDEDTitle, Organization, Institution, Date

REFERENCESName Designation, Company Office No.

SAMPLE RESUME

KAREN PAMELA V. DOMPOR3 Rissa St., Liamson Subd., Sta. Lucia, Pasig City(632)1234567 / (632)9271234567 / kampidompor@yahoo.com

A dynamic, honest, committed Thomasian seeking a position in your company to gain experience and knowledge in the field of Psychology through the application and utilization of acquired concepts, theories and skills with the aim of contributing to the growth of the company

EDUCATIONUniversity of Santo Tomas 2007 – 2011 BS PsychologyCum Laude

St. Paul College, Pasig 2003 – 2007 Secondary EducationSalutatorian

WORK EXPERIENCE / TRAININGS ATTENDED

La Salle Greenhills June – October 2010 Guidance Counselor

• gave personal, social and educational guidance counseling to students either individually or by groups• administered, evaluated and interpreted psychological test results to students, and disseminated psychological test results to students, parents and teachers• planned and implemented special group guidance sessions and orientation programs• facilitated homeroom guidance classes• updated students’ cumulative folders

EXTRA-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT

ScarletVice President 2009 – 2011

Rotaract 2008 – 2009 Member

SKILLS

• proficient in psychological test interpretation • excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the vernacular• knowledgeable in computer applications and software• ability to multi-task• client-centered focus• team player mentality• strong commitment to delivering exemplary service

SEMINARS ATTENDED

EDSOR Leadership for Peace Conference EDSA Consortium of SchoolsImmaculate Conception AcademyNovember 28 – 30, 2009

REFERENCES

Prof. Lucila O. Bance, Ph.D.Director, Department of Guidance and Counseling, University of Santo Tomas(632)1234567 loc. 1234

Ms. Mary Ann J. Sunga-Vargas, Ph.D.Professor, Psychology Department, University of Santo Tomas(632)1234567

Sr. Luisa Maria Chavez, SPCChair, Guidance Center, St. Paul College, Pasig(632)1234567

Cover/Application Letter

Cover/Application Letter

-A business–like written response to an existing job opening, highlighting one’s qualification for the job or service.

KEEP YOUR MAIN BODY GENERALLY TO 2 OR 3 PARAGRAPHS•The 1st paragraph describes your interest in the position and why you want it•The 2nd & 3rd paragraphs give a brief idea about your skills, abilities and capacities.•Each paragraph should generally have only around 2 to 3 sentences each.

GIVE A DYNAMIC INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE•Instead of the usual “ would like to apply for…” you can start off with “I read with interest your advertisement about your need for a Management Trainee…”

SHOW YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE COMPANY YOU’RE APPLYING FOR OR THE LINE OF BUSINESS IT ENGAGES IN•This is not just to impress the job interviewer; this also shows your knowledge about the work you’re interested in

DESCRIBE WHAT YOU CAN OFFER, NOT ONLY WHAT YOU WANT FROM THEM•State what you can offer to the company in terms of skills and services. You may also add how it can be an asset to the company

DATE

COMPLETE NAME OF THE ADDRESSEEJOB TITLENAME OF THE COMPANYCOMPLETE COMPANY ADDRESS

SALUTATION: (e.g. Dear Mr. or Ms. Surname:)

FIRST PARAGRAPH: State the source of the job vacancy (There are 2 kinds: Solicited – in response to an advertisement and Unsolicited – known or written at the suggestion of someone who knows of the vacancy). Also indicate the reason for writing, and a brief description of yourself.

SECOND PARAGRAPH: Highlight enclosed resume and expand on material from the resume that is relevant to that particular position you are applying for.

THIRD PARAGRAPH: Express interest to make a follow-up. Make a possible arrangement for a personal interview.

Always say, “Thank you” at the end of the letter.

COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE: (e.g. Respectfully yours, etc.)

(Triple Space)

COMPLETE NAME(Signed Over Printed Name)

February 1, 2011

MR. JAMES MADRIGALRecruitment SupervisorABC Company2401 Taft Avenue, Manila

Dear Mr. Madrigal:

Your advertisement in yesterday’s Bulletin Today for an Administrative Assistant position prompted me to offer my qualifications for this position. I will be graduating in March 2011 at Manila University .

I am confident that I would be able to make a worthwhile contribution in a demanding and fast-paced business industry. My extra-curricular activities demonstrate that I am at ease in positions of responsibility and in dealing with various people. As a result of my on-the-job training, I have focused my interest on business, as it requires analytic and people-oriented skills.

May I be given the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in detail? I am available for interview at your most convenient time. You can contact me at (02) 4759768 or at 0916–4590863 or you may e-mail me at juan_delacruz@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,Mr. Juan Dela Cruz

Thank you!