Résumé Writing Skills for the Health Science Professional HS 496 Mike Major, SPHR Director...

Résumé Writing Skills for the

Health Science Professional

HS 496Mike Major, SPHR

DirectorCareer Services

Who is your competition?

www.svsu.edu/careers

Winning Résumés


What is the purpose of a resume?


What will you bring to the organization?

Do you have the skills necessary to do the work?

Do you have the experience that the organization desires?

Value Proposition


Layout Primer Eyes tracing

Down From left to right

Use of bold Use of italics White space Clear headings No large text blocks Use of bullets


436 Business Communication Quarterly 76(4)

Figure 1. The “F”-pattern reading area for resume design is based on eye-tracking research(Nielsen 2006; see also Shrestha & Lenz, 2007; Shrestha et al., 2008).Note. The most important information should appear within or near the gray areas that compose aresume’s “F-zone.”

Bold Name356CyprusAvenue,AnyCity,AC 03200 999-888-7777

[email protected]

The most important information that potentialemployers shouldremember aboutyou should goin theF-zone—thegray areas of this page.

prepare one résumé and not worry about whether it will be read on a screen or onpaper, diminishing the need for a separate “scannable” résumé. The following updatedbest practices rely on this research as well as research about employers’ preferredrésumé structures, as described earlier.


Diaz 437

Figure 2. A paper-based resume designed to be read on-screen or on paper.Note. Johnson uses the F-zone to highlight her professional writing education, courses, and internship.

JENNIFER JACOBSON123 Main Street, Old Town, ME 04468

(999) 123-4567 [email protected]

EDUCATIONUniversity of Maine Orono, ME

Major: English Graduation: May 2012Concentration: Professional and GPA: 3.4

Technical WritingEXPERIENCEOregg, Ltd. , Lowell, MAIntern for Information Development June 2012-present•

programs• • Prepare documents for different audiences, including users, administrators, and

developers• • Design and provide programming examples, graphics, developer-intro talks (Java, Eclipse,

PowerPoint)Repair.com VirtualWriter August-December 2011• • Designed and wrote a repair manual for small electronic device• • Used small tools to replace battery, screen, and keypad• • Worked collaboratively with team of writers and designersFreelance Graphic Designer Orono, ME“How to be One Cool Kid” Spring 2011• • Designed and created an instructional infographic using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop• • Inspired children’s audience through colorful comic-book style instructionsRecords Technician Orono, MEUniversity Admissions Office Fall 2011-Spring 2012• • Adapt to change and manage projects on a daily basis• • Use extensive knowledge of University databases to help potential

students on phone and through email• • Answered telephone and responded to email messages from parents

and potential studentsStudent Assistant Orono, MEUniversity Admissions Office Fall 2010-Spring 2011• • Answered telephone and routed phone calls appropriately• • Made changes to documents using InDesign and PowerPointSKILLSMicrosoft Word and Excel Adobe InDesignAdobe Acrobat Editing tools Adobe Photoshop

RELEVANT COURSEWORKTechnical Editing Business &Technical WritingProposals and Reports PersuasiveWr


Name and Contact Information Objective Education Relevant (Fieldwork) Experience Work Experience Community Involvement &

Accomplishments Computer/Technical Skills References

Standard Resume Headers


Making custom headers is

appropriate and sometimes a

great thing to do!

The order of your headers may change

based on RELEVANCE

Susan Student7400 Bay Road

University Center, MI 48710(989) 222-2222 (Cell) (989) 555-5555 (Home)

[email protected]://MikeMajor.foliotek.me

*cell only is appropriate

Name and Contact Information


http://mikemajor.foliotek.me/


Be aware of any “ring back” tones that callers may hear before you

answer.Many jobs are lost

because “cool” ring back tones are not

set properly.

Don’t “Rick Roll” away a chance your

dream job!

Objective/Personal Summary Be sure that it is customized specifically for each job that you are applying for “To apply my exceptional interpersonal,

creative and teamwork skills in the field of Health Science.” Too Vague

Study the Job Description to see what qualities they are looking for and accentuate those aspects of your professional capabilities www.svsu.edu/careers

Objective/Personal Summary “To apply my exceptional leadership,

interpersonal, and teamwork skills as an activities coordinator for the Barnikow Assisted Living Center.”

Being very specific in an objective statement is helpful when resumes go into a CENTRALIZED HR office with DECENTRALIZED hiring managers


It’s not always required. If you use one, make it count.

Objective


What is most important? Standard format

Bachelor of Science in Health Science Anticipated: May 2015

Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MIMinor: Political SciencePresident’s List: Eight semestersDeans’ List: Fall 2012, Winter 2013GPA: 3.55

Education


Importance of Effective Bullet Statements “A picture is worth 1,000 words”

Paint a picture in the employer’s mind

Statements should be clear, concise and detailed

“Presented to a group of students” vs.“Presented to a group of 35 college freshmen”


If this is like your resume, change it now!Fry CookMcDonald’s Restaurant

Helped customers Stocked shelves Used cash register Cleaned store Dealt with complaints

Referred to as “Level 1” Not very impressive Tasks implied by the title Add no value to resume


It is our recommendation that you do not use Level One bullet statements at any time on your résumé.


This is a little better, but still not great - Crew MemberMcDonald’s Restaurant Assisted customers in a warm and friendly

manner Stocked shelves during down times to ensure a

professional environment Processed financial transactions through the

cash register in a fast and efficient manner

Cleaned store to maintain an appealing atmosphere to enhance customer satisfaction

Referred to as Level Two Explain how or in what way you perform level

one tasks exceptionally well Additional duties that you initiated?


While it is acceptable to use Level Two bullet statements from time to time, you will not want to rely on these to earn you an interview.


“Say More with Less” Level Three Describe accomplishments and achievements Increase something good or decrease

something bad? Employers want individuals who will make a

difference Measurable

Created effective displays which increased monthly sales by 200% in a two-month period

Crew MemberMcDonald’s Restaurant

Earned Crew Member of the Month in June 2012 for consistently providing outstanding servicewww.svsu.edu/careers

Writing Level Three Bullet Statements How are the things you have done been

measured? What were the outcomes of projects? Think cause & effect Use words like “increased” and “decreased”:Any PositionAny Location, City, MI

Created _______ that led to ________ over a _____ period of time

Oversaw the development of _________ that resulted in ___________

Managed a team of ____ co-workers that _______

Processed over $___ worth of transactions over a ___ hour shift with a 100% accuracy ratewww.svsu.edu/careers

Possible Bullet Statements for Health Science Speak the language of your profession

Served on a team of volunteers that investigated alleged misconduct of service recipients

Assisted a multi-agency task force to promote healthy eating habits for youths around the Saginaw City area

Promoted to a part-time paid position from unpaid intern within six months of service

Conducted interviews with assault victims in a hospital setting within hours of their attack


What is most important? Use previous experiences that are relevant to the position you are

applying for: Acceptable format:

Health Science Fieldwork Experience Aug. 2013-Dec. 2013Innerlink, Saginaw, MI• Maintained case management for Transitional Living youth which included

counseling sessions, life skills training, scheduling appointments, transportation to/from locations, and tracking medication activity

• Prompted a change in the initial assessment to add a question about current medications

• Attended related professional and educational conferences along with several staff meetings

What kind of position could I consider this “relevant” for? Relevant Course work can also be listed in this section

Related Experience


Work Experience Match skill sets with new position Example:

Crew Member May 2010 – April 2013

McDonald’s Restaurant, Bay City, MI• Prepared 500 orders during the daily lunch hour • Effectively dealt with stressful situations in a team

environment


Highlight appropriate accomplishments Example:HONORS / AWARDS / ACTIVITIES

Volunteer, Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Midland May 2010 – Present* Received ultimate brother award by successfully logging over 1,000 hours of volunteer service, assisting four youths who all went on to attend collegeMember, Alpha Phi Omega Co-ed Service Fraternity Sept. 2011 – Present* Served as treasurer for an on-campus organization of over 50 members and $10,000 in resources that participated in over 10,000 hours of community service during the 2012-13 academic yearRecipient, SVSU Award for Excellence Scholarship Aug. 2010 – May 2014

Other Activities


Custom Headings are Appropriate: Intercollegiate Varsity Athletic

Experience On Campus Leadership Experience Volunteer Activities Study Abroad Experience Research and Publications Independent Study Field Work Observationswww.svsu.edu/

careers

INTERCOLLEGIATE VARSITY ATHLETIC EXPERIENCEMen’s Varsity Basketball Team 2012-PresentSaginaw Valley State University• Devoted 20 hours per week to athletics while carrying full

course load of 30 credits per year• Earned all-conference defensive team honors• NCAA Academic All-American

CAMPUS LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCERecruitment Chair, Delta Sigma Pi 2012-PresentMu Phi Chapter, Saginaw Valley State University• Led four recruitment activities that increased membership

from 25 to 40 members for a co-ed, professional business fraternity

• Coordinated the Relay For Life booth and organized 15 volunteers for 24 continuous hours, raising $6,954 for charity


Additional examples for a RSO Participant in a national service fraternity in which I perform

over ## hours of community service per year

Mentored new members on the culture and traditions of an organization with a rich history dating back to YEAR

Served as volunteer coordinator and successfully arranged over ## service hours in support of over ## events

Hosted team building exercises for ## members that fostered a closer bond among fraternity members

Completed leadership courses that covered topics including effective problem solving, conflict negotiation, ethics/moral implications and project management strategies

Many more examples possible based on YOUR experiences!www.svsu.edu/careers

Resumes – Two pages max (“old school” philosophers still say 1 page)

CVs – Longer, more elaborate, used in higher education, Federal jobs, graduate school Use the additional space with purpose Accomplishments / Achievements Do NOT include “tasks” that don’t add

value

Resumes vs. CVs


Depending on your skillset, this section may be one of the HIGHEST priorities, above “Work Experience”

COMPUTER / TECHNICAL SKILLSProgramming Languages: C++, Java, C, ASP.NET, SQLApplications: MS Visual Studio, EclipseBusiness Applications: Microsoft Excel Certified ProfessionalApplication Server: JBoss, TomcatGraphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite (all packages)Database Systems: SQL Server, MySQLCertifications: CCNA, Unicenter Certified Engineer

Computer / Technical Skills


Ask permission!! Choose wisely Keep your references informed of your job

searchDr. Someone Who-knowsyouwell, ProfessorDepartment of Health ScienceSaginaw Valley State University208 Health and Human Services Building7400 Bay RoadUniversity Center, MI 48710(989) 964-4000 (Office)[email protected]

References


DASH INCONSISTENCIES / DATES NOT LINING UP / SPELLING OUT SOME MONTHS BUT NOT ALL

Volunteer, Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Midland May 2006-PresentMember, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity Sept. 2012 – PresentRecipient, SVSU Award for Excellence Scholarship Aug. 2011 - May 2012

Marketing Project, Saginaw Valley State Tennis Jan. 2011 –May 2012 Volunteer, Sparky Stec Charities Jan. 2011 to December 2012

Common Resume Errors


PERIODS USED WITH SOME (BUT NOT ALL BULLETS) / DIFFERENT FONT STYLE / COLOR / SIZES ON RESUMES

Men’s Varsity Basketball Team 2012 thru PresentSaginaw Valley State University• Devoted 20 hours per week to athletics while carrying full

course load of 30 credits per year.• Earned all-conference defensive team honors

Not listing an actual SVSU major/degree Not listing anticipated graduation date Putting SVSU in “Saginaw”

Bachelor of History 2011 – Present Bachelor of AccountancySaginaw Valley State University, Saginaw, MIMinor: Political SciencePresident’s List: Eight semestersDeans’ List: Fall 2013, Winter 2014GPA: 3.55

More Common Errors


Will be read after résumé Emphasize characteristics that are

supported in résumé Keep it short and simple Personalize it to whatYou applied for!!!

Cover Letters


Pay attention to length requirements Grammar/Syntax must be perfect Does not summarize resume or write in

generalities (ie “I learned the value of hard work)

Avoid the “fluff” Do tell your personal story Do demonstrate a passion for the field AND

a desire to contribute http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/

Graduate School Essays


http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/



Top quality résumé & cover letter Use a professional voicemail message and email

address What’s on your FACEBOOK? Reply promptly to messages from potential

employers Networking! Are you on LinkedIn?

Earning the Interview


Boston Marathon bombing victim Halloween costume makes Michigan woman target on social media

A photograph posted to Alicia Lynch's Twitter account, @SomeSkankinMI, shows the Michigan woman wearing an SVSU race shirt with fake scars on her legs. The photograph has gained national attention and led to death threats following the costume tweet.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelzarrell/what-happens-when-you-dress-as-a-boston-marathon-victim

Manage your online presence

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2013/11/boston_marathon_bombing_victim.html



Review, review, review! Career Services

964-4954 Appointments with staff for review

SVSU Writing Center Faculty members Guidelines and Tutorials available:

http://www.svsu.edu/careers

Last words on documents…



Common Dress Code Mistakes

Don’t be THAT person!

MEN suits that don’t fit

properly and are wrinkled mismatched socks mismatched belt and

shoes facial hair that is not

trimmed or shaven properly

inappropriate ties strong scented cologne

WOMEN skirts that are too short strong scented perfume too much make-up no hosiery with skirts lack of hygiene improper jewelry large, mismatched purse


Research the organization Internet – how do they present themselves? Contact HR for company packet Assess culture through current employees

Prepare copies of résumé Select or purchase proper attire Develop sample questions and answers Videotape practice interview

Preparation before the Interview


Firm handshake Eye contact Posture and grace Do not sit until offered a seat Greet everyone you meet with a smile,

introduction & handshake Treat everyone as though they are a decision

maker

General Rules of Etiquette


Step 1: Introductory State First impressions are made Building a rapport

Step 2: Review your qualifications 30 Second Pitch Focus on your strengths & skills Use your research and establish that you are a

good fit in their culture Give concise and thorough responses

Interview Process


Step 3: Matching Will you fit in the corporate culture Are you coach-able Do you have the passion and drive to be

successful in the position Interviewer may explain job in detail

Step 4: Conclusion Ask questions and discuss selection timeline Collect business cards for writing thank you

notes

Interview Process


Situation Briefly provide a broad description of the background where

your example is taking place Task

Share more details about the problem, challenge, or task that you needed to address

Action Describe several possible courses of action and explain why

the one you chose was best. Give details that illustrate what you were like in action

Result Analyze the outcome of your action and the resolution of the

situation. Indicate whether or not you would follow the same course in the future

S.T.A.R Approach


Interact with the entire panel1. Make direct eye contact with the individual

asking the question2. Begin by directly responding to the interviewer 3. Make eye contact with remaining panel

members as you answer4. Finish response with initial interviewer

Steps for Managing an Interview


Resources available from Career Services Resume and cover letter building and critiques

Online Tutorials Resume, Cover Letter, Interviewing, Job Search

Strategies Mock interviews and interview coaching Network development Career fairs on campus exclusively for SVSU

students to network with potential employers Internship/Co-op advising Job search strategies Developing personal brand On-campus student employment


Cardinal Career Network


Career Services


Cardinal Career Network Activity Summary (JULY 1, 2014 – JUNE 30, 2015)

Total Employers 5,609 (+16%)

New Employers* 791

Total Contacts 9,764 (+21%)

New Contacts* 1,690

Total External Jobs Posted* 8,034

Unique Student/Alumni Logins* 6,491

Total External Job Views* 245,658

As of 9/4/15

we have 5,761

employers

Career Services


Login at http://www.svsu.edu/careers Cardinal Job Postings

Recruited / posted exclusively for SVSU NACElink Extended Job Search

National Association of Colleges & Employers

Create Job Search Agents Personalize resumes/cover letters for

positions that accept them in CCN

Cardinal Career Network Tips



T H A N K Y O U

[email protected]

www.svsu.edu/careers 52

Résumé Writing Skills for the Health Science Professional HS 496 Mike Major, SPHR Director...

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