Writing and

developing an
Effective
résumé!

Faheem Hasan Shahed, Ph.D.

Employers receive so may résumés
everyday…

How do you make an employer

notice yours?
 The 30-Second
Scan
In a 30-second scan of your
résumé, would an employer
find…

• Correct punctuation?
Spelling?
Grammar?
• Neat and well organized
information?
• Brief and concise
information?
• Clearly written
strengths and skills?
• Qualifications that
match the position’s
requirements?
Here are 9 common problems in
résumé that can harm your job
search.

Problem No. 1:
Too hard to read.

Problem No. 2:
Your accomplishments are
too vague.

Problem No. 3:
It’s poorly arranged.

Problem No. 4:
You’re missing the basics
– like your name and
contact information.

Problem No. 5:
You're selling yourself
short.
Here are 9 common problems
in résumé that can harm your
job search. (contd)

Problem No. 6:
Gaps in your work history.

Problem No. 7:
Inconsistencies.

Problem No. 8:
You say a whole lot of
nothing.

Problem No. 10:

Exaggerations.
 Résumé Formats
 Chronological résumé
-Experiences and education are in
reverse, chronological order
-Good choice if you have solid work
history
* Format most widely accepted by
employers*
 Functional
-Focuses on your functional skill
areas related to your job objective
-Usually focuses on three skill
areas or more
-Work history section may only
contain job titles
 Combination
(Chronological/Functional)
-Has skills, relevant experience ,
and/or other work experience
sections
* Most appropriate for recent graduates*
 Information
at the top of the résumé

• Use your full name

• List how you can be reached

• Provide campus and permanent

address if necessary

• Include home and work numbers

and a professional e-mail address

• Exercise caution before including

your mobile phone number if you
answer it in unprofessional places
 JOB / CAREER
OBJECTIV E

An objective is a statement
indicating what kind of
position you are looking for
and what you want to do
for the organization.

An objective gives direction and focus to

the résumé.

Objectives can be stated by…

Position sought
Skills you wish to use
Functions desired
Industry specifications
A combination of the above
 Education

• Full name of degree:

– Bachelor of Arts in Political
Science.
• Full name of School
• Location
• Date:
– Anticipated graduation June
2001
• GPA
 EDU CATI ON

List institutions in reverse

chronological order
High school is irrelevant once
you possess more education

Place activities and honors

under education rather than in
a separate section if they are
few

As experience relevant to the

job objective increases,
education becomes less
important.
In this case, experience is
typically listed before
education on the résumé.
 EXPERI EN CE

Experience should be listed in reverse

chronological order and should include
the following information:

POSITION TITLE, ORGANIZATION NAME, CITY,

STATE, DATES EMPLOYED ( Include months
unless this shows big gaps of
unemployment )
This section can include experience
gained frompart time or full
time jobs, volunteer work,
class projects, internship
etc. where you have
demonstrated or
learned skills or abilities.
 EXPERI EN CE

You may separate your experiences with

different headings if you would like to
highlight some of the following:

Education related experience

• Additional training, seminars, or
workshops
• Internships or practica
• Part-time work

or

Other experience
Other additional headings will follow
 Career Objective: Example

To obtain a challenging, entry-level

position in Broadcast Journalism, with
a special interest in reporting,
anchoring, and producing with a
commercial television station.

Detail-oriented BBA graduate

with excellent management,
leadership and interpersonal
skills seeking analyst position in
your company.

Dynamic public speaker-

presenter with advanced
technical knowledge seeking to
use my strengths into an entry
level position where I can
increase sales.
 Education & Coursework
Examples
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife & Fisheries
May 2003
Minor, Forestry
GPA: 3.5
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD

RELEVANT COURSE WORK:

Environmental Planning Ecology
Animal Physiology
Forest Science Dendrology
Herpetology
Genetics Plant Diseases Hydrology

______________________________OR _______________________________

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology
May 2003
Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD
GPA: 3.5

 Research: Female Eating Disorders and the

Media, Attention Deficit Disorder in Elementary
School Students
 Relevant Course Work: Research Methods I&II,
Introduction to Counseling, Child and Adolescent
Disorders, behavioral Approaches to Human
 Skills/Strengths…Highlights

 Titles can be: Skills Summary,

Highlight of Qualifications,
Strengths, Abilities.
 Skill sections that can be used:
organizational, interpersonal,
managerial, communication,
leadership, creative, and computer.

Examples:
Computer Skills:
- Systems: DOS, Windows, NT
- Software: Microsoft Suite, Netscape
- Database Management: Access, Excel,
FoxPro.

Skills Summary:
-Able to utilize communicative abilities to
coordinate efforts in a team environment.
- Efficient in organizing and creating group
activities to promote cohesiveness and
productivity.
- Act as leader to communicate delegation of
group tasks in order to accomplish goals
established by company.
 Sample Experiences

Relevant Experience:

Computer Science Tutor

September 2001 - May 2003
Student Support Services, Frostburg State
University
 Organized and scheduled tutor sessions for 50
students
 Designed practice exercises to help tutees
problem solve

Teaching Internship
January 2001- May 2001
Meyersdale High School, Meyersdale, PA
 Maintained daily attendance and evaluation
records
 Observed daily classroom activities for grades
8 and 9
 Monitored study halls

Summer Volunteer
August 2002
Deep Creek State Park, Oakland, MD
 Conducted nature tours for groups of over 50
campers
 Implemented concept of “Leave No Trace” to
 Experience
Examples

• “Motivated and supervised

eight sales staff to best
sales volume in 25 store
district.”
• “Developed
procedures/orientation
manual for community
services division.”
AD DITI ONAL résumé
SECTI ONS

Professional Certificates/Licenses
Skills or Abilities
Clinical or Specialized Experience
Publications/Theses
Major Accomplishments
Additional Training/Assistantships
Membership/Affiliations
Honors/Awards/Fellowships/Grants
Volunteer Experience
Language or Computer Skills
Community Service
Research Experience
Continuing Education
 Other Possible
Headings

• Interests
• Activities
• Honors/Awards
• Special Skills
• Leadership
• Volunteer
Activities
• Related
Experience
• Travel
• Certifications
 FU NCTI ONAL
résumé FO RMAT

The functional format is prepared to highlight

the qualifications and skills of an individual.
• 2-5 main skill areas are highlighted

Advantages
• De-emphasizes jobs
• Decreases responsibility repetition
• best used for career changer
• Used to highlight transferable skills
• Effective when you want to play up a
particular skills strength
• Allows the individual to de-emphasize
positions not related to career goals

Do not use a functional format when:

• You have performed a limited number of
functions
• When you want to emphasize promotions
 Combination résumés
Combines a reverse chronological work history
with a preceding work summary or outline of
functional skills related to your career objective.

Advantages
• Emphasizes relevant job skills and qualifications
at the beginning of the résumé

• Recommended for transitionary job seekers

• Can re-order your work experience under

section headings such as “Related Experience”
and “Other Experience”

Same disadvantages as functional résumés

 REBECCA CALDERWOOD
714 East 9th Street ~ Astoria, New York ~ 11222
Phone: (718) 434-7872 ~ E-mail: [email protected]

HEALTHCARE ADMINSTRATOR / PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Experienced administrator with a proven ability to run successful programs. Proficient at setting, expecting, and
achieving high standards of quality. Currently direct a facility regarded as a model program. Respected leader with
excellent team building, communication, and interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION

aster of Science in Health Administration, Hunter College, New York, NY 1990

achelor of Arts in Psychology, Union College, Schenectady, NY, 1984

MPLOYMENT

eartland Agency, Woodside, NY

irector, 1990 to present

dminister program that serves adults with disabilities. Manage $5 million in funding. Oversee more than 50
management, clinical, and direct care staff members. Devise systems for admission, discharge, organization, and
staffing. Monitor all facets of the 20,000 square foot plant and comply with OSHA standards. Ensure compliance
with NYS OMRDD Part 690, 633, 635, and 624 policies.

Key Accomplishments:

Fostered an environment of teamwork and cooperation that boosted staff morale.

Initiated a recruitment campaign that increased consumer enrollment from 73 to 129.

Undertook a classroom reorganization project that improved quality services and increased consumer
independence.

Developed a positive relationship with other departments so that all programs work toward common goals.

Set-up and chair the interagency Human Rights and Informed Consent committees.

Selected to direct a satellite program for geriatric consumers.

nited Samaritans, Flushing, NY

rogram Coordinator, 1985 to 1990

anaged department that received more than $2 million in funding. Hired, supervised, and evaluated professional and
support staff. Supervised the work activities of 350 consumers in the Extended Rehabilitation Department. Acted as
 résumé TIPS
• résumé Length
Don’t make your résumé too long
1 page preferred. If you extend to 2
pages, include your name and page
number on all subsequent sheets.

• Paper Size
Use standard size paper (8½ x 11)

• Paper Color
Choose white or ivory colored paper

• Font
Font: Times (New Roman) preferred
Font Size: 12 points preferred,
minimum 10.5
Exception: Your name can be up to
16 points

• PROOFREAD
• SPELL CHECK
• UPDATE
 Appearance
• Use standard 8.5” x
11” paper
• Select 20 lb. bond
paper in white or ivory
• Limit your resume to
one page…two pages
maximum
• Avoid fancy type
– Suggested sans serif
fonts: Arial or Tahoma
– Suggested serif fonts:
Times New Roman or CG
Times
– Suggest font size: 12 or
11 points
 Appearance
(cont.)
• Capitalize and bold section
headings so they stand out
• Keep a one-inch margin on
all four sides of the page
• Avoid “cute” artwork or
photos
• Double space between
sections
• Single space within sections
• Use bullets (•) or an asterisk
(*) at the beginning of a list
Use laser printing.
Use resume paper
white or off-white.
Absolutely NO
errors!!
 Appearance
(cont.)

• Proofread for
spelling and
grammar
• Proofread again!
Cover Letter Writing

• Contents of a Cover
Letter

• Tips and additional

pointers

• Sample Cover Letters

Contents of a Cover Letter

• Introduction:
– Tell them who you are
– State how you heard about
them and why you are
interested
• Body:
– Sell yourself and you
abilities
– Highlight key points of your
résumé relevant to the
position your applying for
– Explain how you intend to
contribute to their
organization
• Closing:
– Make it action-oriented
– State how they can reach
you
 John Balance
178 Green Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
(501) 555-5555

March 12, 2002

Pat Cummings
Human Resources Director
Any Corporation
1140 Main Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

Dear Ms. Cummings:

I am responding to your recent request in the Arkansas Democratic-Gazette for a Business Consultant. As
you can see from my current background and educational experience, I am a qualified candidate for this
position.

Currently, I am a faculty member in the Department of Management and Aviation Science at Henderson
State University. I am also engaged in several temporary assignments involving the installation, conversion,
and maintenance of automated accounting systems, troubleshooting, and training. I have working knowledge
of, and have taught several applications and operating systems. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of
electronic spreadsheets (1-2-3, Excel, Quattro, etc.), and word processing and accounting (Peachtree,
AccPac, Great Plains, MYOB, Quicken, Quickbooks,
One-Write Plus, etc.) in Windows, Mac, and traditional DOS (IBM/PC) environments.

In strategic market development, the ability to assess customer needs relative to overall market conditions
and to respond to them rapidly is critical for successful business development. Let me provide you with
innovative approaches to getting the job done based on action, not words.

I would like the opportunity to help you increase your value-added services and profitability. I look forward
to discussing this further.

Sincerely,

John Balance

Enc. résumé
 Thank You

ANY
Queries???