Transcript OCI Resume Workshop

Resume Writing
Bridget Kenadjian
Focus & Purpose of Resume
I. Focus
a. Concise Summary of Qualifications
b. Employer – Centered
c. Targeted/Customized
II. Purpose
General Writing Principles
I. Keeping the Goal in Mind
a. Objective drives the content &
focus
b. How to write one
General Writing Principles
II. Content & Order
a. Headings & Experiences to Include
b. Order of Headings
c. Additional Headings for Academic
Positions: Curriculum Vitae – will
discuss later
General Writing Principles
III. Writing Style
a. Action & Skill Verbs
b. Short Phrases – paragraph or
bullet format
c. Drop the Jargon
d. Proofread . . . Not Just Spell
Check!
General Writing Principles
IV. Skills & Accomplishments
a. Quantify & Qualify Experiences:
(STAR Technique or PAR)
b. Be Specific in Descriptions
c. Keep Your Audience in Mind
d. Translation is Required:
Transferable Skills
General Writing Principles
V. Appearance & Format
a. Use Resume Samples as a Resource
b. Avoid Templates – You are Unique
c. Formatting is Important
d. Formatting Tips to Remember
General Writing Principles
VI. What NOT to Include
a. References available
b. Adjectives describing
oneself
c. Hot button issues
d. Personal section
Resume Styles
I.
Chronological
II. Functional
III. Combination
Chronological Resume
I.
What is it?
a. Positions listed in reverse
chronological order – most recent first
II.
When to use it?
a. If staying in the same field of work.
Functional Resume
I.
What is it?
a. A resume that lists accomplishments
by major skill headings, rather than by
employer and job title.
II. When to use it?
a. Best used when changing career
fields and when minimizing major gaps
in employment history.
Combination Resume
I.
What is it?
a. A resume in reverse chronological
order with functional/skills categories.
II. When to use it?
a. If changing fields or to minimize
employment gaps.
Possible Cultural Differences
I. Don’t assume the employer knows
what you did: spell it out – this is
not the time to be modest.
II. Your resume is a
marketing tool
III. What can you do
for me?
What is a CV vs. a Resume?
I.
Resume: brief summary of abilities,
education, experience, skills &
accomplishments related to job
II. CV: comprehensive, biographical
statement of professional qualifications
and activities as related to the search for
an academic or faculty job
Common CV Sections
• Contact Information
• Education
• Teaching Experience
• Professional Experience
• Publications: scholarly, relate to your field
• Certifications/Special Training
• Presentations: state/national
• Institutional Service (e.g. committees)
• Awards & Honors
Common CV Sections
• Community Involvement
• Board Commitments/Leadership
• Grants Written/Research Experience
• Assistantships/Fellowships
• Professional Association Memberships
Who Needs a CV?
I.
Applying to graduate programs
II. Scientists, physicians, attorneys
III. Seeking positions in Higher Education:
faculty/adjunct faculty
IV. Conducting an international job search:
know the culture and requirements
Other CV Considerations
I. Length: Most are 2-4 pages; some
up to 40 pages
II. Don’t need an objective or a
summary
III. Only use a CV when requested
IV. Ask someone to PROOFREAD your
CV