Transcript Introduction: First Impressions

RESUMES
THE PURPOSE:
TO GET THE INTERVIEW!
Presented by Graham Bottrel, Director of Career & Transfer Services
Harcum College
INTRODUCTION: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Your resume will be a reflection of you...
 A poorly composed resume will be perceived as
a potentially poor employee (no matter how
good you really are).
 A well-written resume can put you in the
running for an interview.
It’s all how you convey yourself on paper!!!
REFLECTION OF A SUCCESSFUL RESUME:
A resume in itself is not right or wrong; it’s the
visual aspect of the resume combined with
meeting the qualifications of the position which
makes it successful.
Ask Yourself…
Are you presenting yourself as an organized,
consistent, motivated person in your resume?
Do your skills, experience, and education match
what the employer is seeking?
MEASUREMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL RESUME:
You can determine if you have a successful
resume by asking yourself:
Am I getting calls for interviews?
If You Are Not Getting Callbacks…
1. You are not marketing yourself well.
2. Others have a stronger skill set or education.
3. You could be barking up the wrong tree.
THE BASICS OF A SUCCESSFUL RESUME:
-Typically, a resume should only be 1 page.
-Should look neat, concise, and be easy to read.
-Use only white or off-white paper for resume.
-Ensure all words are spelled correctly.
-Font: size of 10-12, type: Arial, Times New Roman
-Include relevant information only.
-Use action verbs; be sure to use proper tense.
RESUME FORMATS:
Reverse Chronological
Functional
-Focus is on work history and
dates.
-Focus is on skills, abilities,
and education.
-Organizes all information by
most recent to least recent
date.
-Organizes information by skills
(ie. Clinical, Laboratory, etc).
CHOOSING A FORMAT:
Reverse Chronological
Functional
Commonly used by new grads
-Progressed up and are looking
for a career advancement.
-Continuous work history in
your field.
-Recent experience in the field.
-Changing career path/field
with an extensive work history.
-Varied work experience.
-Appear to be over-qualified.
-Gaps in employment.
DON’T USE IF…
-Switching fields
-Stable work history.
-Frequently changed jobs.
COMMON CATEGORIES ON A RESUME:
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Identifying Information
Career Objective
Education
Coursework
Experience
Skills
Summary of Qualifications
Activities/Honors
Professional Associations
References
Categories are often
separated through the use
of BOLD, italic, or
underline.
This makes it easier to
locate specific information.
Some categories are
required for a resume while
others are optional.
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION (REQUIRED):
Make sure to include all of the following information:
•Complete name (No nicknames!!!)
•Phone number where someone can always locate you.
Change your answering machine message if necessary to
project a professional image.
•Permanent mailing address
•E-mail address (use a professional email address such
as your name. For example: [email protected])
CAREER OBJECTIVE (OPTIONAL):
An objective helps the reader understand the purpose
of your resume.
Actually Used On A Resume:
To obtain a position where I can use excellent skills to promote
company and personal growth, and also where I can inspire and
enable all individuals to realize their full potential.
A Commonly Used Example:
A position as an EFDA.
A Better Career Objective:
An EFDA position in a small office where I can utilize strong patient
care and technical skills.
Try to make your objective specific to the job to which you are applying. A
career objective should contain the position, the industry setting, and a brief
skill.
EDUCATION (REQUIRED):
Include the name of the institution, dates of
attendance (month/year format), graduation date (or
expected graduation date), and program. List any
other degrees with your most recent institution first.
Harcum College
Associates of Science in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting
or
Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, PA
Associates of Science in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting
Expected Graduation:06/11
Bryn Mawr, PA
May 2009
EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
This section should list your work experiences in
reverse chronological order. You should include a brief
description of your responsibilities including any
accomplishments. Every line should start with an
action word.
Toys R Us
Mays Landing, NJ
Customer Service Associate
September 2006-Present
•Maintain merchandise inventory and enter data into tracking system
•Handle customer inquiries about floor merchandise
•Communicate clearly with customers to ensure exceptional service
•Explain all warranties and options to all customers
Remember, if you are not longer employed at that company, each job
responsibility should start with a past tense action verb…
ie: Assisted patients with ……
COURSEWORK (OPTIONAL):
This section should include coursework which relates
to the position. Do not list every course; only those
that would make you a stronger candidate. Use a 1
or 2 column format.
•Dental Anatomy
•Dental Radiology
•Preventative Oral Health Services I & II
•Harcum 101?
•Introduction to Psychology?
ACTIVITIES/HONORS (OPTIONAL):
This is an optional category where you can list your
collegiate (and other)activities and honors in this
section.
Dean’s List- Harcum College, 2007-2008.
SKILLS(OPTIONAL):
This optional section can include technical or
interpersonal skills. You can list computer skills, lab
techniques, time management, leadership skills, and
any foreign languages. An example (but not limited
to):
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Spoken Languages: Fluent in Spanish, German
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (OPTIONAL):
Every statement made in your summary section
should be backed up with proof in your resume. This
section can include skills, experience, and education.
To make a resume stand out from the other 200
applicants, you can tailor this section to match your
skills to those in the job posting.
•20 weeks of clinical experience in various settings
•Trained in all aspects of Dentrix office software
•CPR certified
•Ability to work in a fast-paced, hectic environment
while effectively providing quality customer service
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
Do You Belong To Any EFDA/Dental Assistant Associations?
You will want to include the following information:
The name of the Association, the word “Member”, dates
REFERENCES (OPTIONAL):
If you plan to use a Reference category, do not list out
actual references. Instead, keep your reference
information on a separate sheet. “References Upon
Request” may be listed at the bottom of your resume.
SAMPLE RESUMES/ACTIVITY
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Review Handouts