Professional Resumé And Reference Page

Begin each task on a separate page in the same MSWord file you used to complete Task 1 and 2. You can do this by using the Insert / Break / Page Break function in MSWord.

Now that you have found a suitable position and written a letter of application, it’s time to properly organize and format your resumé and your professional reference page.

Tip 1: Select the Correct Resumé Format

Depending on your current skills and qualifications, you will need select the appropriate resumé type:

Chronological Resumé (Preferred by Most Employers)

The chronological approach is the most common way to organize a resumé, and many employers prefer it. This approach has three key advantages:

1. Employers are familiar with it and can easily find the information;
2. It highlights growth and career progression; and
3. It highlights employment continuity and stability.

The work experience section of the resumé dominates and is placed at the most prominent slot., immediately after the name and address and optional objective statement. You develop this section by listing your jobs sequentially in reverse order, beginning with the most recent position and working your way backward toward earlier jobs. Under each listing, describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, giving the most space to the most recent positions.

If you’re near graduation from college with limited work experience, you can vary this chronological approach by putting your educational qualifications before your experience, thereby focusing attention on your academic credentials.

Functional Resumé

Sometimes called a skills resumé, the functional resumé emphasizes your skills and capabilities, and identifies your employers and academic experience in subordinate sections. This pattern stresses individual areas of competence, so it’s useful for people who are just entering the job market, want to redirect their careers, or have little continuous career related experience.

The functional approach also has three advantages:

1. Without having to read through job descriptions, employers can see what you can do for them;
2. You can emphasize early job experience; and
3. You can de-emphasize any lack of career progress or lengthy employment.

You should be aware that not all employers like the functional resumé, perhaps partly because it can obscure your work history and partly because it’s less common. In fact, Monster.com lists the functional resumé as one of employers’ Top 10 Pet Peeves.

Combination Resumé

The combination resumé is simply a functional resumé with a brief employment history added. Skills and accomplishments are still listed first; the employment history follows. You need to reveal where you worked, when you worked, and what your job position was. This will allay an employer’s worries about your experience, and it still allows you to emphasize your talents and how you would use them for the job you are applying for.

While most employers might still prefer a chronological resumé, this is a good alternative to the functional……

Tip 2: Review Your Textbook for Samples and Guidelines

Tip 3: Pay Attention to Details

Contact Information: Include your full legal name, complete mailing address, a working email address, and no more than two telephone numbers.

Job Objective: A good job objective statement is much like a thesis sentence in a paper; it ties the resumé together, giving it focus and direction. Avoid vague, generic phrases such as “challenging, responsible position,” “management training,” “position dealing with people.” It is usually a good idea to indicate the position you consider yourself best qualified for, and also tie in related skills you can bring to bear on that position. Well written, effective job objective statements should include several of the following:

1. The type of position (Management Trainee, Retail Buyer, Sales Representative, Nurse, Credit Analyst, Teacher)
2. The type of field (Public Affairs, Arts, Operations, Public Administration, Engineering, Finance, Health, Higher Education);

• The type of Industry (Communications, Electronics);
• The type of organization (small vs. large; urban vs. rural, public vs. private; local vs. international), and
• Your functional skills (public speaking, leadership, organization, research, supervisory, computer).

Employment History: A listing in reverse chronological order (most recent first) of your employment experience, including name and location of employers, dates, job titles, and perhaps brief descriptions of your accomplishments.

Educational Record: In this section list schools in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Make sure you spell out the degree(s) you received indicating dates, and the university where they were earned, your grade point average, however, is optional. If you don’t include your GPA, be prepared to explain why in your interview.

Relevant Course Work: Considered optional, it lists classes in your field of concentration or course work relevant to your job objective.

Honors and Awards: Although usually considered an optional section, it includes all scholastic or outside recognition received (generally beginning with your college career).

Skills/Experiences Related to Job Objective: This section is usually found only on a functional resumé. Here you relate your experience, whether it be through summer employment, activities, or special projects that helps you qualify as the best candidate for the job.

Activities and Interests: A section that can be included in all resumé types that provides the opportunity to set yourself apart from the other applicants and to show you are a well-rounded and accomplishment- oriented individual. Be cautious of including religious, social, political affiliations

References: On a separate page of your resumé titled Personal References, include the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references that you have asked and have agreed to serve as a reference. Attempt to find three people from different areas of your life, who can professionally comment on your education, work history, and/or personal character.

Tip 4: Proofread Your Resumé

Check for format, content, grammar, and punctuation.

Resume “Musts” For This Assignment

• Include Your Email Address and Phone Number as Part of Your Contact Information
  • Include at least one telephone number in the contact information of your resumé; however, you should avoid more than two telephone numbers. In most cases, an employer isn’t going to track your down by making several phone calls to different numbers. Obviously, don’t place a phone number on your resumé that won’t be answered in a professional manner. Demonstrate your technological skills by linking your email address in your contact information at the top of your resumé.
• Always use reverse chronological order when listing education and work history
  • When listing your work experience and education on your resumé, begin with the most recent dates and work backwards in time. For example:
    • May 2005 – present
    • June 2000 – April 2005
    • March 1995 – May 2000
• Indicate City and State for Employers and Educational Institutions
  • It isn’t necessary to provide a complete mailing address; however, you should include the city and state for employers and education institutions. If you worked or attended school outside of the United States, include the city and the country rather than the city and the state.
    • Florida International University, Miami, FL
    • United States Postal Service, Pittsburgh, PA
    • Sorbonne, Paris, France
• Include University, Degree(s), and Major(s)
  • Don’t forget to include your most recent education at Florida International University. Even if you have only been attending FIU for a brief time, it’s significant that you applied for admission and you were accepted. Indicate the degrees you have completed (AA. AS, BA, BS, BBA) and the degree you are currently pursuing (BBA, BA, BS, MA, MS, PHD) You should also include your major or majors.
  • If you are not sure of the name of the degree you are pursuing (Is it a BBA or a BA?) please ask your academic advisor. This information is important to your potential employers; you don’t want to appear as if you aren’t aware of the degree you are pursuing. You certainly don’t want to provide them with incorrect information or have your ethics questioned.
• Eliminate References to High School
  • In most cases, it is advisable to eliminate all references to your high school education, achievement and activities. If you are attending a prestigious high school that has a large alumni base, you should consider placing this information on your resumé.
  • However, by indicating your high school, your potential employer will be able to determine your approximate age. Also, in most cases, what you did in high school will have little impact on your employer’s perception of your potential success in a professional occupation.
• Use Action Verbs That Emphasize Accomplishments Rather Than Duties
  • Enhance your resumé by describing your accomplishments powerfully using action verbs and avoid weak statements.
  • Review page 445 of your text for a list of appropriate action verbs and examples of results-oriented statements.
    • Generated 35 new accounts last month.
    • Developed new accounting system that reduced paperwork by 50 percent.
• Eliminate All Pronouns
  • I, Me, My, He, His, She, Her, It, You, Your, We, They, Our, and Us do not belong on your resumé.
• Create Full Pages Rather Than Partial Pages
  • It is advisable to limit your resumé to one full page or two full pages of text. Don’t forget to include a heading on the second page.
  • This may require that you make decisions regarding the content and format of your resumé.
• Include a Separate Reference Page
  • On a separate page titled, “Professional References,” list at least three references. Select references who can speak about your education, work – related skills, accomplishments, and personality traits. Avoid listing family members, neighbors, and casual acquaintances. It is strongly recommended you request permission to include a person on your list of references.
  • Person’s Name
  • Name of Position and/or Title Name of Organization
  • Mailing Address (If applicable) Email Address
  • Phone Numbers