Self-assessment - What is a resume?
The first steps in writing a resume - Elements of a resume - Resume Do's & Don'ts - Field Research - Writing a cover letter - The interview - Types of interviews - Avoid the pitfalls - Searching for a job
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Knowing who you are in terms of your skills, abilities, interests, values and personal qualities helps to convey a specific message to an employer. If you have not yet processed this information, you should make an appointment to see a career advisor (teacher, persons in the industry that you are interested or a mentor). If you have a clear understanding of your assets, then you are ready to categorise the data for your resume.
In the identification section, you will include your name and address.
Including an objective is optional on a resume. It is a good idea, however, to have one in mind when writing to an employer. The optimal place for stating your objective is in your cover letter. If you are unclear about what you hope to achieve, then it is best to omit the objective on the resume. Notice the differences in the objectives cited below.
| Poor: | To obtain a position at a bank. |
| Better: | To utilize my accounting experience at a bank. |
When drafting your resume, think big. Write down all the jobs, volunteer work, internships, work experience etc. that you've had. Put dates and supervisor's name down. You should list all the tasks, accomplishments and duties that you performed, even the mundane ones. Include your educational background, starting with the most recent. List dates and diplomas or degrees, study abroad, awards and student activities.
We have included a brief list of skills here to generate some ideas. Be specific in describing your skills; quantify your work where possible, i.e. "wrote ten articles for a monthly newsletter over a 12-month period." By generating this information now you will be better prepared to communicate it effectively in an interview later.
Click here for a brief list of action verbs to help you.
Remember to use the appropriate tense verb - if you are doing the work currently, use the present tense, i.e. organize; if it's about a job you've completed, use the past tense, organized.
Including interests on a resume is optional. If your work experiences are limited, you may want to include an interest section. Also, if your hobbies show you in a special light, you may want to add it to your resume (i.e. someone who regularly runs 10K races can show an employer she has persistence, dedication and time management skills.)
For now, list any special skills or qualifications you possess which may enhance your assets (i.e. computer or language skills). Remember, you need to tell an employer about those qualifications which are unique and will be an asset to the organisation.
A reference section should not appear on your actual resume. References are important because they give employers an opportunity to hear from other professionals about your qualifications. It is important to ask, beforehand, those people whom you would like to speak on your behalf. In that way, they can think about what they will say and will not be caught off guard if a prospective employer contacts them. You should also send each of them a copy of your resume. They can give you feedback about its content, may be able to offer advice about specific job opportunities, and may use it as a guide when called to be your reference.
Self-assessment - What is a resume?
The first steps in writing a resume - Elements of a resume - Resume Do's & Don'ts - Field Research - Writing a cover letter - The interview - Types of interviews - Avoid the pitfalls - Searching for a job
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