Resume Management

Step 1 Collecting work-related experiences

Break down your work related experiences and education. Make them into a list with these categories: education, work (part- or full-time jobs), internships, campus activities, professional involvement, community service, and any other experiences related to your career or professional goals.

Expand each item on your list with questions in mind:

Your responsibilities. What were they? Was there an increasing trend?
What skills did you use in your job or service?
Did you develop any as you work?
Did you assume any leadership or supervisory roles?
Did you receive a promotion?
Can you quantify the results of your work (i.e., number of customers served, percentage increase in sales)?
Did you produce any written documents or reports?

Begin by listing as much information as possible about each experience. To finalise, you need to evaluate carefully which experiences and details are most relevant. To eliminate unwanted or irrelevant items, you should first review job description or company or organisation profile.

Step 2 Choose a suitable resume format

Chronological

With the chronological format you list the expanded items in reverse chronological order with the most recent experience on top. The method of presentation are preferred by many employers, particularly for recent college graduates without long work histories.

Functional

This resume approach highlights skills and abilities as opposed to specific experiences. Dates are omitted or inconspicuous. Useful for those whose relevant experience is limited, work history is inconsistent, or for those who are changing careers.

It is acceptable to utilise elements of both functional and chronological formats. However, it is important to be consistent within categories (for example, if you list dates for one experience, list them throughout).

Step 3 Organising your resume information

Personal Data

Include only your name and contact information: address, phone number(s), and a tasteful e-mail address (i.e., "tychan" vs. "kittykitty").
If your address is temporary, be sure to provide a permanent address as well and state the dates that each is valid.

Objective

A concise statement indicating your career goals.
Include the job title and the name of the company/organisation in the statement.
You should only address immediate plans.
State the skills you possess if you know what skills the employer is seeking.
Be broad enough to cover any suitable employment but specific enough to give your resume focus.
The objective may change depending on your audience Ðmake changes to content and sequence when needed.

Summary of Qualifications

Useful for those with longer work histories or who have used similar skills in multiple experiences/activities.

Education

Include institutions, locations (if not in the title), degree, major, graduation date (month and year), and GPA only if above a 3.0
List degree and major first if relevant to your objective.
Do not include high school information.
List relevant coursework, independent research, study abroad or honours can be included or listed separately.

Work Experience

Include employer, location (city and state), position title, dates of employment, and a concise description of your responsibilities.
Describe your achievements, the skills you gained, and the impact you had in your work experiences. List most important job responsibilities first.
Don't omit practical jobs like waiting tables, life guarding, etc.

Activities and Organisational Involvement

List professional memberships or memberships/involvement in campus organisations related to your field are particularly important.
Make note of leadership positions you have held, along with accomplishments.

Skills

Include your level of proficiency with any foreign language, computer, lab skills, etc.

References

Reference list belongs on a separate page. Include name, tile, organisation, phone number, fax, and e-mail of your references. Ask their permission before listing them on your reference page.

Interests

Optional. Only used when your interests supports your objective and career goals.

Resume Management Source:
University of North Carolina. Ashville