Module 3.

Resume Basics
3.1 Résumés Overview
The goal of a résumé is to show off your work skills
and name them for the employer!
 You want to communicate to the employer that you are exciting, positive, enthusiastic, etc.
with the big idea. We’re not boring people! Make a resume enjoyable to read. Use interesting
words. Paint pictures.

3.2 Résumés Definition

A résumé is a Working document that provides a targeted, concise snapshot of why
your work skills and abilities will meet the employer’s needs.

 Working document: The basic résumé that you have in which your objective statement is
constantly changing to address employer’s needs. Other things change too: ordering of
information, phrasing, etc.
 Targeted, concise snapshot: ONE page only. Action statements are one sentence. Paint pictures
with your words. Be specific. Rule of thumb = “If you don’t have my attention by the time I’m
reading where my thumbs are holding the paper then the résumé is no good.”
 Employer’s needs: Read job description carefully. Research the company.

3.3 Objective Statement

1) Name what you want:

 Position and field/industry
2) Provide proof you can do the job:
 Experience
 Knowledge
1. Identify your benefit to the company
 Rely on your research to know what the company values and match that
Example

What do I want: Certified Nursing Assistant

Proof I can do it: Three years experience in hospitals
and five years in customer service
My benefit to the company: Serve patients well and help efficiently
coordinate patient-doctor needs

My Practice

What do I want:

Proof I can do it:

My benefit to the company:

More Practice

What do I want:

Proof I can do it:

My benefit to the company:

3.4 Résumé Writing
Hard Skills versus Soft Skills

Hard skills are teachable abilities or skill sets that are easy to quantify.

Soft skills are subjective skills that are much harder to quantify. Also known as "people
skills" or "Interpersonal skills,” soft skills relate to the way you relate to and interact
with other people.

Why is it more helpful to focus on hard skills instead of soft skills on résumés?

Action Verbs
 Always begin with a strong action verb
 Use correct verb tense (present for current position, past for previous positions)
 Do not use the same action verb twice within a particular job
 List a minimum of three to four action statements to describe each job
 Focus on skills and experiences that relate to the job for which you are applying
 An action verb paints a picture

Using Action Verbs

Weaker Statements Stronger Statements
 Shipped boxes  Packaged and shipped 30 packages daily
 Rang up customers via UPS and FedEx resulting in…
 Managed department  Processed customer transactions of cash,
debit, and credit ensuring…
 Staff and managed 25-person department
that…
Your Turn
List your most recent job and four duties you performed. Make sure you lead with strong action verbs
and give some specificity.

Job Title:
1.
2.
3.
4.

3.5 Fixed Data

 Personal information
 Licenses and Certifications
 Military service
 Education
 Volunteering
What are some examples of fixed data?

3.6 Tips and To Dos

 Only use quantifiable results
 Avoid clichés or soft skills
 Avoid dates that age you
 Tailor your résumé to each job
 Include keywords and company/job language
 Focus on the employer
 Omit references
 Keep it simple (don’t be cute or fancy)
3.7 Résumé Styles
Chronological V.S. Combination

Chronological Résumés work best for: Consistent work history

Combination Résumés work best for: Changing fields or people re-entering the workforce after
an absence

I think the best résumé style for me is:

Because:

3.8 Résumé Review

How to use the resume to get the job:
1. Collect data
2. Write rough draft
3. Seek job openings
4. Review job
5. Learn about company
Re-craft résumé for this employer