Effective Resume Writing 2
We ended the first part of this lesson with the quote:
“Your resume communicates why you’re qualified, who you are, and what makes you different.”
So describing yourself effectively on your resume is more crucial than its format.
Tip: Looking at yourself through the eyes of others can give you a different perspective on the type of person you are.
We already mentioned asking friends, teachers, and family members to tell you one or two positive traits or qualities that they see in you.
You can also ask them to describe what kind of person you are and listen for descriptive words that you can use in your resume. For example, if they say you're 'laid back' or 'hard-working', you can describe yourself as someone who is 'cooperative' or has 'a good work ethic'
Add that phrasing when listing your experience. For example:
“As a volunteer at the pet shelter, where other volunteers described me as cooperative and hard-working, I groomed dogs and cleaned cages.”
Then make sure to list a co-worker or manager at the shelter as a reference.
Think like an employer: Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. Think about the position you are applying for, and try to imagine the type of employee that employer would absolutely love to have.
For example, if you are applying for a job at a restaurant, think about the qualities or traits that a great waiter or waitress would possess. Qualities like friendly, helpful, patient, optimistic, personable, or energetic. Then use these in your Objective statement:
“I want to use my naturally friendly and patient personality to be a helpful waitress at quality restaurant.”
Types of Resumes
The specific format you choose may be based on your work experience, or lack thereof, like the college resume format below (left).
Or you may choose a format that communicates the type of person, or personality to you want to project, like the modern format below (right).
The above resume examples are taken from resumegenius.com
All resume formats will display your name and contact information, summary, experience, education, and skills, both academic or hard skills, and durable skills (workplace skills).
For those who have work experience, it’s good to note that there are different layouts to showcase your skills based on your experience or education.
Take a moment to look at the three different ways you can organize information about you experience, skills, and education on your resume.
Image reference/credit: resumegenius.com
Thought of the day.
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
—Albert Einstein