Resume Writing © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc. Presented by LaunchPad Careers

Overview Understand the purpose of the resume. Learn the different parts of a resume and how to build an effective resume. Recognize your transferable skills and how use to them to overcome common obstacles. Use Web 2.0 to enhance your resume. Learn how resumes are viewed by employers, and how you can get yours in front of the right people. Avoid costly mistakes and red flags. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Understand the purpose of the resume.

Learn the different parts of a resume and how to build an effective resume.

Recognize your transferable skills and how use to them to overcome common obstacles.

Use Web 2.0 to enhance your resume.

Learn how resumes are viewed by employers, and how you can get yours in front of the right people.

Avoid costly mistakes and red flags.

Past, Present, and Future of the Resume Standard resume is 1-2 page document showcasing professional, employment, and academic history. Past: 1-2 page word processor document mailed or faxed to prospective employers. Present: Pervasiveness of Internet brought online job boards and other Web 2.0 tools. Future: Capabilities of the Internet will continue to change the way resumes are created, displayed, and transmitted. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Standard resume is 1-2 page document showcasing professional, employment, and academic history.

Past: 1-2 page word processor document mailed or faxed to prospective employers.

Present: Pervasiveness of Internet brought online job boards and other Web 2.0 tools.

Future: Capabilities of the Internet will continue to change the way resumes are created, displayed, and transmitted.

The Resume of the Past 1-2 page black and white document Emailed, mailed or faxed to employers Emphasized job duties Written from perspective of what benefits the employee © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

1-2 page black and white document

Emailed, mailed or faxed to employers

Emphasized job duties

Written from perspective of what benefits the employee

The Resume of the Future Web 2.0 document Features: presentations, videos, photos, and audio Created, updated, and distributed online URL distribution: visualcv.com/ajankans Links to blog, social networks, and company sites © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Web 2.0 document

Features: presentations, videos, photos, and audio

Created, updated, and distributed online

URL distribution: visualcv.com/ajankans

Links to blog, social networks, and company sites

Create a Successful Resume Be targeted. Create separate resumes for different positions. Be specific and unique when describing your personal brand and experience. Double check for errors and omissions. Always write from perspective of the employer: What’s in it for them? Cover letters aren’t always necessary, but are good for interviews and hiring managers. If you include one, be specific about how your qualifications are good match for that position. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Be targeted.

Create separate resumes for different positions.

Be specific and unique when describing your personal brand and experience.

Double check for errors and omissions.

Always write from perspective of the employer: What’s in it for them?

Cover letters aren’t always necessary, but are good for interviews and hiring managers.

If you include one, be specific about how your qualifications are good match for that position.

Anatomy of a Resume © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Anatomy of a Resume Contact Information Title Objective Statement or Summary Professional Experience Education Additional Optional Categories Keywords Accomplishments © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Contact Information

Title

Objective Statement or Summary

Professional Experience

Education

Additional Optional Categories

Keywords

Accomplishments

Contact Information Name should stand out. Ideal: In capital letters and larger font than rest of document. Address Format: Street address, city, state, zip code. Home or Mobile Phone 10 digits with area code: 800.363.0307 Email Address must be professional. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Name should stand out.

Ideal: In capital letters and larger font than rest of document.

Address

Format: Street address, city, state, zip code.

Home or Mobile Phone

10 digits with area code: 800.363.0307

Email Address must be professional.

Title Targeted title goes below contact information. Example: If you’re applying for a position as a forklift operator, your title should say Forklift Operator . Add an industry-related keyword to your title. Example: If applying for engineering position at solar panel manufacturing company, “Design Engineer, Solar Technology.” © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Targeted title goes below contact information.

Example: If you’re applying for a position as a forklift operator, your title should say Forklift Operator .

Add an industry-related keyword to your title.

Example: If applying for engineering position at solar panel manufacturing company, “Design Engineer, Solar Technology.”

Objective Statement Traditionally used to keep job seekers focused on their job search. Trend is moving away from objective statements towards title statements and summary paragraphs. If you include an objective statement, omit the title , and focus your objective on a specific position. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Traditionally used to keep job seekers focused on their job search.

Trend is moving away from objective statements towards title statements and summary paragraphs.

If you include an objective statement, omit the title , and focus your objective on a specific position.

Summary Summary is a concise statement that summarizes your experience, areas of expertise, professional and technical skills, and special distinctions. Tips for writing winning summary statements: Emphasize personal brand by summarizing value added skills, experience, and accomplishments. List 2-3 specific skills that relate to the position. Be specific about your strengths and accomplishments. Show how you saved money, reduced costs, or increased sales. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Summary is a concise statement that summarizes your experience, areas of expertise, professional and technical skills, and special distinctions.

Tips for writing winning summary statements:

Emphasize personal brand by summarizing value added skills, experience, and accomplishments.

List 2-3 specific skills that relate to the position.

Be specific about your strengths and accomplishments.

Show how you saved money, reduced costs, or increased sales.

Professional Experience List employers, job titles, and dates of employment in reverse chronological order. Format: Company, Job Title, Responsibilities and Accomplishments, and Dates. Include brief description of responsibilities and scope of job. Keep it within 1-3 sentences. Use bulleted format to list job responsibilities. Begin each point with a strong action verb. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

List employers, job titles, and dates of employment in reverse chronological order.

Format: Company, Job Title, Responsibilities and Accomplishments, and Dates.

Include brief description of responsibilities and scope of job. Keep it within 1-3 sentences.

Use bulleted format to list job responsibilities.

Begin each point with a strong action verb.

Education Education section covers academic credentials and any education that would apply to job you seek. Typically placed below relevant work experience. Format: Name of institution, city and state; degree awarded with major and minor; date degree was awarded. List degrees in reverse chronological order, with highest degree first. Do not include incomplete degree unless you include an expected graduation date. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Education section covers academic credentials and any education that would apply to job you seek.

Typically placed below relevant work experience.

Format: Name of institution, city and state; degree awarded with major and minor; date degree was awarded.

List degrees in reverse chronological order, with highest degree first.

Do not include incomplete degree unless you include an expected graduation date.

Optional Categories List additional information at bottom of your resume. Only include items relevant to specific position. Awards and Honors Format: Award title, date, awarding organization. Professional Development Certifications, licenses, and memberships. Volunteer Experience Emphasizes key skills not shown in work experience. Work Samples and Publications Can help you build portfolio and enhance your personal brand. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

List additional information at bottom of your resume. Only include items relevant to specific position.

Awards and Honors

Format: Award title, date, awarding organization.

Professional Development

Certifications, licenses, and memberships.

Volunteer Experience

Emphasizes key skills not shown in work experience.

Work Samples and Publications

Can help you build portfolio and enhance your personal brand.

Keywords and Tags Keywords are search terms recruiters and hiring managers use to filter resumes. Using the right keywords increases the chances of your resume getting seen. Information employers look for in resume database search: keywords, titles, companies, education, location, compensation. Keywords often originate from job description. Identify critical keywords. Use them prominently and frequently. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Keywords are search terms recruiters and hiring managers use to filter resumes.

Using the right keywords increases the chances of your resume getting seen.

Information employers look for in resume database search: keywords, titles, companies, education, location, compensation.

Keywords often originate from job description.

Identify critical keywords. Use them prominently and frequently.

Tag, You’re It! Solar Project Construction Manager Solar Project Construction Manager responsible for management of multi-disciplined construction projects including Electrical, Roofing, Civil and Mechanical trades.​ Responsibilities: Solar construction projects from Pre-Construction Phase to Construction Phase to Project Close-Out Phase.​ Tasks include managing multiple contractors, time schedules, and budget. ​ Assists in the development of cost estimates .​ Tasked with maintaining communications with customers and contractors .​ Requirements: The right candidate will have at least 6+ yrs exp . as project manager working on solar energy projects.​ Bachelors in Construction Management or Engineering or 6 yrs . direct project management experience required.​ Experience managing new construction and major modifications on commercial/​industrial facilities.​ Work on commercial solar panel installations is a plus. Must be knowledgeable in state and city codes and regulations required by local building departments and safety OSHA requirements associated with construction.​ Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with superb time management and project scheduling skills using MS Project or other scheduling software. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Solar Project Construction Manager

Solar Project Construction Manager responsible for management of multi-disciplined construction

projects including Electrical, Roofing, Civil and Mechanical trades.​

Responsibilities:

Solar construction projects from Pre-Construction Phase to Construction Phase to Project Close-Out Phase.​

Tasks include managing multiple contractors, time schedules, and budget. ​

Assists in the development of cost estimates .​

Tasked with maintaining communications with customers and contractors .​

Requirements:

The right candidate will have at least 6+ yrs exp . as project manager working on solar energy projects.​

Bachelors in Construction Management or Engineering or 6 yrs . direct project management experience required.​

Experience managing new construction and major modifications on commercial/​industrial facilities.​

Work on commercial solar panel installations is a plus.

Must be knowledgeable in state and city codes and regulations required by local building departments and safety OSHA requirements associated with construction.​

Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with superb time management and project scheduling skills using MS Project or other scheduling software.

Resume Formats Chronological Functional Technical © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Chronological

Functional

Technical

Chronological Resume Chronological resume format provides your work history dating back from the present. Briefly describes accomplishments and successes that support your summary statement. Stresses responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments. The format calls attention to your recent job history and relevant experience. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Chronological resume format provides your work history dating back from the present.

Briefly describes accomplishments and successes that support your summary statement.

Stresses responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments.

The format calls attention to your recent job history and relevant experience.

Who Should Use Chronological? Most job seekers will be using the chronological format. You are staying within specific occupation or industry. You have steady work history with few gaps. Your career shows steady growth and development. You have relevant work experience to the position you are applying for. You are applying to a traditional field (accounting, law, finance) or organization. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Most job seekers will be using the chronological format.

You are staying within specific occupation or industry.

You have steady work history with few gaps.

Your career shows steady growth and development.

You have relevant work experience to the position you are applying for.

You are applying to a traditional field (accounting, law, finance) or organization.

Functional Resume Functional resume format stresses qualifications over specific employers and dates. Organizes information around specific skill sets and supports skills with accomplishments and experience. Directs attention to functional skills, strengths, and qualifications. Allows you to customize content to match job position. Not confined by chronological format. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Functional resume format stresses qualifications over specific employers and dates.

Organizes information around specific skill sets and supports skills with accomplishments and experience.

Directs attention to functional skills, strengths, and qualifications.

Allows you to customize content to match job position. Not confined by chronological format.

Who Should Use Functional? Contract or 1099 workers. You have a weak employment history. You have unexplainable gaps in your employment history. You are making significant career or job change. You want to emphasize skills and abilities not used in recent experience. You have held numerous positions in a short time frame. You have been employed in highly technical positions. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Contract or 1099 workers.

You have a weak employment history.

You have unexplainable gaps in your employment history.

You are making significant career or job change.

You want to emphasize skills and abilities not used in recent experience.

You have held numerous positions in a short time frame.

You have been employed in highly technical positions.

Technical Resume Technical resume format is designed to emphasize your technical skills and strengths. Lists computer, software, or specialized machinery knowledge early on. Emphasizes hard skills over soft skills. Focuses on Skills and Professional Experience sections. Technical/Chronological vs. Technical/Functional Most technical resumes follow chronological format but include summary of skills at beginning of resume. Use functional format if you’re a technical worker who’s mainly been hired for project-based or contract work. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Technical resume format is designed to emphasize your technical skills and strengths.

Lists computer, software, or specialized machinery knowledge early on.

Emphasizes hard skills over soft skills.

Focuses on Skills and Professional Experience sections.

Technical/Chronological vs. Technical/Functional

Most technical resumes follow chronological format but include summary of skills at beginning of resume.

Use functional format if you’re a technical worker who’s mainly been hired for project-based or contract work.

Build a Better Resume © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

3 Steps to Building a Better Resume Start with resume hub: an all-inclusive resume. List all experience. Never send out this resume. Create spoke resumes: offshoots of your resume hub. Target resume to match specific job categories. Do your research. Customize and tailor your spoke resumes to job positions using keywords. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Start with resume hub: an all-inclusive resume.

List all experience. Never send out this resume.

Create spoke resumes: offshoots of your resume hub.

Target resume to match specific job categories.

Do your research.

Customize and tailor your spoke resumes to job positions using keywords.

Hub and Spoke Resumes © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc. Example: Loan Officer Sales Loan Modifications Customer Service Hub Resume

Targeting Your Resume Black & Decker Staff Accountant Job Description Reconcile and analyze selected general ledger accounts and subsidiary ledgers. Inter-company account reconciliations with U.S. and International affiliates. Cross-train with other team members to understand key processes including: use of MFG/Pro, Hyperion, Corporate tax reporting, regulatory reporting and reconciliation with affiliates. Work with Black & Decker Corporate Finance to understand and record the following types of charges: insurance, taxes, and payroll and legal fees. Work with various functional teams to drive process improvements. Customer Qualifications X amount of years experience as staff accountant reconciling and analyzing general and subsidiary ledger accounts (domestic & international) for manufacturing firm. Certified in corporate tax reporting and Hyperion. Selected numerous times by CFO to participate in corporate task force and project teams to drive process improvements. BA in Finance from Wharton School of Business. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Black & Decker Staff Accountant

Job Description

Reconcile and analyze selected general ledger accounts and subsidiary ledgers.

Inter-company account reconciliations with U.S. and International affiliates.

Cross-train with other team members to understand key processes including: use of MFG/Pro, Hyperion, Corporate tax reporting, regulatory reporting and reconciliation with affiliates.

Work with Black & Decker Corporate Finance to understand and record the following types of charges: insurance, taxes, and payroll and legal fees.

Work with various functional teams to drive process improvements.

Customer

Qualifications

X amount of years experience as staff accountant reconciling and analyzing general and subsidiary ledger accounts (domestic & international) for manufacturing firm.

Certified in corporate tax reporting and Hyperion.

Selected numerous times by CFO to participate in corporate task force and project teams to drive process improvements.

BA in Finance from Wharton School of Business.

Writing Your Resume Page length and design Final resume document formats: Word .doc or .pdf Free word processors Google Docs: docs.google.com Zoho.com OpenOffice.org Free resume templates Create online Web 2.0 resumes Recommended sites: VisualCV.com and Gigtide.com © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Page length and design

Final resume document formats: Word .doc or .pdf

Free word processors

Google Docs: docs.google.com

Zoho.com

OpenOffice.org

Free resume templates

Create online Web 2.0 resumes

Recommended sites: VisualCV.com and Gigtide.com

Overcoming Obstacles and Objections © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc. “ Every battle is won before it is fought.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Baby Boomers Baby Boomers Applying for Jobs Overcoming Objections “ Older workers are more costly.” “ Older workers need re-training and can’t learn new skills.” “ Older workers are over-qualified and will get bored.” Advantages When writing your resume, emphasize your knowledge and experience. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Baby Boomers Applying for Jobs

Overcoming Objections

“ Older workers are more costly.”

“ Older workers need re-training and can’t learn new skills.”

“ Older workers are over-qualified and will get bored.”

Advantages

When writing your resume, emphasize your knowledge and experience.

Military Transitioning to Civilian Workforce Overcoming Objections “ Speak civilian, not military.” Translate military experience to understandable civilian qualifications. Advantages Modern and current skills and training. Ability to work in a team. Ability to adapt to change and handle pressure. Military © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Military Transitioning to Civilian Workforce

Overcoming Objections

“ Speak civilian, not military.” Translate military experience to understandable civilian qualifications.

Advantages

Modern and current skills and training.

Ability to work in a team.

Ability to adapt to change and handle pressure.

College or High School Grads without Work Experience Overcoming Objections “ Recent graduates feel entitled in the work place.” “ Recent graduates lack professionalism and strong work ethic.” Advantages Bring new ideas: Business thrives on innovation, so highlight your ability to apply new information and ideas to your work. Hard working: Younger employees take spirited approach toward work, staying up late or working on weekends to complete tasks. Affordable: Show value you offer the employer, and what they stand to gain by hiring you over someone more established. Recent Graduates © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

College or High School Grads without Work Experience

Overcoming Objections

“ Recent graduates feel entitled in the work place.”

“ Recent graduates lack professionalism and strong work ethic.”

Advantages

Bring new ideas: Business thrives on innovation, so highlight your ability to apply new information and ideas to your work.

Hard working: Younger employees take spirited approach toward work, staying up late or working on weekends to complete tasks.

Affordable: Show value you offer the employer, and what they stand to gain by hiring you over someone more established.

Career Changers Job Seekers Who Are Changing Careers Overcoming objections “ Has no experience.” Know and articulate transferable skills. “ Why does this person want to leave their current field?” Advantages Bring new and fresh perspective to the position. Value added by bringing skills from other profession. Other helpful tips Do your research and change your resume accordingly. Emphasize accomplishments in your previous career and stress your transferable skills. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Job Seekers Who Are Changing Careers

Overcoming objections

“ Has no experience.” Know and articulate transferable skills.

“ Why does this person want to leave their current field?”

Advantages

Bring new and fresh perspective to the position.

Value added by bringing skills from other profession.

Other helpful tips

Do your research and change your resume accordingly.

Emphasize accomplishments in your previous career and stress your transferable skills.

View from the Inside © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

How Hiring Managers and Recruiters View Resumes Location: If address indicates you live too far away— SKIPPED . Stability: Depending on position, if you appear to be a job hopper— SKIPPED . Education: If the job requires a degree, and you don’t have one— SKIPPED . Companies: Previous employers with recognizable names or brands stand out . Make sure company names and subsidiaries are listed prominently. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Location: If address indicates you live too far away— SKIPPED .

Stability: Depending on position, if you appear to be a job hopper— SKIPPED .

Education: If the job requires a degree, and you don’t have one— SKIPPED .

Companies: Previous employers with recognizable names or brands stand out . Make sure company names and subsidiaries are listed prominently.

Submitting a Resume Emailing your resume Most effective and common means of submitting resume to employers and contacts. Use standard file formats: Word .doc and .pdf Be direct and clear in your subject line. Include title of position, word “resume,” and keywords in email. Electronic screeners Crack the code by using keywords highlighted in job description. Use keywords throughout your resume. Prioritize keywords so that those most relevant to position are at the top. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Emailing your resume

Most effective and common means of submitting resume to employers and contacts.

Use standard file formats: Word .doc and .pdf

Be direct and clear in your subject line.

Include title of position, word “resume,” and keywords in email.

Electronic screeners

Crack the code by using keywords highlighted in job description.

Use keywords throughout your resume.

Prioritize keywords so that those most relevant to position are at the top.

Posting Your Resume Online Job boards Keep resume current and updated. Avoid posting confidential resume. Social networks Make sure information on resume and public profiles are consistent and professional. Consider creating a Web 2.0 resume that can be linked to your profile or sent out with a URL link. Blogs and Websites Control your professional presence online and be conscious of the image you are presenting to potential employers. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Job boards

Keep resume current and updated.

Avoid posting confidential resume.

Social networks

Make sure information on resume and public profiles are consistent and professional.

Consider creating a Web 2.0 resume that can be linked to your profile or sent out with a URL link.

Blogs and Websites

Control your professional presence online and be conscious of the image you are presenting to potential employers.

Social Networks Great forums to promote your personal brand. Join LinkedIn, add, and update work experience. Keep profile information and resume consistent across multiple sites. Provide link to Web 2.0 resume. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Great forums to promote your personal brand.

Join LinkedIn, add, and update work experience.

Keep profile information and resume consistent across multiple sites.

Provide link to Web 2.0 resume.

Online Profile Development Apply same rules as posting resume online. Use targeted approach emphasizing your personal brand. List job titles. Use keywords frequently and prominently. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Apply same rules as posting resume online.

Use targeted approach emphasizing your personal brand.

List job titles.

Use keywords frequently and prominently.

Blogs and Websites On your blog or website, have a section about your personal brand. Increase exposure by linking your Web 2.0 resume. Use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to drive traffic to your profile and resume. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

On your blog or website, have a section about your personal brand.

Increase exposure by linking your Web 2.0 resume.

Use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to drive traffic to your profile and resume.

Guidelines for a Well-Written Resume Use strong and concise language to communicate your skills and accomplishments. Do not use personal pronouns: “I,” “me,” “my,” “our.” Use professional language. Remove slang or localized terminology. Shorten long and complex sentences. Leave out extraneous information. Check grammar and spelling. Beware of red flags. Avoid other common mistakes. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Use strong and concise language to communicate your skills and accomplishments.

Do not use personal pronouns: “I,” “me,” “my,” “our.”

Use professional language. Remove slang or localized terminology.

Shorten long and complex sentences. Leave out extraneous information.

Check grammar and spelling.

Beware of red flags.

Avoid other common mistakes.

Resume Checklist Do you have a “hub” resume cataloging all of your marketable skills and experience? Is your resume targeted to a specific job position? Do you address the needs of the employer over your needs? Does your resume sell your personal brand? Do you demonstrate where you can add value? Does your resume include sufficient contact information including full name, address, phone number (cell phone number is ideal), and email? © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Do you have a “hub” resume cataloging all of your marketable skills and experience?

Is your resume targeted to a specific job position?

Do you address the needs of the employer over your needs?

Does your resume sell your personal brand? Do you demonstrate where you can add value?

Does your resume include sufficient contact information including full name, address, phone number (cell phone number is ideal), and email?

Checklist Continued Does the experience you listed support the claims you made in your summary and objective? Does your resume include 10-20 keyword “tags” and strong action words? Does your resume focus on results, tasks, and accomplishments? Are your strengths highlighted early, prominently, and frequently? Is the language professional, concise, and specific? © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Does the experience you listed support the claims you made in your summary and objective?

Does your resume include 10-20 keyword “tags” and strong action words?

Does your resume focus on results, tasks, and accomplishments?

Are your strengths highlighted early, prominently, and frequently?

Is the language professional, concise, and specific?

Beware of Red Flags Grammatical and spelling errors. Too wordy or too much information. Irrelevant experience. False claims and over-embellishment. Inconsistent work history or unexplained career gaps. Email address is too provocative. © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.

Grammatical and spelling errors.

Too wordy or too much information.

Irrelevant experience.

False claims and over-embellishment.

Inconsistent work history or unexplained career gaps.

Email address is too provocative.

Any Questions? © 2009 LaunchPad Careers, Inc.