Kirchmeier English 313 Project 5 Slidedoc 1a

1. How to Write a Resume

2. Introduction: Curriculum Vitae vs Resumes 3-8
Resume Advice on the Web and Empirical Research 9-18
Recent Graduates 9-18
Examples of Formats 19-22
Choose Modern Professional Fonts 23
How to Write Your Degree Information 24
Second Language: Qualify Your Proficiency 25
Use Keywords and Describe 26-31
Additional Sections 32
Conclusion 33
Table of Contents
2

3. In the United States, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and
a Resume are considered different genres.
In other countries, however, a CV refers any
document that demonstrates an applicant’s skills,
experience, and accomplishments.
Introduction: Curriculum Vitae vs. Resume
3

4. In the United States, a resume is used to
apply for jobs in business, government, and
non-profits.
It presents the most relevant skills and
experiences that make you qualified for the
position.
Typically, 1-2 pages.
United States: Resume
4

5. In the United States, a CV is used to apply for:
admittance to graduate programs,
academic faculty positions,
research funding opportunities,
tenure and promotion.
It is a comprehensive professional document.
A typical CV will start at 2 or 3 pages, but will
continue to grow in length as an individual
develops professionally in his/her field.
It is not unusual for a professional who has
worked for some time to have a CV of over 50
pages.
United States: CV
5

6. In the United States, it is illegal for employers
to ask for personal information such as your
age, marital status, etc., so including this
information is non-standard and may seem odd
to reviewers.
In other countries, personal information is often
expected, and not including this information
may mean your application would be rejected.
United States Legal Concerns
6

7. Do a search about how to write a resume, and you'll find plenty of
advice. In fact, there's so much advice, you can get quickly
overwhelmed trying to find answers to questions like:
What information should be included in a resume?
How long should a resume be and what's the best format?
Should I write an objective and/or a summary of qualifications?
Should I include my high school information?
Should I include work experience not related to the position?
Should I include References? Scholarships? Awards? Honors?
Etc., etc., etc.
Resume Advice on the Web
7

8. In a 2017 journal article, Stephen D. Risavy published his findings
from synthesizing the empirical research on writing resumes through
the "lens of advice that has accumulated to date."
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) also
published a key findings (2014) from responses by 548 human
resource manager to a series of survey questions.
Clearly, there are no absolute answers to the questions posed in the
prior slide, but the research conducted by Risavy and SHURM can
provide some useful guidance based on empirical evidence.
Empirical Research
8

9. The traditional answer to how long a resume should be is 1 page.
Risavy's research, however, also shows evidence to support writing
a 2 page resume.
One way to decide about length is to start with a 1 page resume and
move to 2 pages if necessary.
Length
9

10. 66%
43%
43%
27%
26%
20%
18%
9%
7%
4%
1%
1%
10%
Chronologically organized résumé
Résumé in bulleted format
Résumé tailored to the industry
A skills summary
List of candidate’s accomplishments
Functionally organized résumé
A career summary
Appropriate use of action verbs and phrases
A job objective
Appropriate résumé font
Résumé in a narrative format
Digital résumé
Other*
When reviewing a resume, which of the following aspects provide a
positive edge over other resumes? (SHRM)
Format
10

11. 42%
45%
12%
2%
0%
Very important Important Neither important
nor unimportant
Unimportant Very unimportant
When reviewing a resume, how important do you consider it to be
for a job candidate’s résumé be tailored to the job? (SHRM)
Focus
11

12. 99%
84%
82%
62%
54%
47%
43%
22%
11%
1%
16%
18%
38%
46%
53%
57%
78%
89%
Grammatical/spelling errors
Missing detailed job history
Missing specific dates of employment
Résumé not presented in reverse chronological…
Gaps in employment that are more than a few…
Résumé too long (e.g., more than two pages)
Résumés in narrative format
No cover letter
Objective not listed at the top of the résumé
Yes No
Do you consider the following to be mistakes?
Types of Errors Recruiters Notice
12

13. Always, 20%
Sometimes,…
Rarely,
6%
Never, 1%
How often do these mistakes negatively affect your decision to
extend a job interview?
Effect of Errors on Invitation for an Interview
13

14. Ladders, an online job-matching site,
used “eye-tracking” technology that
monitors eye movement to determine
how long recruiters looked at a resume
before making a fit/no fit decision.
SIX SECONDS was the average time.
Initial Screening
14

15. Recruiters spent almost 80% of their resume review time
on the following six data points:
1. Name
2. Education
3. Current title/company
4. Current position start and end dates
5. Previous title/company
6. Previous position start and end dates
Recruiters responded favorable to resumes that used a
clear visual hierarchy to present relevant information
and quickly rejected those that were disorganized or not
organized in a way to present information where they
expected to see it.
Recruiters look for six data points.
15

16. Beyond these six data points, recruiters did little more than scan for
keywords to match the open position, which amounted to a very
cursory “pattern matching” activity.
Because decisions were based mostly on the six pieces of data
listed on the previous slide, an individual resume’s detail and
explanatory copy became filler and had little to no impact on the
initial decision making.
It's important to stress that these findings are about an initial
recruiter screening. Once a candidate makes it past this level, a
reviewer will spend more time looking at detail and explanatory
copy.
Beyond the six data points.
16

17. The challenge for recent graduates in writing a resume is how to get
through that initial screening process when it is likely that the jobs
you have had while in college were not related to your degree.
One approach is to use a combination format that allows you to
include sections that emphasize internships, course projects, and/or
skill-sets in addition to your chronological work history.
The following examples are from the UI Career Services. See links
to the career services on the project page.
Recent Graduates
17

18. Example 1: Chronological Format
18

19. Volts N. Ohms 111-222-3333 circuits_are_logical@vandals.uidaho.edu
987 Shocking Street, Moscow, ID 83843
Education Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering May 20xx
University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
GPA: 3.58
Relevant Coursework
Power Electronics Energy Systems I,II Pulse and Digital Circuits
Microcontrollers Electrical Circuits I,II Communications Circuits
Digital Logic Signals and Systems I,II Advanced Electronics
Engineering Electronics Design Intern Summer 20xx
Experience Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Pullman, WA
 Designed FPGA’s in a fast paced environment verifying with VHDL
 Developed mixed signal circuits to meet specifications
 Wrote reviews, plans, and product documentation
 Implemented firmware and software necessary for hardware product development
 Attended technical meetings with colleagues and supervisors
Computer Proficient in: Knowledgeable in: Familiar with:
Skills ▪ VHDL ▪ HTML ▪ MPLAB
▪ PSpice ▪ PERL ▪ Microsoft Outlook
▪ MATLAB ▪ C++ ▪ Microsoft Publisher
▪ Java ▪ Microsoft Excel ▪ Windows OS, Mac OS X, Linux
▪ Microsoft Word ▪ Microsoft PowerPoint
Leadership Senator, Associated Students University of Idaho (ASUI) Fall 20xx – Spring 20xx
University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
 Wrote and passed legislation that allocated funds, stated ASUI positions, and altered
the structure and administration of student government
 Attended weekly senate meetings to discuss and implement ideas and policies
 Proposed senate structure modifications that were revised and passed by the ASUI
senate
Other Finishing Specialist Summers 20xx – 20xx
Experience Platinum Construction, Idaho Falls, ID
 Remodeled and constructed homes specializing in finishing work
 Utilized power tools and precision instruments to finish interior woodwork
 Communicated with co-workers to ensure timely completion of tasks
Volunteer Construction Volunteer Fall 20xx – Spring 20xx
Service Community Action Center Housing Rehabilitation Program, Pullman, WA
 Assisted with repair and improvement of owner-occupied homes
 Coordinated with other teams to make efficient use of time on site
 Led a team of four volunteers in repairing interior finish work in homes
Server Summer 20xx
Idaho Falls Community Outreach Center Soup Kitchen, Idaho Falls, ID
 Organized and distributed food once a month
 Interacted with individuals coming to the soup kitchen for meals
Organization Member Fall 20xx – Spring 20xx
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Moscow, ID
 Contributed to discussions during weekly meetings and networking sessions
Example 2: Combination Format
19

20. Example 3: Combination Format
20

21. Key skills and knowledge areas:
nn Solid command of technologies, tools and best practices in designing mechanical equipment using
AutoCAD, SolidWorks and engineering drawings.
nn Excellent shop and safety skills honed from work as a machinist and welder. Able to design and
fabricate tooling and mechanical test fixtures.
nn Strong team collaboration skills. Work closely with team members to achieve engineering goals.
MARY SMITH
15 Sideview Way nn Sometown, PA 17000
Phone: (555) 555-5555 nn Email: ms@somedomain.com nn LinkedIn URL
Recent graduate of ABET-accredited BSME program seeking an entry-level mechanical engineering position.
ABC University -- Sometown, PA
EDUCATION
Ranked in the top 10 mechanical engineering schools by US News and World Report
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), GPA: 3.4, 12/2011
Completed Courses in Major:
nn Statics, Dynamics, Engineering Analysis, Mechanics of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Dynamics of Machinery,
Measurement and Instrumentation, Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics, Industrial Processes,
Elements of Material Engineering, Machine Design, Mechanical Vibrations, Thermal Systems Laboratory,
Heat and Mass Transfer
Senior Design Project (6/2011 to 12/2011):
nn Completed senior project at DEF Company, a manufacturer of machine tools for the sheet metal industry.
nn Assisted engineering department in designing straight hand seamer used in bending, seaming and
flattening sheet metal.
nn Created models using SolidWorks and participated in cross-functional product-development meetings.
nn Contributed idea for change in handle design that is expected to improve comfort and safety when gripping
the seamer. Product is currently in preproduction testing phase.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Programs: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MS Project, MATLAB, MS Excel
Machining and Welding Tools: CNCs, mills, lathes, angle grinders, plasma cutters, oxy-acetylene torches, arc
welders, band saws, grinders, shears, drill presses, chop saws, etc.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Machinist & Welder (contractor), 9/2010 to Present
Hired by ABC Machining Company as well as local construction companies to handle per-diem projects.
nn Earned a reputation as a talented machinist and welder. Developed excellent fabrication and machine shop
skills, completing all projects on time and to specifications.
nn Handled welding assignments that involved installing, repairing and fabricating materials (sheet metal,
steel, tools, parts, doors, gates and more). Became adept at reading blueprints/drawings and fulfilling work
orders.
nn Demonstrated advanced skills in operating equipment and machines including CNC machines, cutting
machines and hydraulic presses for the fabrication of mechanical components.
Example 4: Combination Format
21

22. Choose a Modern Professional Typeface
22

23. Spell it Out
Bachelor of Arts in English, Literature Emphasis
Bachelor of Arts in English
Abbreviate
B.A. in English, Teaching Emphasis
B.A. in English, Professional emphasis
How to Write Your Degree Information
23

24. Basic. Able to speak simple phrases and
sentences to communicate basic communicative
tasks.
Conversant. Intermediate level of language
proficiency. Can easily participant in
conversations but may be less skilled at
reading/writing.
Fluent. A high level of language proficiency
(speaking, reading, and writing).
Second Language: Qualify Your Proficiency
24

25. Key words identify the skills,
experience, or course work/projects
using nouns or noun phrases.
Descriptions should answer What?
Where? Why? How? questions and
use active verbs.
Use Keywords and Describe
25

26. Not parallel:
• Responsibilities included: recruitment of volunteers;
coordinating fund-raising; and distributed promotional
materials.
Parallel:
• Responsibilities included: recruiting volunteers;
coordinating fund-raising activities, and distributing
promotional materials.
Make descriptions grammatically parallel.
26

27. Researcher and Writer Summer 2010
Pennsylvania Resources Council Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Compiled comprehensive guide to recycled products for consumers
and small businesses.
Composed questionnaires sent to over 500 companies nationwide
for product verification; designed database for storing information.
Edited articles for PRC newsletter. Researched legislation on
environmental issues; attended and reported on EPA conferences.
Example 1: Describing Prior Employment
27

28. Engineering Intern Summer 2019
Energy Systems Spokane, Washington
Assisted in the design of transmission lines throughout Washington.
Used Microstation to update standard structure drawings for
transmission lines and substations.
Completed an individual project and gave a presentation at the
conclusion of the internship.
Example 2: Describing an Internship
28

29. Writing Experience
Senior Capstone Project. Collaborated with mentors and professors on
campus to produce a 20 page analytical report on the topic of technical
communication.
Research included a literature review of scholarly articles, designing and
conducting a survey using Qualtric, and interviewing professional writers
across multiple disciplines.
Analyzed research findings to identify and explain skills and work ethic
needed to be successful as a technical writer across multiple emphases.
Example 3: Describing a Course Project
29

30. Wastewater Treatment Project (2019)
Lab Research with Alternative Carbon Sources: Currently
evaluating PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) production in microbes
utilizing alternative carbon sources, such as glycerol and dairy
waste, in UI CE Environmental Lab with Dr. Erik Coats.
Lab procedures include COD, DO, pH, and solids testing. Research
findings are presented in academic journals.
Example 4: Describing a Research Project
30

31. Memberships and awards/honors
can be in two separate sections or
place in a single section.
Just remember that a recruiter is
much more interested in your
experience and skill-set.
Additional Sections
31

32. Resumes should start with 1 page, but consider 2 if you need the
room to fully describe your experience.
Experience can be paid or unpaid, internships, volunteer work,
extracurricular activities, and course projects.
Apply principles of document design and visual hierarchy to achieve
a highly readable document.
Conclusion
32