Helpful tips on writing an effective resume, as shown in the Lynda Certification course

1. Writing a Resume
Lynda Certification Summary
Krista Feaser

2. Introduction
This video course shows why some resumes are
more successful than others and helps develop
resumes that will earn positive results.

3. Basic Components of a Resume
A resume should include a strong objective
statement, summary of skills section,
professional experience, an education section,
membership in organizations, and volunteer
work.

4. Basic Components of a Resume
The Objective Statement
A strong objective statement should
describe why you’re applying for a particular
position and focus the reader on your
advanced skills.

5. Basic Components of a Resume
Summary of Skills Section
Use job descriptions from several
companies to determine which skills are
relevant for the position being applied for;
those skills should then be listed either with
bullets or in columns (avoiding
paragraphs, as they are difficult to read).

6. Basic Components of a Resume
Professional Work Experience
Each job in the professional experience
section should contain at least three job
responsibilities and should be set up using
the standard format shown below.
Name of Company Job Location
Job Title Dates Employed (most recent first)

7. Basic Components of a Resume
Education Section
Education should appear at the top of the
resume (right after the objective) if you are
a recent college graduate or recently
acquired a new degree; otherwise, it
should appear after the professional
experience section.

8. Customizing the Basic Resume Components
It is critical to list accurate contact information on
the resume (phone number and professional email
address) and ensure that your voicemail is set up
and able to receive messages.

9. Upgrading Your Resume
Achievements and awards are a great way to set
yourself apart and should be listed with your
related work experience.

10. Layout & Formatting Choices
Colors, oddly shaped bullet points, and strange
fonts should be avoided, as they prevent a
resume from being accurately scanned into
employers’ systems.

11. Layout & Formatting Choices
Information on a resume is expected to appear
in a certain format:
(1) contact info (name, city/state, email,
phone number)
(2) objective
(3) summary of skills/qualifications
(4) education
(5) professional work experience
(6) volunteer/leadership work
(7) achievements/awards
(8) publications
(9) memberships & affiliations

12. Alternative Resume Design
A CV (curriculum vitae) differs from a resume in
two areas: content (CV has additional research,
detailed technical skills, and citations/public
presenations sections) and length (a resume
should be no more than 2 pages, while a CV is
well over 2 pages).

13. Handling Common Hurdles
Lack of Experience
Everything on your resume should be
relevant, not just fill space.

14. Handling Common Hurdles
Long Gaps & Longevity
Add explanations to cover any
employment gaps on your resume;
additionally, if you have been with the
same company for a number of years,
show how flexible and adaptable you are.

15. Handling Common Hurdles
Job Hopping
Try a functional resume if you’ve had many
jobs, as it groups experience by functions
and skills rather than time.

16. Using Your Resume to Get the Job You Want
In order to use your resume to get the job you
want, remember to use your objective to focus
the reader, tailor your skills and education to fit
the job to which you are applying, use your
experience as a roadmap, and show the value of
your volunteer work.

17. Standing Out from the Crowd
To set yourself apart, prepare your references
before listing them on your resume and send a
thank-you note following your interview with a
company.

18. Best Practices for Using a Resume
During interviews, use your resume to further
explain your skills and experience and direct the
interviewer to sections on the resume that might
be overlooked.

19. Conducting a Proactive vs. Reactive Job Search
To be proactive in your job search, you should
take several steps: determine industries in
which you would like to work, identify
companies for which you would like to work,
and work to find at least 1 contact in each
company to view your resume.

20. Conclusion
Your resume should set you apart from other
applicants and help you in acquiring the job you
want.