Saturday, August 8, 2009

RESUMES!

RESUMES

What is a Resume?
The resume is a selling tool that outlines your skills and experiences so an employer can see, at a glance, how you can contribute to the employer’s workplace.
Your resume has to sell you in short order. While you may have all the requirements for a particular position, your resume is a failure if the employer does not instantly come to the conclusion that you “have what it takes.” The first hurdle your resume has to pass—whether it ends up in the “consider file” or the “reject file” may take less than thirty seconds!

The most effective resumes are clearly focused on a specific job title and address the employer’s stated requirements for the position. The more you know about the duties and skills required for the job—and organize your resume around these points—the more effective the resume.
You will need information to write a good resume. Not just information about jobs you’ve held in the past, but also information to select the most relevant accomplishments, skills, and experiences for THIS postion. The more you know about the employer and the position, the more you can tailor your resume to fit the job. YES…each time you apply for a position, it may be necessary to tweak your resume to fit the specific position for which you are applying!
WHAT IS THE RIGHT RESUME FOR ME?
Chronological
Definition: The chronological resume is organized by job titles with the most recent position listed first.
Employer Rating: Employers tend to prefer the chronological resume because the format lists prior positions beginning with the must current. Employers perceive this resume style as fact-based and easily skimmed.
Works Best For: For job seekers with solid experience and a logical job history, the chronological resume is the most effective. Career changers and those who lace formal on-the-job experience (like new graduates) find this resume the most difficult to write.
Example of Chronological Resume:
[Street Address], [City, ST ZIP Code]•[phone]•[e-mail]

[Your Name]

Objective
[Describe your career goal or ideal job.]

Experience
[Dates of Employment] [Company Name]
[City, ST]

[Job Title]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]


[Dates of Employment] [Company Name]
[City, ST]

[Job Title]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]


[Dates of Employment] [Company Name]
[City, ST]

[Job Title]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]


[Dates of Employment] [Company Name]
[City, ST]

[Job Title]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]
 [Job responsibility/achievement]

Education
[Dates of Attendance] [School Name]
[City, ST]

[Degree Obtained]
 [Special award/accomplishment or degree minor]

References
References are available on request.

Functional
Definition:
The functional resume rearranges employment history into sections that highlight areas of skill and accomplishment.
Employer Rating: Some employers dislike functional resumes IF they find it difficult to match up skills with actual job titles, level of responsibility and dates of experience. You can, and SHOULD, avoid or minimize this objection by including the company name in the “bullet” describing each accomplishment.
For example:
• Program Coordination: Coordinated the logistics of opening two SUNSHINE RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTERS, which included the hiring and training of staff, supervising the set-up of the physical plant, and developing programs.
• Oversaw the computerization of the KALLIKO CLINIC accounting unit from initial planning through successful implementation, with no disruption in services.
If you want to take advantage of the benefits of a functional resume, you MUST make it EASY for employers to visualize your overall chronological work history and link your accomplishment statements to it. NEVER omit at least a bare-bones chronological listing of your work experience, in your functional resume.
Works Best For: The functional resume might be thought of as a “problem solving” format. The functional resume gives you latitude to “make sense” of your work history and match up skills and accomplishments that might not be obvious to the employer in a traditional chronological format. If any of the descriptions below apply to you, you may want to investigate the functional format:
• You have a “mixed bag” work history; no clear thread uniting positions held
• You are a new graduate or entering the workforce
• You must show how the skills youhave used in the past (in volunteer or coursework) apply to the job you are seeking.
• Your job titles, such as “Administrative Assistant” or Marketing Coordinator,” do not clearly reflect the level of skills you used.
• You are making a career change—either changing industry (from Hospitals to Pharmaceuticals) or changing occupation (from Manufacturing Technician to Sales Representative)
Example of Functional Resume:
[Your Name]

[Street Address], [City, ST ZIP Code]

[phone]

[e-mail]

Summary • Demonstrated achiever with exceptional knowledge of international markets, business practices, and trade regulations.
• Strong marketing and finance background combined with fluency in several languages, including “Advanced Level” U.S. State Department certification in Russian Language Reading Comprehension.
• Skilled at learning new concepts quickly, working well under pressure, and communicating ideas clearly and effectively.
• Extensive computer training, including knowledge of multiple networking environments and business software packages.
• Enthusiastic and experienced in overseas travel.

Education Masters Degree in Russian & East European Studies
Oak Tree University, Washington, D.C. 2000
B.A. Degree in Foreign Languages
Elm College, Coral Gables, FL
Concentration in Russian, Spanish, French, & Italian; graduated cum laude with 3.8 G.P.A. 1998
Completion of Intensive Language Training Program
Maple Grove Institute, London, England
1999
Career History & Accomplishments
Assistant to the Director of Business Development, Fabrikam, Inc.
• Worked directly with Director of Business Development and Director of Strategic planning of this large, publicly-traded provider of home healthcare services.
• Researched and wrote marketing, financial, and feasibility reports concerning new business acquisitions and acquisition prospects.
• Played key role in preparing a successful $5 million federal grant proposal to provide the company’s home therapy products to rural U.S. areas.
• Prepared corporate financial reports and service contracts for the CFO. 2004
Russian and East European Coordinator, A. Datum Corporation
• Held key responsibility in this small import/export company for helping facilitate trade deals with former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries.
• Served as interpreter and translator for Vice President in major business negotiations. Reviewed company compliance with all applicable customs laws and procedures.
• Initiated multiple overseas joint ventures and served as liaison for foreign customers on business in the U.S. 2003
Administrative Assistant to the Vice President, Contoso, Ltd.
• Handled administrative functions for the Vice President of the Executive Car Lease Program, a sales division catering primarily to the diplomatic community and the federal government.
• Assisted in preparing contracts and sales proposals for customers.
• Established reports to track products throughout the United States and develop further customer contacts for Contoso, Ltd.
2001-2002
Memberships & Affiliations
• Founding member of the Former Soviet Union Florida Chamber of Commerce
• Member, American Association for Advancement of Slavic Studies
• Member, World Affairs Council
Copyright © 1997 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Curriculum Vitae
Definition: a detailed, lengthy and structured listing of education,, publications, projects, awards and work history. a curriculum vitae for a mid-career candidate may be as long as twenty pages.
Employer Rating: Rather than a resume, a curriculum vitae (often called a “C.V.” or a “Vita”) is required for certain positions: educators and scientists most commonly.
Works Best For: Job seekers with extensive academic and professional credentials applying for positions in education or research. Check with an advisor or others in your field if you are unsure whether a C.V. or a resume is expected.
Example of Curriculum Vitae:
[Your Name]
[Street Address], [City, ST ZIP Code]
[phone]
[e-mail]

“...exceptionally energetic and enthusiastic teacher...projects a charisma that captures the imagination of students...demonstrated excellent classroom management skill...”
Simon Pearson
former administrator

“...business background in technology was supportive to the use of videos and computers in the class...She volunteered for cooperative opportunities in the media center and helped teachers to accommodate computers...I recommend her with the highest regard...”
Aidan Delaney
2nd Grade Teacher
New York City Schools

“...deeply involved in learning about the educational state-of-the-art, investigating research and designing instructional materials...I look forward to the time when Diane will bring her love of children, enthusiasm, initiative, and intelligence into her own classroom.”
Monica Brink, Ed.D.
“My ability to motivate students and share a love of learning fosters a successful classroom environment. ...I would welcome becoming part of ‘the village that raises the child’ in your district.”
Jenny Lysaker
Professional Profile
Eager to bring elementary students into the twenty-first century using a unique combination of education experience coupled with ten years’ business background in computer systems management.
• Hold Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Bachelors Degree in Computer Science.
• Experienced in use of the Internet and educational software.
• Dedicated to enthusiastic and dynamic teaching as a means of creating and nurturing a lifelong love of knowledge in children.

Education, Honors, and Certifications
M.S. Elementary Education
Elm College, Flushing, NY. 1995
Bachelor of Science Computer Science
Fir Tree University, Hempstead, NY. 1984
Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society Member

Provisional Certifications
NY State Elementary Education. 1995
NY State Business Education. 1995
Key Qualifications
Certified in Elementary (K-6) and Business Education
Plan and instruct each subject area using wide variety of teaching aids, motivational and implementation strategies to engage students in active learning.
Incorporate learning modality principles into classroom and individual instruction. Develop and conduct inter-grade activities. Utilize Heath automated math management system.
Implement technological approaches to subject material. Research educational resources on the Internet. Assist with information retrieval.
Experienced Computer Educator
Designed and conducted various faculty and student workshops for training in word processing and spreadsheet software. Instructed corporate personnel in use of word processing, desktop publishing, and drafting programs for conversion from manual typesetting and drafting to computer assisted methods.
Computer Skills
• Software (IBM and MAC environments): Microsoft Windows® and DOS, WordPerfect, Lotus123, Microsoft Word, PageMaker, AutoCAD, Books in Print, Baker & Taylor Links, Bibbase
• Working knowledge of the Internet
• System installations and debugging; terminal/printer operations

Employment
Professional Development in Education
• Substitute Teacher, K thru High School, April 1995 to present
• Graduate Advisor, Education Dept., October 1995 to present
Elm College, Flushing, NY
• Workshop Presenter, November 1995
First combined International Reading Association Regional Conference, Nashville, TN
• Information Services Assistant, May 1994 to August 1995
Elm College, Flushing, NY
• Student Teacher, September to December 1994
Fir Tree Elementary, Flushing, NY
Computer Related Training Positions
• Workshop Presenter, February, 1995
Maple High School, East Islip, NY
• Graduate Assistant, August 1993 to May 1994
Elm College, Flushing, NY
• Software Engineer, 1989 to 1991
Trey Research, Smithtown, NY
Corporate Computer Systems Management
• Systems Manager, 1987 to 1989
A. Datum Corporation, Bohemia, NY
• Software Quality Assurance Engineer, 1986 to 1987
Fabrikam, Inc., Smithtown, NY
• Staff Administrator, Executive Department, 1984 to 1986
The Telephone Company, Brooklyn, NY
• Student Director/Assistant, Computer Science Lab, 1981 to 1984
Fir Tree University, Hempstead, NY

Professional Affiliations
International Reading Association
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development