2008 Woodie Awards
Résumés Open Doors
It's your calling card - a visual cue for employers to ask detailed questions.
Holly Dare
Issue date: 10/12/05 Section: News
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You're in school working toward a bright future and inevitably your thoughts turn to your dream job. But before you can get that job you'll need a résumé.
Writing a résumé is a scary proposition - especially if you have little job experience.
"That's the challenge in writing résumés," said Hanna Pettersson, director of the Cooperative Education Program at Valley College, which provides resume and job search workshops to all students. "Above all, you should never lie on your résumé."
By following a few simple tips, you can fill that page and give your potential employer information and interview cues. Keep in mind, a piece of paper will not get you a job - but it should indicate that you are interested in work and give some hint at your personality.
Before applying for any job, take a few minutes to find out a little bit about the business. Visit its website or call to find out exactly what the company does, how many employees it has, its hours of operations, how long it has been in business, its exact address and the name of the person who reviews online and snail mail résumé submissions. This will pay off at the interview stage and also help in writing a cover letter.
Top: Include your name and contact information. If applying for a job via the Internet, do not use your whole address but do include your city. It is realistic that an employer in Long Beach may not want to hire someone who lives in the Valley.
Objective: Do not be vague. "A fulfilling job that utilizes my skills and abilities" may be confusing to an employer; "staff accountant position" is not. It's a good idea to change this wording with every job you apply for, using the name of each position. Employers will never have a doubt which job you want.
Experience: This is the intimidating section. But there are ways to expand on your experience. Don't just say you worked at McDonald's. Instead, spell out each and every job duty. Use action verbs to describe your duties.
Writing a résumé is a scary proposition - especially if you have little job experience.
"That's the challenge in writing résumés," said Hanna Pettersson, director of the Cooperative Education Program at Valley College, which provides resume and job search workshops to all students. "Above all, you should never lie on your résumé."
By following a few simple tips, you can fill that page and give your potential employer information and interview cues. Keep in mind, a piece of paper will not get you a job - but it should indicate that you are interested in work and give some hint at your personality.
Before applying for any job, take a few minutes to find out a little bit about the business. Visit its website or call to find out exactly what the company does, how many employees it has, its hours of operations, how long it has been in business, its exact address and the name of the person who reviews online and snail mail résumé submissions. This will pay off at the interview stage and also help in writing a cover letter.
Top: Include your name and contact information. If applying for a job via the Internet, do not use your whole address but do include your city. It is realistic that an employer in Long Beach may not want to hire someone who lives in the Valley.
Objective: Do not be vague. "A fulfilling job that utilizes my skills and abilities" may be confusing to an employer; "staff accountant position" is not. It's a good idea to change this wording with every job you apply for, using the name of each position. Employers will never have a doubt which job you want.
Experience: This is the intimidating section. But there are ways to expand on your experience. Don't just say you worked at McDonald's. Instead, spell out each and every job duty. Use action verbs to describe your duties.
