You've got 8 seconds . . .
. . . to impress an employer with your resume!
Resumes and Cover Letters are your key to getting an interview. Resumes don't get you jobs, they get you interviews! Brag about all your skills, abilities, interests, education and employment background. Don't skimp here. And be prepared to have a list of references who can also brag about you. Prospective employers glance over resumes in 8 seconds. Be precise and tell an employer what kind of work experience you have, and what skills you have that would make them want to hire you. There is no one right way to write a resume. The wrong way, however, would be to not do it at all.
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Here is an example:
U. GOTTA RESUME
4000 Main Street
Sample, MA 01301
413.775.5555
OBJECTIVE: Reliable, independent customer service provider seeking a full time position requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills with excellent clerical and data entry skills.
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS:
- Designed and prepared materials for Annual Youth Conference
- Trained peers on desktop publishing and basic computer skills
- Proven ability to multitask and work under pressure
- Proficient hands-on learner
- Gets along well with co-workers and the public
EXPERIENCE:
Cashier/Bagger
Big Y Greenfield, MA June 2005- present
- Ring customer orders
- Maintains accurate cash drawer
EDUCATION:
Greenfield Community College 2005-2006
Coursework digital photography and computer animation
Charboneau Learning Center 2004-2005
GED earned 2005
VOLUNTEERISM:
Big Sister 2005-present
Community Meals Preparation 2006-present |
Don't get weeded out! Cover letters are letters that go with a resume or a job application to introduce yourself to a prospective employer. Just like a good advertisement will capture the audiences’ attention, a cover letter can act as a powerful marketing tool and capture the attention of a potential employer. Be sure to address it to the person who's doing the hiring, and be sure to check your grammar and spelling. Print on the same color paper as your resume.
Here's an example.
U. GOTTA RESUME
4000 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
413.775.5555
CVS
77 Greenfield Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
April 1, 2007
To whom it may concern,
I am writing in response to your job posting at the One Stop Career Center for an entry level position as a cashier and stockperson. I am eager to begin working at least part-time through the end of the school year, in anticipation of additional hours over summer vacation.
My interpersonal and communication skills make me an ideal candidate for customer service. I am professional, dependable and a team leader. My ability to handle multiple tasks and follow directions would make me a valuable member of your team.
I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you further about this and other employment possibilities.
Sincerely.
U. Gotta Resume
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And finally, your references:
- The ideal list would include a prior manager, prior supervisor, and a prior co-worker. When you first start out, it’s not quite so easy. Using teachers, guidance counselors, adult neighbors for whom you may have done yard work or child care for are all great references. You want adults who can talk about your strengths and challenges.
- Previous employers: As you gain work experience, prospective employers will always want to speak to your previous employer. Make it easy and use them as a reference. And be mindful of this when you leave employment. Leaving on good terms will help ensure positive reviews.
- About Friends: Listing people who are primarily your friend tend to not be as credible in the employer’s eyes because they are often suspicious that the friend might not be as objective.
- If you are currently employed, be sure to let your interviewer know whether your current boss is aware of your seeking other employment.
- Carefully choose your references and let them know that you would like to use them. If they know in advance, they can be more prepared to speak well of you to prospective employers. And if they are informed of the job you are applying for, they can speak their interpretation of your ability to do that job.
- Keep a list of people you might use as a reference. You might find that your guidance counselor is a better reference for a specific job. For example, if you're applying for a babysitting job, you might want to use a previous babysitting employer as a reference. If you're aiming for a wait staff position, you might want to use a different person as a reference. Keeping a good list of possibilities allows you to be flexible.
Here's an example:
U. Gotta Resume
4000 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
413.775.5555
REFERENCES:
Coach Thomas Jones
1 Soccer Avenue
Montague, MA 01351
Amy Striker
Manager at Fancy Physics
332 South Cross Way
Gill, MA 01354
Casey Zekin
46 Arabian Pasture
Leverett, MA 01301-054
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