| Resume Writing Len Kravitz, Ph.D. What is the purpose of a resume? The primary purpose of the resume is to get you an interview. You face stiff competition in the job market today. It is important to maximize your opportunities with a clearly written, easy to read, professionally typeset and designed resume. If you would like to review the sample resume now, CLICK HERE! Resumes and cover letters are the first to eliminate candidates. With numerous resumes going through a first screening, some employers sometimes have no more than 15-30 seconds to glance at each one. Appearance, format, design, and carefully worded key points are critical. During the second phase of the screening, resumes not eliminated are carefully read in detail. Finally, if you make it to the interview process the resume serves as an outline for discussion of your skills. Should I write my own resume? After spending years to get a degree it is consequential to put forth your BEST impression. The choice of fonts, style, and design all contribute to your ability to communicate a powerful message to the employer. The do-it-yourself resumes that are popular on word-processing programs may be adequate for some entry level positions. However, it doesn't make sense to use one of these forms if you are applying for a $40,000 plus job? Resumes require regular updating. I encourage you to develop the appropriate word-processing skills, or seek a professional service, to optimize your chances. Tips on writing your resume Do not sell yourself short. By far the biggest mistake I see are students who are too humble. Your resume is an advertisement of you. It should highlight your talents and skills. Keep your resume focused towards your strengths. Be concise. DO NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: health status, social security number, age, irrelevant memberships and associations, irrelevant recreational activities, a second mailing address (the permanent mailing address with present mailing address is confusing to employers—omit if at all possible), reasons for leaving last employment, irrelevant awards, and "references upon request" (INCLUDE the name, title, organization, address, phone number and e-mail of references). Proofread! Have a trusted friend or several friends proofread and critique your resume. Look for spelling errors, grammatical weaknesses, unusual punctuation, and inconsistent capitalization. Laser print or print on a light (white copy). It may be best to recommend a high quality white or off-white color paper. Typically your resume will be photocopied (and possibly faxed) to other people. Therefore, not all reviewers may know if you have used a unique bond paper. Be descriptive with your writing. Portray yourself as someone who is active, good at problem solving and analytical thinking, and is creative in your profession. How do I present my qualifications? Typically in education a "Reverse chronological order" or most recent items first, is the traditional format. Contrariwise, in business opportunities, qualifications and experience are listed in order of relevance for the job. Are there any unique things I can do with my resume? To take the lead from our business colleagues, if you are applying for a fitness-related opportunity in business the use of a CAREER PROFILE under the heading may be worthwhile. This is a short paragraph synthesizing your strengths, skills and abilities, specifically as they relate to the employment position. It replaces the Professional Objective section. What information should be included in the resume? Heading Includes your name, current address, phone, e-mail Career Profile or Professional Objective A concise statement that tells the reader your career goals and/or expresses you interest in a specific job. Here's an example of a professional objective: A leadership position in a cardiac rehabilitation setting that will allow me to share my extensive knowledge and experience in exercise science. (Remember, internships are work-related experiences). Education In reverse chronological order (most RECENT degree first) Degree (s) and major Date of graduation (month and year) Universities attended (Location of Universities—optional) Optional Educational Information University attended in a Study Abroad program Overall grade point average if 3.0 or higher Major grade point average Relevant course work Professional Experience Remember, internships are work experiences Job Title: Give each internship a specific title related to the internship (i.e. Cardiac Rehabilitation Internship, Fitness Assistant Director Internship) Employer name and location (city and state) Dates of experience Active description of responsibilities and accomplishment Graduate Students will include Publications, Scientific Presentations and Grants Special Skills Typically this includes any specific laboratory skills you have (which at UNM are quite extensive), computer skills, software programs you are familiar with, perhaps languages if it seems appropriate. Also, this should include your proficiency with these skills. Awards and Honors Scholarships and awards you may have received If you have several honors and awards you may wish to put this earlier in the resume Certifications with any exercise science/physiology organizations Membership in Organizations Your membership in organizations shows your service to your school, community, state or profession. It may be appropriate to describe your responsibilities with some of these organizations. References Do not state "references available upon request." Include the name, title, organization, address, phone number, and e-mail of each reference. Make sure you have permission with this person before listing. In some cases it is best to put references on a separate sheet of paper. Example of reference listing for Dr. Kravitz Len Kravitz, Ph.D. Director of Exercise Science University of New Mexico Johnson Center #1160 Albuquerque, NM 87131 505-277-4136 Email: lkravitz@unm.edu FOR SOME IDEAS OF A SAMPLE EXERCISE SCIENCE RESUME, CLICK HERE! Here are some useful WEB sites for Resume Writing: http://www.careermosaic.com/cm/cm39.html http://www.sampleresume.net/ Note about Disability Disclosure Under the protection of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, persons with disabilities have no obligation to disclose their disability prior to receiving a job offer. Individuals with disabilities should consider carefully how and when disclosure of their disability would be most advantageous. They should also know what kind of accommodations they will require. Requesting a letter of recommendation or reference In academics, it is advisable to give the professor a current copy of your resume when asking for a letter of recommendation, or when listing the professor as a reference. This will facilitate the instructor in describing your specific talents and abilities. |
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