Resume Improvement Discussion

This guide will help facilitate a discussion on the key points from the video and how they can be applied to improve resumes.

What are the key elements of a strong resume according to the video?

Focus on action verbs, quantifying achievements, and the importance of networking.

How can you apply these tips to your own resume?

Encourage sharing of specific examples and strategies.

Why is networking emphasized as a crucial job search strategy?

Discuss the benefits of networking and how it complements a strong resume.

Fairfax Virginia Career Works Center Resume Tips

This handout provides a concise guide on creating an effective resume. Use this as a reference when crafting or refining your resume.

What is a Resume?

A resume is a one to two-page typed summary that highlights your skills, experiences, and education relevant to your job search. It is crafted to convey one clear message: how you have made things better for the companies you worked for. Use your resume as a tool to make a strong impression on employers and as a networking resource.

Tailoring Your Resume

• Customize for Each Job: Tailor your resume to every job by using key words found in the job description and highlighting relevant experiences and skills.
• Multiple Versions: Consider having different versions of your resume for various types of job opportunities.
• Avoid One-Size-Fits-All: Do not send out the same resume to every job opening.

Essential Components of a Resume

What to Include:

• Header: Contact information, including your preferred name, full street address, email, phone number, and an optional LinkedIn profile link.






• Headline and Summary (Optional): Offers a powerful statement of your career goals and what you bring to the position, replacing the traditional objective.






• Summary of Qualifications: A list of your relevant transferable skills, accomplishments, and qualifications, including your expertise level in each.






• Work History (Professional Experience): A detailed list of full-time and part-time positions, internships, or volunteer work. List your most recent position first and work backwards (reverse chronological order). Generally, this should cover the last 10 years.






• Education: List your educational achievements starting from the most recent and moving backwards (reverse chronological order).

What NOT to Include:

• Objective: Outdated and unnecessary.
• References: They can be provided if requested by the employer.
• Irrelevant Personal Information: Do not include details like Social Security Number, race, disability, or marital status.

Effective Resume Formatting

• Bullet Points: Use bullet points to break down information and highlight key details.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Uniform Spacing: Maintain consistent spacing before and after headings as well as between bullets and sections for a uniform appearance.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Font Guidelines: Use a 10 to 12-point font (except for your name, which can be larger), and limit to two font styles. Recommended fonts include Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, Arial, Times, and Time New Roman.

Reflection & Application

Take a few minutes to reflect on your current resume or a draft you are working on. Use the space below to note what changes or improvements you plan to make based on these tips:

Discuss these points with a peer or mentor. What strategies would you prioritize when tailoring your resume for a specific job?

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Remember: A well-crafted resume is your personal marketing tool. Make sure it clearly communicates your strengths and aligns with the requirements of the jobs you are targeting.

Happy Resume Crafting!