SDV 142: Career Planning
Learning Unit 9: Mini-Lecture
Basics of the Resume
Speaker: Noël Foster Gorden
Let’s start with a question! Do employers use your resume to screen you in or screen you out? Anyone?
Anyone? Did you say “out?” You’re right. They use it to screen you out! And how many chances do you
get to make a good first impression? You probably have about 30 seconds to convince an employer to
grant you an interview.
There are three main styles of resumes: chronological, functional, and combination. We will focus on the
chronological resume. This is the least complicated format to construct and it is also the format with
which employers are most familiar. Employers typically prefer this format because it allows them to see
what jobs you’ve held and when you worked at them. All resumes summarize your education and
experience and should reflect your strengths. (Aren’t you glad you spent so much time identifying your
skills and strengths?)
Let’s talk about the key components of a standard chronological resume.
First, identify yourself, because it is essential that the employer can reach you.
SAMMY STUDENT
721 N 1st St
Centerville, IA 52544
641-856-2143 [email protected]
List your name in bold and all caps. Nothing should stand out more than your name. By the way, I have
seen resumes with resume written at the top. Duh! It should be obvious that this is a resume. This is old
school. Don’t do it. This section should also include your address, phone number, and email address. It’s
not a bad idea to include both your school address and your permanent address if they are different.
After your identifying information, each section should be labeled with bold type. Use the same font and
size that you used for your name, but don’t use all caps. While we’re talking about fonts, I want to ask
you a question. Do you know what a serif is? In typography, a serif is the detail on the end of some
strokes that make up letters. Studies show that we read serif type more quickly. Most books are printed
with serif type for that reason. I urge you to use serif type on your resume. Remember that 30-second
rule.
It is optional whether to include a Job Objective or not.
Page 1 of 3
SDV 142: Career Planning
Learning Unit 9: Mini-Lecture
Objective: To obtain employment as a shift supervisor at Fashion Bug, eventually working into store
manager.
My best advice is that if you choose to include an objective, change it for every job you apply for, and
state that job as your objective.
It’s a good idea to add a section that highlights your Key Accomplishments.
Key Accomplishments
I have earned an overall GPA of 3.75 while working full time at Old Navy. I have excellent customer
service skills, and the ability to multi-task. I am able to put together excellent merchandise displays.
These can be from school, paid work, and volunteerism. Think of this section as the executive summary
of your resume and identify those achievements that will grab the employer’s attention.
For students and new graduates, the next section should be Education.
Education
Associate of Arts Degree anticipated, May 2011, Indian Hills Community College, Centerville, IA. Focus:
Business. Cumulative GPA: 3.75.
It should include: schools attended, majors/minors, degrees, and awards and honors. Some employers
will be looking for your GPA in this section. Put yourself in the best light possible. For example, if your
GPA is higher within your major list that. If your GPA is not something to boast about leave it off. But
know that your employer may ask, either during the interview or on the application, so you must be
prepared to discuss it.
Now it’s time to write about your professional experience.
Page 2 of 3
SDV 142: Career Planning
Learning Unit 9: Mini-Lecture
Experience
Key Holder, Old Navy, Centerville, IA
June 2009-present
Opened new store
Placed orders to restock merchandise and handled receiving of products
Integrated new register functions
Merchandise clothing and accessories.
Sales Associate, Hall Tree, Centerville, IA
October 2008-May 2009
Worked extensively with visual standards to merchandise high-end women’s clothing
Provided in-depth customer service.
I suggest you use the title Experience, so you can include non-paid work, too. This section should
include: your title; the company name, city, and state; as well as, your dates of employment in the
heading. Do not use a paragraph format. Instead, use bullets to highlight your responsibilities and
accomplishments. Be sure to use an active voice—that is action verbs—to describe your responsibilities
and accomplishments. If you do not have a lot of experience, consider listing some of your transferrable
skills.
If you have room for it, your final section will be for Affiliations and Activities.
Affiliations
Phi Theta Kappa
Circle K
Include professional memberships and non-controversial activities.
Never list your references on your resume. It is old school to say “references will be furnished on
request.” If your employer has requested them, type them up on a separate page.
There you go…those are the basics of developing a resume.
© Noël Foster Gorden and Indian Hills Community College
Page 3 of 3