How to Build Your
Competitive Résumé
Cooperative Work Experience Education & Internships
Room: BS 106
(916) 691-7372
http://wexp.losrios.edu
COMPETITIVE
RESUMES
What is a Competitive Resume?
The resume is a brief document that markets your unique skills, education, work experience
and achievements. A resume is your first impression to an employer. General resume
viewing time by employers is 20 seconds. How does your resume “market” you?
The main purpose of a resume is to get you an interview with an employer by marketing
your skills, abilities and accomplishments. It does this by professionally presenting in detail:
 Who you are – Full name
 How to contact you – Address, Telephone numbers, Email address
 What the position/job title is you are seeking – Specific Job Objective
 What you have done – Employment Title, Work history
 What you know – Specific Skills, Abilities, Accomplishments
 Why you should be hired–Your specific qualifications for the position
An employer needs to know the specific details of what you have accomplished, not just a
generic job description or title from your previous job. Quantify & Qualify your skills and
abilities.
Essential components to a competitive resume include:
• Attractiveness – How does your resume look? Is it neat, clean, organized, coherent,
and free from typos and too much white paper space. The resume needs to market you
with a professional appearance.
• Clearly Defined Objective – An objective (states what position you are applying for, with
whom, at what level and where) is crucial for all resumes because it demonstrates to the
employer that you are focused. The employer needs a clearly defined objective to figure
out what type of employment/position the person is looking for.
• Mechanically Correct – Is it grammatically correct and free from words spelled
incorrectly? Content should be consistent; either incomplete or complete sentences.
Either is acceptable, but be consistent.
• Relates to the Job – Does it spell out clearly how your work experience, skills,
education and/or accomplishments directly relate to the job you are applying for?
• Highlights your background – Does it use adjectives, action verbs, numbers and
percentages demonstrating your skills and work strengths? Did you point out your
academic, work and community achievements?
• Are you bilingual?
Be sure to list any languages, other than English, that you speak,
read or write.
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Points to consider before getting started…
• Obtain a job description to assist with the resume writing process.
A job description defines the components of any resume. Certain employers are
interested in key buzzwords and specific categories relevant to their work environment
and therefore should be included in a resume.
• Sending out large quantities of resumes to employers is not effective.
Take the time to individualize your resume for each job you apply for with a
personalized, clearly defined objective. Use the specific title of the job you are applying
for and the name of the company.
• Using up-to-date fonts increases the attractiveness of your resume.
Produce a resume that shows that you are computer savvy. Some fonts that look
professional, yet are graphically pleasing include Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, and Times
Roman, to name a few. Bold your name and headings. Bold and italicize your job
title. Consider using a font size larger for your name (i.e. 14 pitch) and decrease it to a
(12 pitch) for the rest.
Presentation Tips
Your resume should always be typed. You should try and keep your resume to one page.
However, two pages are becoming more acceptable especially if you have or are changing
professions, have a strong work history, emphasizing education, specific skill sets pertaining
to the position, community involvement, etc. The key is that what is included on your
resume needs to be relevant to the position you are seeking.
We don’t recommend the use of templates, lots of lines, pictures and boxes. It’s too hard to
make changes, especially when needing to update your information. Also there’s a greater
chance for computer glitches when emailing or printing your resume. Use a Word
Document Program and keep your resume straightforward and professional looking.
Type of Paper / Color
• Remember that your resume may be your first introduction to the employer. Additionally,
it may be emailed, faxed, scanned, copied and passed along to other supervisors.
• Use paper that reflects your interest and professionalism.
To make the best impression, use heavy bond paper. This is not the time to use fancy
or multicolored paper. Ivory colored parchment or off-white seems to work best. Gray
and blue are okay but tends to copy muddy looking.
• Do not staple or fold your resume when mailing. Mail your resume in a white or manila
envelope. Have extra copies of your resume on hand at job fairs, networking, social
events, and for the interview. You never know when a job opportunity will present itself.
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What type of resume format should I use?
Did you know that there is more than one way to write a resume? The five most common
formats include:
• Chronological – This style highlights dates of employment. It lists your work experience,
job responsibilities and accomplishments by dates, beginning with the most recent date
first. This style is most useful for people who have a steady employment record and who
are seeking work in a similar career field. While this style of resume has been the
standard in the past, it does not allow for flexibility. We recommend putting the dates on
the right side not on the left.
• Functional/Combination – This format organizes work experience by skill sets.
This type is most successful for people who are changing careers, or who have gaps
in their employment history and are interested in highlighting their work related skill
areas, not dates of employment.
• Student Centered – This format highlights education from coursework and special
projects to relevant work history. This style is recommended for the student who has
little or no related work history and wishes to apply what he/she has learned in the
classroom into the workplace.
• Re-careering – Similar to the student-centered format, the re-careering resume allows
the individual to highlight his/her current educational endeavor, yet draws from their past
related work experience and skills as well as his/her current education and training. It is
Okay to use 2 pages which may be necessary, especially when changing careers and
returning to school.
● Electronic – This format is prepared for the computer to read. It summarizes skills in a
clear and concise manner. Resumes are scanned and inputted into an online electronic
application system that uses optical character recognition technology. Searches are done
by keywords and phrases that describe the skills and core coursework required for each
job. Be sure to watch for and use those key words.
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Positive Action Verbs
These Power Verbs can be used in building your resume as well as for practicing and using
during an interview. Choose words that best describe you then incorporate them into your cover
letter and resume.
Management
• Administered
• Assigned
• Attained
• Chaired
• Contracted
• Consolidated
• Coordinated
• Delegated
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Developed
Directed
Evaluated
Executed
Improved
Increased
Organized
Oversaw
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Planned
Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Reviewed
Scheduled
Strengthened
Supervised
Communication Skills
• Addressed
• Arbitrated
• Arranged
• Authored
• Corresponded
• Developed
• Drafted
• Edited
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Enlisted
Formulated
Influenced
Interpreted
Interviewed
Lectured
Mediated
Negotiated
•
•
•
•
•
•
Persuaded
Promoted
Publicized
Reconciled
Recruited
Translated
Detail Skills
• Approved
• Arranged
• Cataloged
• Classified
• Collected
• Compiled
• Dispatched
• Executed
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Generated
Implemented
Inspected
Monitored
Operated
Organized
Prepared
Processed
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Purchased
Recorded
Retrieved
Screened
Specified
Systemized
Tabulated
Validated
Research Skills
• Clarified
• Collected
• Diagnosed
• Evaluated
• Examined
•
•
•
•
•
Extracted
Identified
Inspected
Interviewed
Investigated
•
•
•
•
•
Organized
Reviewed
Summarized
Surveyed
Systemized
Helping Skills
• Assessed
• Assisted
• Coached
• Counseled
•
•
•
•
Demonstrated
Diagnosed
Educated
Expedited
•
•
•
Facilitated
Rehabilitated
Represented
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What to do about References
References are no longer “available upon request,” and they should not be listed on
your résumé. You will need to provide a separate list of references. Treat it as a
separate document similar to the one below:
Sally Smith
1234 Tudor Lane
Rancho Cordova, CA 95823
Cell (916) 485-7200 Home (916) 467-8900
Email: [email protected]
REFERENCES
Dr. James Schermerhorn
Director of Human Resources
State of California - State Personnel Board
5050 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 484-9898
Ms. Ida Jackson
Professor
Cosumnes River College, Business Department
8401 Center Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95824
(916) 691-4553
[email protected]
Ms. Sophia Lopez
Project Manager
Rancho Cordova Unified School District
3452 Folsom Boulevard
Rancho Cordova, CA 95823
(916) 343-8976
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME - Format Example
Emphasis on steady work history - Dates on the right margin side preferred
Anh Nguyen
1234 Calvine Road Elk Grove, CA 98765
Cell (916) 123-4567 Email [email protected]
OBJECTIVE: Management Position with the Public Affairs Commission of Sacramento
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Bachelor of Science Degree, Business - University of California, Davis
• Magna Cum Laude and Gold Key National Honor Society
December 2015
Associate of Arts Degree, Business - Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA May 2013
COMPUTER SKILLS: Proficient in Microsoft Word 2003, 2007, 2010, Excel, Access,
PowerPoint, Publisher, Email, Internet Explorer
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Director, Volunteer Corporation of Sacramento Valley- Sacramento, CA 4/2012 – present
• Established and directed national non-profit groups
• Trained and supervised 75 volunteers
• Oversaw budget of $39,000 and all fund raising activities
• Increased contributions by 40%
• Made public presentations on behalf of Public Assistance Commission
• Interviewed by Sacramento News & Review on volunteer contributions
• Successfully advocated for legislation passed October 1998
Administrative Assistant, Dept. of General Services -Sacramento, CA
• Served as a liaison between the statewide office and public groups
• Designed and implemented plans to publicize new services group
• Arranged for professionals to speak at monthly meetings
• Supervised 7 clerical support and 4 interns
8/2008 – 3/2012
Classroom Aide, Laguna Lake High School- Sacramento, CA
9/2006 – 6/2008
• Assisted instructor in foreign language class
• Served as member of goal-setting committee for Elk Grove Unified School District
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• Member, National Volunteers of America, 8/2006-current
• Member, Business Professionals of America, 09/2009 - current
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Treasurer, SPCA
9/2010-current
LANGUAGES Bilingual: speak, read and write proficiently in Cantonese and English
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FUNCTIONAL RESUME – Format Example
Emphasis on Skills & Experience
Vince Corleone
3453 Calvine Road
Elk Grove, CA 98765
Cell (916) 123-4567
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE: A management position with the Public Affairs Commission of Sacramento
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Bachelor of Science Degree, Business - University of California, Davis
• Magna Cum Laude and Gold Key National Honor Society
December 2014
Associate of Arts Degree, Business - Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA May 2011
CERTIFICATIONS
HAZMAT Certification and Training - National Environmental Trainer Inc.
May 2011
COMPUTER SKILLS: Proficient in both Apple and PC Applications including: Microsoft
Word 2003, 2007, 2010, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Internet Explorer
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Public Relations Media
• Served as a liaison between 5 State departments and public groups
• Made public presentations, over 25, on behalf of Public Assistance Commission
• Interviewed by Sacramento News & Review on current affairs
Communications
• Successfully advocated for legislation passed October 2010
• Served as a member of advocacy council for the Division of Communications
• Designed and wrote flyers and fund raising materials
Leadership/Organization
• Served as member of goal-setting committee for the Elk Grove Unified School District
• Initiated and coordinated a chapter of a national service group
• Designed and implemented plans to publicize new service group
• Established large, over 300, lending library of books and videos
• Chaired monthly steering committee meetings for up to 30 participants
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Director, Volunteer Corporation of Sacramento Valley
April 2012 - present
Administrative Assistant, Department of General Services August 2007 – March 2012
Instructional Assistant, Cosumnes River College
Fall & Spring Semester 2006/2007
LANGUAGES Bilingual: speak, read and write proficiently in Spanish and English.
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STUDENT CENTERED RESUME – Format Example
Emphasis on Education
Donald Duke
123 Valley High Drive Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 688-4443 [email protected]
OBJECTIVE
To obtain an Internship Position with ABC Environmental
HIGHLIGHTS OF • Currently OSHA trained and certified
QUALIFICATIONS • Working knowledge of Apple and PC based programs
• Work well independently as well as in a team capacity
• Speak, read and write fluently in Russian
EDUCATION
CERTIFICATION
Cosumnes River College, Environmental Technology, 08/2014-current
Associate of Science Degree expected May 2017
OSHA Certified May 2013- current
RELATED
COURSEWORK
Chemistry
Decision Making in Emergencies
Basics of Toxicology
Environmental Biology
English 1A Composition
Multicultural Diversity
Right to Know Laws
Safety & Analysis
Sampling & Analysis
Pollution Control
Speech
Work/Life Management
SPECIAL
PROJECTS
Hazwoper Analysis – Researched and studied 34 environmental
businesses that offer the Hazwoper short course. Compiled a
cost/benefit analysis.
Legislative Review – Contacted local government representatives to
track voting records relating to environmental issues.
Manual – Organized and assembled a “Right to Know Laws” manual
dealing with environmental rules/administration in relation to small
businesses.
COMPUTER
SKILLS
Microsoft Applications: Word 2003, 2007, Access, Internet Explorer,
Outlook, PowerPoint, and Publisher
WORK
EXPERIENCE
Student Assistant, Dept. of Aging, State of California 09/13 - Present
Cashier, Bookstore Cosumnes River College
09/11 - 06/2012
Tutor, Engineering Dept, Cosumnes River College
08/11 - 05/2011
LANGUAGE
Speak, Read and Write Fluently in Russian
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1 PAGE COMBINATION DETAILED SKILLS & WORK HISTORY – Format Example
Marie Name
12345 West 44th Street
Sacramento, CA 98765
Cell (916) 554-7786 Home (667-8900)
Email [email protected]
OBJECTIVE: A Position Utilizing Bookkeeping & Office Administration Skills
PRESENTATION OF QUALIFICATIONS
ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING SKILLS
 Able to perform all Accounts Receivable & Payable functions
 Responsible for up to $100,000 per month in payables
 Audit and pay all invoices including supplies, insurance, policies, utilities and rents
 Balance and maintain cash management for 4 banking accounts
 Operate manual and computerized accounting programs
OFFICE MANAGEMENT / CLERICAL SKILLS
 Tested typing speed 60 wpm
 10 Key By touch
 Answer up to 6 multiple telephone lines
 Compose and type all office correspondence
 Responsible for up to 75 client intake interviews and record keeping
COMPUTER SKILLS: Proficient in both Apple and PC Applications including: Microsoft
Word 2003, 2007, 2010, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Internet Explorer
EXPERIENCE
Office Manager / Bookkeeper, Clarks Restaurant – Sacramento, CA
July 2012-present
 Responsible for all bookkeeping functions including payroll
 Hire, train and manage schedules for up to 25 employees
Administrative Assistant, Ditto Office Supplies - Sacramento, CA June 2010 - May 2012
 Managed all basic office operations including scheduling of office staff
 Interacted directly with and handled customer service problems
Bookkeeper, Audit Time CPA – Los Angeles, CA
June 2008 – April 2010
 Performed all basic bookkeeping functions
 Monitored up to 60 individual client accounts totaling $300,000 in annual sales
EDUCATION / CERTIFICATES
Bachelor of Science Degree, Business – University of California, Davis, May 2012
Advanced Accounting Certificate, Cosumnes River College, May 2009
LANGUAGES
Fluent in Spanish
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COMPUTER INFORMATION SCIENCE – Major Specific Example
Jerry Nichols
9876 Campus Center Drive, Sacramento, CA 95823
Phone: (916) 321-3049
Email: [email protected]
Objective: Senior Information Technology Technician Lab/ Area Microcomputer Support at
Expert Technologies, Inc.
Highlights of Qualifications
•
•
•
Over 3 years experience providing Information Technology support for the Health
Care Information Technology program at Cosumnes River College
Over 4 years’ experience providing remote instructional support for students to
achieve various technical certifications
Over 15 years’ experience of providing Information Technology support to various
companies family and friends
Professional Qualifications
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Microsoft XP, Vista Windows 7 Enterprise support • Microsoft 2003, 2008 experience
Dedicated Information Technology Instructor
• Microsoft Office Proficient
Computer Help Desk support Certification
• Experience with Mac OS 10
Networking and Security experience
• Desktop and laptop support
Linux GUI and Command line skills
• Computer forensic knowledge
Excellent customer service
• Data entry and maintenance
Computer systems maintenance and installation • Data library Media support
Education
Cosumnes River College, Computer Information Science
Information Technology Associates Degree, Technical College
In progress
July 2015
Certifications
Network Helpdesk Technician Certification, March 2014
Network Systems Engineer Certification, March 2014
Network Systems Administration Certification, March 2014
Comptia A+ Certification, March 2014
Microsoft Windows 2008 Active Directory Certification, March 2014
Comptia Network + Certification, April 2013
Microsoft Window 7 Certification, March 2013
Microsoft Windows MCITP, December 2013
Professional Work Experience
I.T .Instructor, Sierra College, Sacramento, CA
I.T. Technician, Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA
I.T. Technical Support, Office Solutions, Sacramento, CA
June 2013 – Present
Jan 2011 – Sept 2013
Jan 2009 – Dec 2010
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RADIO, TELEVISION & FILM – Major Specific Example
Robert Sanchez
9123 Ranch Road Sacramento, CA 95826
[email protected] Cell phone (916) 418-1111
Objective: An Internship Opportunity with Access Sacramento
Education
Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA
Associate of Arts Degree, Broadcast Journalism
Associate of Arts Degree, Television Production
Fall 2014 – Present
Degree Expected May 2017
Degree Expected May 2017
Related Coursework
Television
• TV Production
• Advanced TV Production
• Film History
• Basic Film/Video Camera Technics
Broadcasting
• Studio Operations Radio
• Broadcast Journalism
• Broadcast Writing & Announcing
•
•
•
Intro Film/Digital Cinema
Intro to Digital Media
Intro Motion Graphics (Adobe)
•
•
Newswriting & Reporting
Mass Media & Society
Training & Experience
•
•
•
Trained to operate camera/studio equipment proficiently and safely
Hands on experience in producing news episodes, backtiming shows, managing other
students, live reporting, and directing programs that were live-to-tape
Game of the Week with Access Sacramento (Televising High School football) 2015
Awards
•
•
Cosumnes River College Award of Excellence “Live Television Broadcast” 2016
Cosumnes River College Award of Excellence “Student Narrative Filmmaking” 2015
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe
Work Experience
Office Assistant, Nationwide Insurance, Fair Oaks, CA
April 2014 – Present
• Perform many tasks as needed including: answered calls, assisted
clients/co-workers, ran errands for owner, assisted with email/client file workflow
Handyman, Repair Central, Jackson, CA
November 2013 – March 2014
• Repaired fences, panted houses, split and sold wood
Salesperson, Costco, Sacramento, CA
March 2012 – June 2013
• Networked and secured references, gave presentations
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2 PAGE COMBINATION DETAILED SKILLS & WORK HISTORY – Format Example
Addressing Specific Requirements Provided in Job Description
Alice Brown
7224 Bay Way, Sacramento, CA 95772
(916) 345-6789 home (916) 123-4567 cell
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE: Administrative Personnel Assistant for Georgetown Unified School District
•
•
•
•
•
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
Over 7 years of experience in the Georgetown Unified School District.
Assist, coordinate and monitor the development, implementation and
management of special program budgets and accounts for Adult & Community
Education including parent participation, ESL, High School Diploma and GED.
Interact and coordinate with outside agencies including Sacramento Employment
Training Agency (SETA), Department of Human Assistance (DHA), California
Department of Education (CDE), California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).
Collaborate with personnel and staff from the GUSD offices of Accounting,
Budget, Human Resources, Employee Unions, and Learning Support Services.
Maintain confidential records for over 110 employees including reference checks
and credential status.
COMPUTER / OFFICE TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Computer
 Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Word 2003, 2007, 2010, Excel,
Power Point, Outlook and Publisher.
 Proficient in databases including TOPSpro and AIM 2000. Familiar with SISWEB.
Office Management
 Type 65 wpm, operate all office equipment including laminator, fax, scanner, copier.
 Answer up to 4 multiple phone lines.
 Compose all business correspondence and special program publications including the
quarterly program newsletter, organizational work charts, parent’s education activities
calendar and school brochures.
 Excellent oral and written communication skills.
EDUCATION
 Bachelor of Arts Degree California State University, Sacramento December 2010
Major in Business Administration with a Minor in Management
 Cosumnes River College, General Education Courses August 2006 – June 2008
SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
 Experienced in County, State and Federal grant requirements and guidelines
 Adult School Compliance - California Department of Education
LANGUAGES
 Bilingual: Speak, Read and Write Proficiently in Spanish and English.
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Alice Brown
Page 2
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Georgetown Unified School District – Sacramento, CA
January 1996 – Current
Administrative Assistant II - Adult & Community Education
April 2002 – Present
 Perform all administrative assistant duties reporting directly to the Director of Adult
& Community Education.
 Serve as a liaison between 3 administrators, 75 faculty and 40 staff members.
 Maintain confidential and personnel records of over 110 employees.
 Coordinate and facilitate weekly staff meetings.
 Provide training to staff on Customer Service techniques.
 Compose a variety of correspondence independently including the quarterly program
newsletter, organizational work charts, activities calendar, school brochures.
 Provide operational input to administration on new program developments including
the One Stop Career Center, Employment Training Panel, and Workforce Development.
 Participate in employee/supervisor relation activities; explain policies and procedures.
 Coordinate conference travel and budget, arrange meetings.
 Knowledgeable in district organization, operations, policies and objectives.
Staff Services Technician - Adult & Community Education
June 1999 - April 2002
 Developed and implemented an accountability system for EL Civics program.
 Served as a liaison between teachers, instructional assistants and students.
 Reported data and progress of the Community Based English Tutoring (CBET)
and EL Civics programs.
 Monitored compliance accountability guidelines for grants.
 Conducted orientations and scheduled appointments for new teachers, students and
parents participating in the pre-school programs.
 Typed letters and school publications.
 Trained up to 5 student volunteers and 15 new staff in office procedures and practices.
School Office Assistant – Adult Education
June 1997 – June 1999
 Responsible for coordinating and making student schedule changes for approximately
200 students.
 Used the AIM school house system and coordinated classes with students and teachers.
 Interacted directly with new students, visitors and guests. Answered questions regarding
class availability, orientation, purchasing of textbooks.
 Typed correspondence, scheduled orientation appointments, mailed brochures and ran
cash register.
 Managed up to 4 multi-phone lines and operated all office equipment including fax,
scanner, copier and computers.
Instructional Assistant – Adult Education
January 1996- May 1997
 Performed all office and general clerical duties including coordinating weekly student
orientations, inventorying and organizing resource materials for teachers.
 Tutored up to 100 students, in small groups, in reading and writing strategies and study
skills.
14
ELECTRONIC RESUMES *
You absolutely MUST have one.
More than 80 percent of employers are now placing resumes directly into searchable
databases and an equal percentage of employers prefer to receive resumes by e-mail.
Eighty percent of Fortune 500 companies post jobs on their own Web sites -- and expect
job-seekers to respond electronically. All these stats mean that you need at least one other
version of your resume that can go directly into a keyword-searchable database with no
obstacles.
Sending your resume in text-based format directly in the body of an e-mail message
removes all barriers to an employer's placing your resume right into a searchable database.
Some employers still prefer the formatted document version of your resume attached to an
e-mail message, while others won't open attachments because of concerns about viruses
and incompatibilities among word-processing programs. And since the formatted version of
your resume is often delivered electronically as an attachment, it too can be considered a
type of e-resume
Here's a quick rundown:
Text (ASCII) resume, which removes all formatting and allows the resume to appear the
same in all email systems -- and allows for easy placement into employer resume
databases.
• Rich Text (RTF) version, sometimes used for online job boards (such as Monster,
FlipDog, HotJobs) or for sending as an attachment that is reasonably compatible
across platforms and word-processing programs.
• Portable Document Format (PDF) resume that is also highly compatible and
consistent in appearance across platforms, though difficult to place directly into
databases.
• Web-based resume in hypertext markup language (HTML) to make your resume
available 24/7 on the Web. Easily expandable into a Web portfolio.
• Scannable resume, which is similar to a text resume although used increasingly less
often these days since e-mailed resumes can go directly into databases and don't
require the extra step of optical scanning.
Your e-resume must be loaded with keywords.
This advice really relates to all resumes in the era of the keyword-searchable database, but
it's especially important for e-resumes. Employers' use and eventual dependence on
keywords to find the job candidates they want to interview has come about in recent years
because of technology. Inundated by resumes from job-seekers, employers have
increasingly relied on digitizing job-seeker resumes, placing those resumes in keywordsearchable databases, and using software to search those databases for specific keywords
that relate to job vacancies. Most Fortune 1000 companies, in fact, and many smaller
companies now use these technologies. In addition, many employers search the databases
of third-party job-posting and resume-posting boards on the Internet.
The bottom line is that if you apply for a job with a company that searches databases
for keywords, and your resume doesn't have the keywords the company seeks for the
person who fills that job, you are pretty much out of luck.
15
Formatted, "print" resume, also known as a word-processed resume or traditional paper
resume, is created in a word-processing program. Microsoft Word is the most widely used
and is advisable to use for that reason. If you are sending your formatted, print resume as
an attachment to an e-mail message, it is inadvisable to use a program other than Word
unless you save the resume in Rich Text (.rtf; see Rich Text Format entry, below). File
extensions for formatted, print resumes include .doc for MS Word, .wpd, for Corel
WordPerfect and .wps for MS Works. Common delivery methods for the formatted, print
resume include regular postal mail, faxing, hand-delivery, and e-mail attachment.
The formatted, print resume is among the best for its attractive visual presentation of the
job-seeker. When sent as an e-mail attachment, however, its formatting may appear
inconsistently from computer to computer, and it is highly vulnerable to viruses. Don't send a
formatted, print resume as an attachment unless (a) you're sure it's the employer's
preference or (b) you also provide another alternative, preferably your text-based resume
pasted into the body of an e-mail message.
Text resume, also known as a text-based resume, plain-text resume, or ASCII text resume,
is the preferred format for submitting resumes electronically. A text resume, which carries
the .txt file extension, is stripped of virtually all its formatting and is not especially visually
appealing, which is OK since its main purpose is to be placed into one of the keywordsearchable databases that the vast majority of today's large employers now use. The text
resume is not vulnerable to viruses and is compatible across computer programs and
platforms. It is highly versatile and can be used for:
•
•
•
•
•
Posting in its entirety on many job boards.
Pasting piece-by-piece into the profile forms of job boards, such as Monster.com.
Pasting into the body of an e-mail and sending to employers.
Converting to a Web-based HTML resume.
Sending as an attachment to employers, although you'll probably also want to send
your formatted version.
Portable Document Format (PDF) resume offers the advantages of being completely
invulnerable to viruses and totally compatible across computer systems. A resume
converted to PDF, which carries a .pdf file extension, looks virtually identical to the original
document from which it was created, thus preserving the resume's visual appeal, and it also
appears consistently from computer to computer. Many employers specifically request PDF
resume files. The downsides include the fact that it is more difficult to perform keyword
searches on PDF resumes unless they are scanned first or special extraction software is
used. If a resume writer prepares a PDF document for you, you will not be able to
manipulate or change it in any way (unlike, for example, a Word document, which you can
easily change), so the PDF conversion should take place after you're totally satisfied with
your resume and need no additional changes.
*Adapted from an article appearing in Quintessential Careers: http://www.quintcareers.com/
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ELECTRONIC RESUME Format Example
Maria P. Torres
2222 Distant Lane
Sacramento, CA 95823
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 916-123-4567
OBJECTIVE
To obtain the Server Administrator Internship Position with Cisco
EDUCATION
Cosumnes River College – Sacramento, CA 2011- current
Major: Computer Information Science: Server Administrator
Associate of Science Degree expected Dec 2014 GPA: 3.5
RELEVANT COURSES:
Network Administration, Network Engineering, Network Technologies
Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Unix, Visual Basic, Windows
Telecommunications, Networking Concepts
RELEVANT SKILLS:
NT 4.0 Server, NT Workstation, managing LANS, installation
Administration of Novell NetWare 4.11, logon and file system security
COMPUTER SKILLS:
MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Outlook Express, Lotus Notes, Paint Shop Pro,
Coral Draw
WORK EXPERIENCE
ABC CORPORATION, Sacramento, CA January 2010 – August 2013
Student Intern-PC Support
Set up and configured a computer lab for educational setting.
Installed operating systems and application programs.
KIDS AND COMPANY, Auburn, CA May 2006 - August 2009
Stationary Engineer/Networking
Coordinated a project of installing, configuring and maintaining a Novell 4.11 Server/Windows 95
network. Network administration and help desk for Apple/PC network.
HONORS ACTIVITIES
Dean’s highest honors Fall 2010; Dean’s List, Spring 2013
Spanish club; treasurer student activities
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