Resume Writing

Resume writing strategies

A General Resume Outline

• Name
• Local/Permanent Address
• Professional Goal
• Education
• Related Experience
• Additional Experience
• Honors
• Activities
• Skills
• Personal (optional)
• References

Types of Resumes

Chronological Resume This is the most commonly-used resume form. It the lists in reverse chronological order the person's work history.

Achievement Resume This resume stresses on the achievements with less emphasis on experience.

Functional Resume This kind of resume covers experience over a long period of time. Here skill areas can be grouped. Such a resume can throw light on expertise rather than time frames.

Recent Graduate Resume Such a resume is for the newly passed out graduates with little or no work experience. In this resume format more emphasis is laid on training and education.

When Writing a Resume

• Stick to the basics
• Keep it short
• Disclose only what the employer needs to know
• Have a specific objective
• Preferably one page and never more than two pages
• Moves around a specific job or a specific employer
• Don't focus on your medical history
• Highlight your skills and not your disability

Resume Writing Tips

Things to Do

• Move ahead with your most qualifying experience
• Consider a consolidated experience category
• Lay stress on accomplishments
• Be generous with white space
• Use bullets, bold type, capital letters, and underlining
• Check continuity of history
• Two other people should review it
• Send your references a copy of your resume
• Use good paper
• Avoid anything negative, this may include disclosure of disability

Things Not to Do

• Don't exaggerate, over emphasize or try to mislead
• Don't state a salary
• Don't include names of references
• Don't include a photograph
• Don't include religion, race, national origin, or political affiliation
• Don't exaggerate your qualifications
• Don't include a reason for leaving your last job
• Don't use unusual abbreviations or acronyms

Resume Writing Considerations

Should I Disclose or Not

• On the Resume: Often, your disability is reflected in your work history, education, and life experience.
• Stress your adaptability.
• Cover Letter: You should not start the letter with details about a disability. Mention both strengths and limitations.

Read more about Disability Disclosure

Including a Cover Letter

A General Cover Letter Outline

A cover letter accompanies any resume mailed to a prospective employer.

• The Heading: Your address and date
• The Inside Address: The employer's name; company name; and company address
• Salutation or Greeting: Address the letter to a particular person by name. Avoid "Dear Sir/ Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern."
• The Body of the Letter: The body of the letter must have at least three paragraphs.
• Opening Paragraph: State what motivates you to write to this employer, the position for which you are applying, and how you heard about the position or the company.
• Middle Paragraph: Describe your education and work experience. Show how these are related to the position.
• Closing Paragraph: Tell the employer that you are available for a personal interview or to answer questions about your resume. Thank the employer for the company's consideration.

Cover Letter Writing Tips

Things to Do

• Make each letter an original
• Follow instructions that are given in recruitment ads
• Keep the letter to one page
• Include your telephone number in the closing paragraph

Things Not to Do

• Don't put your name in the heading
• Don't tell all in the letter
• Don't forget to follow up