Resume Writing

Resume writing strategies

A General Resume Outline

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

Types of Resumes

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

Achievement Resume This resume emphasizes achievements with less emphasis on experience.

Functional Resume This format covers experience over a long period of time that can be grouped into skill areas, which highlights expertise rather than time frames. Recent Graduate Resume. This resume is for recent graduates with little or no work experience, emphasizing training and education.

When Writing a Resume

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

Resume Writing Tips

Things to Do

• Lead with your most qualifying experience
• Consider a consolidated experience category
• Emphasize accomplishments
• Be generous with white space
• Use bullets, bold type, capital letters, and underlining
• Check continuity of history
• Have at least two other people 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 or 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 overstate 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: Don't start the letter with details about a disability. Follow a format mentioning strengths and limitations.

Including a Cover Letter

A General Cover Letter Outline

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

• The Heading: Your return 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 should include 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: Include a description of your education and work experience. Indicate how these relate to the position.
• Closing Paragraph: Inform 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 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