How To Write A Resume

Follow the 5-step process below

What is a Resume? A resume is a marketing tool that highlights your work experience, skills, and education as they relate to your resume's objective. A resume is not simply an historical, biographical document of your past work experience. The resume is a marketing tool because you are "selling yourself" to persuade prospective employers that you can do their job. Which job? Proceed to step 1.

Step 1: Write your resume objective.

• A resume's objective tells an employer what type of job, or specific job, you want.



• Example: Seeking a management position with Target, Inc.



• Example: Seeking a management position in the retail industry

If you have written your objective, proceed to Step 3 below

If you're still not sure about your objective, proceed to Step 2 below

Step 2: Assess your skills - things you are good at doing.

1. Go to O*Net Online at  http://online.onetcenter.org/skills  and perform a "Skills Search" (a new browser window will open).



• Check off only those skills you are good at or desire/plan to be good at in the future



2. After you have compiled a list of occupations on this web page, click on the "Summary" link for those that interest you and read the summary for those occupations.



3. Choose one occupation. You will now search for a job in that occupation using various job search web sites.

Step 3: Search for a job or internship - tailor your resume to a job or internship.

1. Use one of the first 3 Websites

http://wwwsa.csueastbay.edu/~cdcweb/stu_emp.shtml


2. Choose a "target" job / internship.



• Note the skills that are required in the qualifications and job description. Which of these skills do you have?



• Where have you used these skills? Your experience in using these skills does not need to come from paid work experience. There are many ways to develop skills.



• Community service, neighborhood activities, academic/social organizations, teams, or clubs

Step 4: Write resume bullets to describe your skills reflecting the order/priority that the employer has stated in their job description/requirements.

1. Write bullets for jobs you've held or for other activities in which you've developed skills (community service, clubs, etc.)



2. Compare the skills, experience, and education listed in your target job to your skills, experience, and education. The closer the match, the better your chances of getting an interview.



3. Think about how you will describe your skills, experience, and education in your resume to match the job requirements.



4. Read How to Write a Good Resume Bullet



5. Write your resume bullets.

Step 5: Finish your resume. Keep your resume format simple and easy to read.

• Personal Heading



• Objective



• Education



• Experience



• Skills



• Sample Resume

The counselors in the Career Development Center want to provide you with more information and guidance regarding your skills and interests in your career exploration . . . just to give you an idea of the many resources we have:

• Explore occupations and majors - here's a goldmine of information, including descriptions of typical jobs and much more.

Stop by and see us in the Career Development Center. We're located in Warren Hall, room 509. Our drop-in counseling hours are Monday through Thursday, 10am to 5pm and Fridays, 10am to 2pm. You can also make an appointment 8am to 5:30pm by calling (510) 885-3621. See you soon !