One of the most important--and intimidating--steps in the job search process is writing a solid resume that gets the attention you want and need. Unfortunately, many job seekers get overwhelmed before they even get started. The result is poorly-written resumes that are built on top of templates that don't do the job seeker any good.
Today, resumes have to appeal to potential employers while also being optimized for the electronic age. Whether you are handing a resume over in person or are emailing an electronic copy to be added to an online database, the words you use and the formatting you choose will make a big difference in whether or not you get that interview.
This course teaches you not just what a resume should look like, but what it should say. It walks you step-by-step through the creation of the most common sections found on resumes in today's job market. In addition to helping you determine what information should be included, it also goes a step further to help you realize what pitfalls to avoid when creating this powerful job search tool.
Lesson One: An Introduction to the Resume
Introduction
What Is a Resume?
How and Why are they Used?
Lesson Two: Types of Resumes
Introduction
The Four Main Resume Types
The Chronological Resume
The Functional Resume
The Combination Resume
Curricula Vitae
Making the Choice
Lesson Three: Preparing to Write Your Resume
Introduction
What Information Will You Need?
- Education
- Job History
- Achievements
Narrowing It Down
Lesson Four: Presentation
Introduction
The Rules of the Game
- Length
- Font
- Spacing
- Layout
- Sections
- Paper
Resume Assistance
Lesson Five: Professional Objective and Education Section
Introduction
Writing Your Objective
The Education Section
Lesson Six: Experience
Introduction
Take and Objective Look at Your Experience
- Job Experience
- Volunteer Experience
- Leadership Experience
How to Present Your Experience
Action Words to Use
Lesson Seven: Skills Section
Introduction
What Skills are Relevant?
How to Discover Your Skills
Presenting Your Skills on the Resume
Specialized Resumes
Lesson Eight: Honors and Awards
Introduction
Why to Consider Including an Honors and Awards Section
Choosing Honors and Awards to Include
How to Present Your Honors and Awards on Your Resume
Lesson Nine: Activities and Interests
Introduction
Why Should You Include Your Activities and Interests?
Activities and Interests to Include
What to Avoid
Lesson Ten: Bolstering Your Resume
Introduction
When You Just Don’t Have the Job Experience
Making the Most of the Job Experience You Do Have
Honesty Is the Best Policy
Lesson Eleven: Polishing Your Resume
Introduction
Tailoring Your Resume
Making Your Resume Stand Out
Things to Avoid
Lesson Twelve: Cover Letters
Introduction
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
What to Include
Anatomy of a Cover Letter
Lesson Thirteen: Resumes in the Digital Age
Introduction
The Scannable Resume
- What are Keywords
- Formatting Considerations
Resume Alternatives
