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How do I write a good resume?

post #1 of 15
Thread Starter 

I need to write one for my upcoming internship interview/selection. Am completely lost. Not even sure how to start, not sure how to format it. Do I take photos of all my academic certs, misc certs, trophies, achievements and write a short story about my qualities? Tips? Tone/grammar/language/sentence structure/length?

 

Anything employers look out for other than academic achievements and community service? 

 

A brah in need is a brah indeed. 

 

post #2 of 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Boat View Post

A brah in need is a brah indeed. 


Pro tip: Don't use "brah" in your resume.

 

Actually, don't use "brah" ever.

post #3 of 15
post #4 of 15
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by liamstrain View Post

http://www.how-to-write-a-resume.org/


Came across that site. Didn't look legit.

Decided wtheck, I'll just give it a shot. 

Turns out they link you to an app that allows you to choose pre-set sentences to write your resume. 

Do not want.

 

How'd you write your resume?

 

My dad's job doesn't really require a proper resume I think (hard work, under the sun, freight business job), so there's no point asking him.

 

It'd be awesome if some pro-resume writers or HR department brahs stepped in here and shed some light on this topic.

 

 

@Head Injury What's wrong with saying "brah"... 

 

post #5 of 15

They have samples, and plenty of resource links aside from that app - I agree, it alone is pretty stupid. 

 

My resume at this point is mostly my portfolio. But I do have a formal resume with my education, past jobs and responsibilities (in summary sentence form - not bullets), skills summary, and statement of purpose. 

 

I don't know "how" I wrote it - it's been a while - I think I pretty much looked up sample resumes, took what applied to me, and then just wrote it. 

 

Keep to one page, single sided for a basic resume. a CV is a different story. 

post #6 of 15
Thread Starter 

Hm.. Taking ideas from sample resumes is not a bad idea.

 

I have quite a number of certificates in a blue file that I keep... I don't even know how to show proof of those in my resume.

 

Do I just write it down on one sheet and then scan the certs as evidence?

 

 

 

Also, for internship applications, do I submit a basic resume or a "CV" ?

post #7 of 15

Depends on what they ask for. Usually just a Resume. 

 

Certificates - list them in a credentials section. And you can find a way to show them later if they need proof. I've never had anyone ask to see a credential I reported. (If it is a HUGE number of certificates, list those that are most pertinent to the opportunity, and then something that indicates you have many other related ones... something like "Other related certificates are on file, a complete list provided on request" or summat. 

 

And don't use brah - it is, at the very least, unprofessional. 


Edited by liamstrain - 12/15/11 at 11:48am
post #8 of 15
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by liamstrain View Post

Depends on what they ask for. Usually just a Resume. 

 

Certificates - list them in a credentials section. And you can find a way to show them later if they need proof. I've never had anyone ask to see a credential I reported. (If it is a HUGE number of certificates, list those that are most pertinent to the opportunity, and then something that indicates you have many other related ones... something like "Other related certificates are on file, a complete list provided on request" or summat. 

 

And don't use brah - it is, at the very least, unprofessional. 


I'm not going to be using brah or you, or him, her. Resume's all about me, so I think it's best if I stick to talking in the first person. Thanks for the advice. Will work on this during my coming break, dig up all those old certificates, look for stuff relevant to aviation and workplace safety. 

 

post #9 of 15

Do a google search for "sample resume".  It should give you a good idea of what goes into one.  Some general tips:

- don't write an essay (unless you need a cover letter as well).  Stick to bullet points with maybe a sentence or two for a goal statement at the beginning

- use action verbs

- try to pick out skills (management, interpersonal, problem-solving) you may have exercised in any previous jobs and highlight them

- highlight your education, but don't include your GPA unless it's about 3.5 or higher.

- don't include every little award you've ever won.  Pick ones that are relevant to the position you're applying to unless they're highly prestigious awards.

- Try to keep it to a page, two if you really must.  Most HR people will only read the first page anyways.

- make a list of relevant skills you have.  Anything from programs to techniques to machinery operating experience.  But only include things that you think you would use in the job.  Certifications would go here.

- If you're a college graduate, typical order will be education -> (awards ->) work experience -> skills.  If not, skip the education section and start with skills.

- you should probably start off with a goal statement at the beginning that is specific to the position you're applying for.  Don't make a broad statement about your life goals.

 

Hope this helps.

post #10 of 15

The only sentence, would be your objective.  use a basic resume build, unless you have a lot of training and what no

 

 

Name

NUMBER

ADDRESS

 

 

Objective:

 

 

Employment history/references

 

 

Skills/achiements

 

 

SPECIALISED TRAINING (this is rarely applied to starter resume, for example you would list if you were the head of a team that spear headed a programming initiative or what not.)

 

 

 

 

Believe it or not when you turn in your resume write that you are eager to learn and affable, not fappable.  You know stand out, but not on a ledge

post #11 of 15

What funniecow just posted is what I do for my resume. List everything in chronological order so it is easier for the interviewer to follow which makes them happy, making you more likely to get a job. On my resume, I have a 1-2 sentence description of everything. Being a high school student, my resume is 2 pages long.

post #12 of 15
Thread Starter 

Ah got it. Only write in awards/experience/skills that are relevant. 

 

So basically, relevant stats about myself and a really short write-up on how I can contribute (personal qualities, objectives, etc).

 

I wonder if First Aid Training is a relevant thing to mention... 

post #13 of 15

First aid training is definitely relevant. Many jobs require this certification and you already having it is an incentive for them to hire you because if you didn't have it, they would be required to pay for you to receive your training (in most cases).

 

As for writing awards/skills/experience, I recommend writing everything down. Awards demonstrate that you have achievements in your life, whether they be related or not. Skills and experience that you may not think are relevant may be useful in the eyes of your employer.

Ex) you are applying for a computer job, your experience is in logging. Doesn't show that you have computer experience, but this may translate into the employer knowing that you can probably lift stuff (like computers) on your own without assistance.

post #14 of 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Boat View Post

Ah got it. Only write in awards/experience/skills that are relevant. 

 

So basically, relevant stats about myself and a really short write-up on how I can contribute (personal qualities, objectives, etc).

 

I wonder if First Aid Training is a relevant thing to mention... 


Yep, that's pretty much it.  Keep the write-up to one sentence just under your name.  i.e. "Seeking a position in computer sales where I can make use of my extensive technical knowledge and experience in customer service while allowing me to develop my managerial skills."

 

Don't promise anything you can't deliver though.  If you have extensive technical knowledge and experience in customer service, your resume should show that.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by seaskimmer View Post

 

As for writing awards/skills/experience, I recommend writing everything down. Awards demonstrate that you have achievements in your life, whether they be related or not. Skills and experience that you may not think are relevant may be useful in the eyes of your employer.

Ex) you are applying for a computer job, your experience is in logging. Doesn't show that you have computer experience, but this may translate into the employer knowing that you can probably lift stuff (like computers) on your own without assistance.

 

If you can fit it on one page, possibly.  The interviewer isn't going to care if you were elected president of your third grade class though.  The general rule for awards is that most awards you get in college are fine, like scholarships, grants, etc.  Avoid high school awards unless you've recently graduated/are still in high school, or they're super-prestigious (like winning the Intel science competition).  You want the interviewer to know that you've achieved things, but you don't want to overwhelm them with numbers or present frivolous achievements.  And if you're going over a page because of your awards list, take some out.

 

If you don't have any relevant work experience, put down what you do have.  Something is better than nothing.  List you most recent work first.

 

Don't expect the interviewer to infer anything (even though they will).  If you're able to lift heavy objects and you think it might be helpful for the position, then list it as a skill.  If it's one of the requirements for the job though, don't bother.
 

 

post #15 of 15

 

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