resume

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 * ==Contents== ||
 * || ====== Definition ====== ||
 * || Curriculum Vitae vs. Resume ||
 * || Resume Formats and Samples ||
 * || Resume Writing Techniques ||
 * || Top Two Tips ||
 * || Resume Quiz ||
 * || External Links ||
 * || References ||

=** __Definition__ **=

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The word "resume" comes from French which means "summary". A resume, also called "job resume", is a written document presented by a job seeker to a prospective employer, outlining his or her personal details, educational background, qualifications, work experience, etc.[1] ====== ==
 * ======A resume is usually accompanied by a cover letter which introduces the applicant and the resume itself to the employer.[2] ======
 * ======A resume serves as a marketing tool for job applicants, portraying their talents and maximizing their attractiveness as potential employees.[1] ======
 * ======The purpose of a resume is to secure an interview. It offers the employer a first impression of the candidate. Based on this first impression, a decision will be made in regard to whether or not an interview is granted.[3] ======

== = __Curriculum Vitae vs. Resume__ = "Curriculum vitae" is the Latin expression used for "Resume" which is the American English usage.[4]The primary differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) are the length and content. "A CV is expected to have a length of 2 or more pages while a resume should be less than 2 pages.[5]" As for the content, a resume emphasizes information on job-related skills and experience, while a CV, which is mainly used in the scientific and academic fields, includes a summary of education and experience as well as publications, awards, presentations, research projects and professional associations.[6] In America, the United States and Canada, people use a resume as a general rule. However, in other parts of the world such as Europe and Asia, most employers prefer to receive a curriculum vitae [5].

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== = __Resume Formats and Samples__ =

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A chronological resume presents a candidate's employment history "in reverse chronological order[7]". In other words, it starts with a job applicant's present or most recent job. This resume format makes a job seeker's career growth easy to follow and builds additional credibility for being more fact-based. A chronological resume is recommended in the event that job applicants have a strong, solid work history.[8] ======

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Instead of focusing on chronological work history, a functional resume puts more emphasis on a job hunter's actual skills and accomplishments rather than details in relation to when and where these capabilities were acquired.[9] Therefore, functional resumes are also called skill-based resumes. A functional resume works well for job applicants who are new to the workplace or have employment gaps. This format also has an advantage over others when targeted positions require a very specific skill set or have specific attributes. [10]This is because a functional resume can help candidates highlight their skills and strengths which exactly meet these particular requirements. ======

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As the name suggests, a hybrid resume (also called combination resume) combines elements of the aforementioned two formats. Generally speaking, a hybrid resume first lists a job applicant's skills, qualifications and accomplishments, which resembles the functional resume format. Next it gives potential employers a clearer picture of his or her chronological work history. [11]Although a hybrid resume format balances the advantages and disadvantages of chronological and functional approaches, it tends to be too repetitive and lengthy. ======

** How to choose a format for your resume **
====The best resume format for a job hunter is the one that fits his or her personal job-search situation. The chronological form is suited to candidates who have a long and diverse employment history. On the contrary, other two styles are propitious to candidates with little work experience. It's well worth for job seekers to take the time to customize their resumes.[12] ==== ==

== = __Resume Writing Techniques __ =

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A resume is a short account of the details of your life and is laid out in a clear form. The layout of a resume is flexible, but it is quite common to organize details under six headings as follows[13]: ======

a) Contact Information
﻿b）Objective c)Education
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">name in full ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">date and place of birth ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">marital status ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">address ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">telephone number ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">E-mail address ======
 * the specific position you are applying for
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">a precise record of schools and colleges attended[[image:ResumeTemplate.jpg width="486" height="305" align="right"]] ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">examination qualifications ======
 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">degree awards ======

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">d)Work experience

 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">a precise record of employment positions held (including part-time work) ======

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">e)Honors & Activities

 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">i.e. any associations to which you have belonged ======

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">f)References

 * ======<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">names, professional titles and detailed adresses of people who will write a reference for you ======

**<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Resume Appearance **
> <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Select a paper color appropriate for your readers: "Ivory, off-white, beige, and pale gray are safe choices. A bright color may be exactly what you want if you're applying for an advertising position in a progressive firm. [14]" However, colored paper is inappropriate for a business letter for it makes you appear "manipulative and pushy[15]". > <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">make sure the text does not cover the entire page; enough margins are necessary especially at the top
 * ======__<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Paper: __======
 * ======__<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Margins: __======
 * ======__<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Bullet points: __======

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">break up information and make the resume easy to read <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"><span style="color: #008080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">types : a) Serif Fonts (those with feet like "Times Roman","Bookman" and "Georgia") <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">b) Sans Serif Fonts (those with no feet like "Arial","Tahoma" and "Verdana") [15]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__Font:__

<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">(Remember to keep consistent with your font choices and styles throughout your resume)

 * ======__<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Graphical elements: __======

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">use shadings, underlines, bold text, and italic text to emphasize points which you want readers can catch at a glance <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">(Remember not to overuse these graphics or they will lose their impact[16])

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Resume Content Arrangement[[image:Piles_web.gif width="252" height="198" align="right"]]
===<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">**1.** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Focusing on relevant information === ====<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Do not expect to put all your experience, achievements and skills onto one piece of paper. The content of your resume should be selective. Your resume only needs to include the information which is most relevant to the job you're applying for. [17] Keep in mind what are required on the job advertisement and prove your capabilities with specific information. “No two jobs are the same.[18]” It is crucial to tailor your resume by highlighting “how you fit the particular needs of the company[18]”. ====

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 10.5pt;">No matter what kind of job you are applying for, the following four main themes are of greatest interest to all employers: "volunteerism, association memberships, computer proficiency and knowledge of other languages[19] ".
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Four Key Elements **

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 10.5pt;">In today’s business world, the sense of social responsibility is well advocated. Recruiters are seeking for not only an employee but “a well-rounded member of society[19]”. For juniors and seniors, their participation in volunteer programs and any associations can make up the lack of work experience. Meanwhile, with the development of informationization and economic globalization, knowledge of computers and that of a second or third language can certainly separate you from other candidates.

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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;">Nowadays it is common that employees are asked to submit electronic resumes which will be stored in resume databases. In order to target the most relevant resumes, recruiters search these databases using industry-specific or position-specific keywords. These keywords are mainly nouns and phrases "which highlight technical and professional areas of expertise, industry-related jargon, for example[20]." Resumes with the greatest number of “hits” on keywords will be filtered out and read by a human employer, while others without these keywords may be deleted immediately.[21] In this case, your resume should include as many industry and job-specific keywords as possible. [22] ======

How to identify keywords

 * ======<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;">read over recent job advertisements and find out the words that reappear consistently ======
 * ======<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;">Talk to people in the career field you are targeting, and ask them what keywords are appropriate to the positions you are applying to. [20] ======
 * ======<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;">Visit professional association Web sites, and include some industry-related jargon in your resume ======

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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Make your statement as concise as possible, with no more than 3-4 lines per bullet point. Unless you are applying for a very high position, keep your resume to one page.[23] “Try to edit out pronouns and articles and begin sentences with verbs.[22]” You are not supposed to use "too pedantic words such as obscure abbreviations and recondite words[21]”. Your prospective employers will be upset if he has to look up while reading your resume. Bear in mind that you should avoid clever wordplays and keep your wording clear and straightforward. [21] Most importantly, although your description is short and brief, it still needs to make sense. ======

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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 10.5pt;">Start each explanation of your skills or accomplishments with action words (in past tense), such as //implemented, executed, organized// and so on. These strong action words serve well in catching the reader’s eye and reflecting your self-confidence. [24] ======

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 10.5pt;">See the following list from **
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analyzed assigned attained chaired contracted consolidated coordinated delegated developed directed evaluated executed ||= addressed arbitrated arranged authored corresponded developed directed drafted edited enlisted formulated influenced interpreted ||= approved arranged catalogued classified collected compiled dispatched executed generated implemented inspected monitored operated || collected critiqued diagnosed evaluated examined extracted identified inspected interpreted interviewed investigated ||= assembled built calculated computed designed devised engineered fabricated maintained operated overhauled programmed ||= adapted advised clarified coached communicated coordinated developed enabled encouraged evaluated explained facilitated || allocated analyzed appraised audited balanced budgeted calculated computed developed forecasted managed ||= acted conceptualized created designed developed directed established fashioned founded illustrated instituted integrated ||= assessed assisted clarified coached counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated expedited facilitated familiarized guided ||
 * = == Top Action Words == ||
 * = ** Management skills ** ||= **Communication skills** ||= ** Clerical or detailed skills ** ||
 * = administered
 * = ** Research skills ** ||= ** Technical skills ** ||= ** Teaching skills ** ||
 * = clarified
 * = ** Financial skills ** ||= ** Creative skills ** ||= ** Helping skills ** ||
 * = administered

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">3. Be Consistent ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">In your resume, full sentences are not necessary, but verb tense should be consistent. Use the past tense to describe duties you have done before and use the present tense for duties you are performing currently. [17]

__"Prepare__ boxes for the daily shipping order //(current)//
__ filed __ 40 documents with the federal courthouse //(past)// ”[18]

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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: small; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">﻿Your potential employers may receive hundreds of resumes within a single day and they have to skim through your resume very quickly. If they find any spelling or grammatical mistakes, they are very likely to immediately assume that you are not qualified for the job you want. [25] In order to make a good impression, it is quite important to proofread your resume after you finish it. You can do it by yourself or ask friends to help. ======

**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: small; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">See the following Resume Proofreading Checklist from **
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 * = == Resume Proofreading Checklist == ||

1. How does your resume look? Are the spacing and margins flush and consistent?
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 * 2. Is your personal information correct (e.g. Address, e-mail, phone number)? ||
 * 3. Are there periods after complete sentences that end a line? If not, then make sure you are consistent. ||
 * 4. Did you use the correct tenses, and use them consistently? Use present tense for current jobs and past tense for past jobs. ||
 * 5. Did you use correct grammar and punctuation? ||
 * 6. Are numbers written correctly? Write out the numbers from one to nine, and use numerals for 10 and above, except when beginning a sentence (spell out numbers beginning sentences). ||
 * 7. What are the one or two weakest points of content? Can you improve them by substituting an active verb for an overused adjective? ||
 * 8. Finally, have a friend look closely at your resume, even a professor or contact at the company you are applying to. Their edits can prove crucial. ||

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== =__ Top Two Tips __=

Every HR department does background checks these days. If you are caught cheating, your credibility will be ruined for good.
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== = __Resume Quiz__ =

Below is a resume quiz which can help you consolidate what you have learned so far about resume writing.
(This quiz is from [])

A. an autobiography of one's career life
B. a detailed listing of a job candidate's skills, experience, qualifications and achievements related to the position being targeted C. a complete listing of an individual's education, work experience and professional training

A. Establish a candidate's qulifications for a position in order to secure an interview
B. Establish a candidate's qulifications for a position in order to secure employment C. Establish a candidate's qulifications for a position in order to eliminate competition

A. Chronological format
B. Functional format C. Depends on your particular situation

A. one page, no longer
B. two pages, no longer C. whatever number of pages is necessary to qualify the candidate

A. who will be reading my resume
B. presenting my skills, experience and achievements which are most relevant to the position you apply for C. the readability and visual presentation of your resume

A. make something up and list a friend's phone number as the reference
B. give up your dream C. get experience by doing part-time or volunteer work

A. use white space (leave enough margins)
B. spray it with perfume C. use size 8 Comic Sans font because it's fancy and fun

Answers: B A C A B C A
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= __References__ = [1][] [2][] [3][] [4][] [5][] [6][] [7][] [8][] [9][] [10][] [11][] [12][] [13]Fu, Siyi. //A Practical Writing Course for College Students//. Beijing: Peking University Press, 2003. Print. [14][] [15][] [16][] [17][] [18][] [19][] [20][] [21][] [22][] [23][] [24][] [25][] [26][] [27][]