Key Ideas
Here are some important terms that will help you understand how to write a resume. You can look over these terms before you go to the "Activity" step. You can also return to this list while you do the activity.
- Resume
- Objective
- Capabilities
- Accomplishments
- Work History
- Educational Experiences
- Human Resources
- References
ResumeA resume is a document that people seeking jobs develop to show their skills and experiences to potential employers.
A resume is an advertisement for you. The purpose of a resume is to get an interview so you can present yourself in person.
A resume is different from a job application. All applicants for a job fill out the same application form. This allows an employer to compare applicants. With a resume, you sell yourself. You "show-off" what you do well.
ObjectiveAn objective is something that one tries to reach, like a goal or a purpose. A resume should contain a "job objective" or a "career objective." An objective on a resume is a statement that describes the type of job or work you are looking for.
Here are some examples of job objectives on a resume:
- "Seeking a challenging general office position with opportunities for professional growth"
- "Position to utilize my experience and training in electronics and machinery repair"
- "Seeking a job in the construction trades in which I can use my carpentry skill and develop new skills"
- "Position in a dental office that includes patient contact and management of patient records"
Capabilities
Capabilities are things you are capable of or able to do. Capabilities are your skills and talents. A resume is a way for you to show off your capabilities to potential employers.
The online resume you will complete in this activity will list some of your capabilities.
Here are some examples of capabilities one could list on a resume:
- typing skills of 50 wpm
- proficient with office software
- ability to speak English and Spanish
- excellent communication skills
- good at organizing records and data
- ability to read diagrams and maps
- have a chauffeur's and a commercial license
- ability to teach and train others
Accomplishments
Accomplishments are things you have achieved or done that you are proud of. A resume is a way for you to make potential employers aware of your accomplishments.
The online resume you will complete in this activity will list some of your accomplishments.
Here are some examples of accomplishments one could list on a resume:
- organized a church rummage sale that made over $2,000
- completed a course in small engine repair at Taylor Community Center
- coached Midget League softball for 3 seasons
- won Employee of the Month
- worked with a variety of construction firms to install windows and doors
- prepared meals and home care for elderly through ElderCare
Work History
Your work history is a listing of the jobs you have had. A resume should contain a list of any work you have done that is either paid, unpaid, or volunteer.
Your work history should include the following things:
- your position or job
- company or organization name
- major responsibilities or duties
- dates you had the job
Educational Experiences
Your educational experiences are a listing of the schooling or training you have had. A resume should include a list of educational experiences. This could include school, workshops, on-the-job training, seminars, or any type of relevant education.
Human ResourcesHuman resources are the talents, abilities, and skills of the employees in a company or organization. The human resource department of a company is the personnel office. It usually handles employee hiring and benefits.
ReferencesReferences are people who know you well and can talk about your work habits and skills. Most resumes include the line "References Available Upon Request." This means that the person seeking the job can provide a list of people who would recommend him or her for the job.
If you are asked to provide references for a job, create a typed reference sheet. This sheet should include the following information for each person on your list:
- name of person giving the reference
- organization or relation to you
- address
- phone number
Before you provide references to potential employers, ask permission! Do not assume that someone will give you a good recommendation.