Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
Ma xim ize You r Pot e n t ia l:
Create a Great Resume
Maximize Your Potential
Develop a Career Plan
• We appreciate your patience while we
accom m odate in-person and virtual attendees
• On lin e - everyone will be (should be) MUTED
• Those with cameras be aware of background – turn
off cam era if n ece ssary
• Use the chat box or Q&A box if need to comment or
ask questions
• Po lls m a y b e u se d - please participate when
prompted
• Attendance will be recorded
Thank You For Joining Us -
What to Expect
Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
Workshop Start-Up
• Please turn off (silence) and put away cell phones or other
electronic devices
• Welcome to ask questions
• If needed, feel free to stand; remain at least 6ft from others;
please let me know of other accommodation requests
Workshop Objective
Discuss current best practices effective résumés; including
tips for cover letters and references.
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Create a Great Resume
30-Se con d Act ivit y
• Ple a se te ll u s :
• Your name
• Yo u r to p 4 skills
• But, you only have 30
seconds!
What is the significance of 30 seconds?
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Create a Great Resume
Wh y
have a
resume?
Who has control:
• Em p lo ye r co n tro ls wh a t in fo rm a tio n is
gathered (and required) on an application.
• You control the message and information
relayed on a résumé!
o co n ve y tra n s fe rra b le skills
o ro o m to re la y e xa m p le s o r s kills
o “connect the dots” for employers
o focus more on skills/experience rather
than employment situation
CAUTION :
• Résumés are often required with online applications
• Résumés and cover letters can be seen as your first
work s a m p le
• Résumés needs to be consistent with application data
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Create a Great Resume
• 10-12 point font
• Times New Roman, Arial, Cambria
• Use bold or
ita lics
for section
headings only
• 1 page preferred (2 pages maximum)
– Do not fold or staple your pages together
• Print on résumé paper
• Do not use abbreviations – wh y?
• No colors, borders or pictures
• Be consistent with format
• Use Spell Check
• Get it reviewed
Th e
Ba sics
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Create a Great Resume
Resume Styles
Chronological
Functional/Skills
Hybrid/Combination
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• Header Block (Contact
Information)
• Billb o a rd Se ctio n (Skills Su m m a ry)
• Experience/Work History
• Education
• Other – may include Experience
Se ctio n
– Milita ry
– Community/Volunteer Work
– Aw a r d s
– Leadership
Esse n t ia l
Re su m e
Se ct io n s
No More Objectives!
No References or References
Available Upon Request!
Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
Header Block (Contact Information)
Tips
• Professional voicemail – set up and checked often
• Professional email address – checked often
Good Example:
John Doe
Best Town, Iowa 12345
555.555.5555
johndoe@e-mail.com
Not So Good Example:
John Doe
Best Town, IA 12345
555.555.5555 (c)
class1995partyanimal@e-m a il.co m
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Create a Great Resume
Em a il Ad d re sse s
• Gmail.com, Yahoo.com, Outlook.com - Must verify with a phone
number
• Ya n d e x.co m , Ma il.co m - Can be set up without a phone number
Phone Number
• Professional and personalized outgoing message
• Gm a il h a s a fe a tu re ca lle d Go o gle Vo ice
• Em p lo ye rs ca n ca ll a n d le a ve a vo ice m a il, wh ich is a ls o co n ve rte d
into a written message for you to read
• Ability to text back and forth with friends and family
Setting Up Email Addresses and
Phone Numbers
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What Do You Think of When You See This?
Maximize Your Potential
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• High ligh ts s kills m o st
relevant to the job for which
you are applying
• Show the employer you are
the best fit for the position
• Tell the employer what an
a ss e t yo u will b e to th e ir
company
• Update this section each
time you apply for a job
Skills Su m m a ry (Billboa rd Se ct ion )
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• Get ready to chat
• Su b m it 5 wo rk s kills th a t
you have
• Identify skills that you had
in common with others
• Wh a t s kills we re unique to
you?
Act ivit y
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Create a Great Resume
Examples of Fluff Words:
• Hard-working
• Team player
• Multitasker
• Self-starter
Fluff words can be
defined differently for
different people
Fluff Words vs. Keywords
Examples of Keywords:
• Repair grain bins and grain
elevators
• Build scaffolding, shoring and
braces
• Maintain patient care log
Usually found in the job
description
Specific to the position
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Create a Great Resume
• 30-Second Review
• Optimization Software
Connect enough dots,
and you will end up in the
“To Be Interviewed Pile”.
Why are Keywords Important?
Wh a t is it?
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• Performs pre-pour inspection of all forms, reinforcement,
steel and inserts, in a timely manner to maintain
optimized workflow and assists in finding ways to
decrease delays and cause for rework.
• Maintains daily and project production records.
• Ch e cks a n d ve rifie s a ll d im e n s io n s o f ca st-in embeds.
• Completes daily quality control documentation.
• Inspects all finished product. Documents and follows-up
on any precast product that requires patching or rework.
• Ensures that all precast products are correctly marked.
• Assists other Quality Control personnel in testing of
materials and finished products as required.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining plant and yard
safety in accordance with company Safety Manual and
under the direction of the Safety Coordinator.
Qu a lit y
Control
In sp e ct o r
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• Prepares patients for examinations by performing routine patient screenings prior
to p ro vid e r se e in g th e p a tie n t wh ile fa cilita tin g clin ic wo rkflo w.
• Informs the patient/family whenever there is a delay.
• Performs basic lab tests per protocol and/or order, based on departmental need.
• Clean exam rooms after each patient in preparation for next patient.
• Ma in ta in s s u p p lie s in e xa m ro o m s s p e cific to clin ic sp e cia lty.
• Employs professional telephone and interpersonal communication techniques.
• Pe rfo rm s a ccu ra te , le ga l, a n d e th ica l d o cu m e n ta tio n a t a ll tim e s.
• Ab stra cts la b re su lts fro m o u ts id e fa cilitie s a s d e le ga te d b y RN.
• Provides instructions on basic equipment based on departmental need.
• Orders and maintains appropriate levels of supplies and equipment based on
departmental need.
• De m on s tra te s co m m u n ica tio n skills u sin g a p p ro p ria te m e d ica l te rm in o lo gy.
• Schedules/coordinates and monitors patient appointments.
• Regular attendance at work is an essential function of the job.
Me dica l Assist a n t
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Create a Great Resume
• Identify keywords and skills
• Check your resume to identify if
these are already listed
• If they are not listed, include your
knowledge/experience with these
a re a s in yo u r Billb o a rd Se ctio n
Billboa rd
Se ct io n
(Skills
Summary)
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Create a Great Resume
• Last 10 years of work history
• 5-6 bullet points per job
• Don ’t u se I, m e, o r m y
• Past tense for previous jobs
• Present tense for current jobs
Experience/
Work History
Ca s h ie r Nov. 2012 - Jan. 2014
Qu icky Ma rt, De s Mo in e s, IA
• Completed monthly work schedules for 15 employees
• Reconciled cash drawer after each shift
• Opened and closed store
• Cleaned and stocked areas
• Greeted customers in a friendly manner as they entered
store
• Maintained positive team environment
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• A p r o ve -it sto ry is a jo b -related
story that validates your skills.
• Tell the employer not just what
you did - but
how well you did
it!
• You say that you know how to
use tools? Now, Prove-It .
• What tools do you know how to use?
• How do you use these tools?
• How often do you use these tools?
Wh a t
is a
Prove-It
St o r y?
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Create a Great Resume
Should be
• Sh ort
• Related to the job you are seeking
• Begin with an action word and followed
by a description
• Specific (use #’s, $’s, %’s, frequency,
volume per week/month/year, etc.)
• Emphasize results (increased profit,
decreased waste, saved man hours, etc.)
Prove-It
St o r ie s
Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
• Do n o t ta lk in 1
st
person (No I’s)
• Do not type out numbers (fifteen
should be 15)
• Do not use abbreviations (CNA
should be Certified Nursing
Assistant)
• Do not list anything negative
• Do not use fluff words
Prove-It
St o r y
Tip s
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Create a Great Resume
● Responsible for opening and
closing the store when owner was
gone.
● Rotated jobs to learn variety of
machines and tools relevant to
each department.
● Responsible for handling 75
customer transactions ranging
from $1 - $5,000 and receipts
always balanced against daily sales.
● Cooked meals for 50 - 100 people
d a ily wh ile fo llo win g sp e cific d ie ts
for each person.
Prove-It
Story
Ex a m p le s
Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
• I prepared twenty pizzas for
every shift that I worked to
fill cu s to m e rs’ o rd e rs.
Wh a t
Would You
Change?
• Prepared 20 pizzas per
sh ift to fill customers’
orders.
Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
• I am a hard worker because
I show up on time every
day and cover shifts when
others are not available.
Wh a t
Would You
Change?
• Dedicated to show up on
time daily and covers
shifts when others are not
available.
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Create a Great Resume
• Assisted residents with daily
a ctivitie s.
Wh a t
Would You
Change?
• Assisted 35 residents with
d a ily activities such as
bathing, brushing teeth,
dressing, and eating.
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Create a Great Resume
Use STAR for Improving Prove-It Stories
ST = Situation and/or Task – detailed list of duties or tasks
A = Action
segments starting with one or more action verbs
R = Results
outcomes; benefits;
scope; how big, much and many
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Te ll m e n ot on ly w h a t you did, bu t h ow we ll.
R = Supervised and trained a team of 40 employees on two shifts that
surpassed production goals five consecutive years
R = Supervised and trained a team that exceeded production goals
A = Supervised and trained employees
ST = I supervised production workers. My duties also included training
and monitoring. quality of work
Example – Production Supervisor:
Who would you interview?
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Te ll m e n ot on ly w h a t you did, bu t h ow we ll.
R = Entered data into multiple computer systems with 98.7% accuracy
rating
R = Entered data in inventory system with high accuracy
A = Entered data in inventory system
ST = Data entry
Example – Office Assistant
Who would you interview?
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Maximize Your Potential
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How would
you
improve
t h is?
CSR 2005 – Present
XYZ Company; Anywhere, Iowa
Took inbound phone call for customers,
entered data in computer, forwarded
difficult callers to supervisor, attended
staff meetings and trainings, etc.
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Job Seeker Changed it to…
Customer Service Representative 2005 – Present
XYZ Company; Anywhere, Iowa
• Receive calls from customers in 35 states and assist them with their
service needs
• Troubleshoot questions for up to 15 different product or lines while
navigating three computer systems
• Quickly learned and implemented new computer system; asked to
train and mentor other employees
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How would
you
improve
t h is?
Production
05/2016 – Aug. 2017
Widget Company; Best Town, Iowa
Assembly line work, made and packgd
products, inspection kept work area clean,
good attendance
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Job Seeker Changed it to…
Produ ct ion Asse m ble r May 2016 – August 2017
Widget Company; Best Town, IA
● Looked up orders on computer, pulled items from inventory and laid
out parts according to specifications
● Efficiently assembled and packaged products to meet shipment
deadlines
● Recognized twice by management for dedication and flexibility with
work hours
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Maximize Your Potential
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• Include the institution, city and state
• List chronologically beginning with the most recent
• Include the year attained if within 1-2 years
• If currently in school, list Anticipated Graduation Date
Associa t e s Degre e in Crim in a l Ju st ice An t icipa t e d Ma y 2017
Local Iowa Community College, Anywhere, Iowa
10-Hour OSHA Certificate
XYZ Corporation; Here, Iowa
High Sch ool Diplom a
My Town High School; My Town, Iowa
Education and Certifications
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Edu ca t ion Tips
Things to Consider
• Where do I put this section? Top or bottom?
• Do I list the year completed?
• Do I list High Sch o o l Dip lo m a o r High Sch o o l
Equivalency Degree if I have an advanced degree?
• Do I list a d e gre e /ce rtifica tio n if it is n o t co m p le te d
or expired?
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Create a Great Resume
Other
Benefit – h e lps
t o e xpla in ga ps
in work
experience
Military
Community/Volunteer Work
Awards
Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
References
• Provided on a separate sheet of
paper
• Format should mimic your resume
• 3 – 5 professional references
• No family members
• Previous/current coworkers or
supervisors only
• No more “References available on
request!”
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Create a Great Resume
References:
Information
to Obtain
• First and Last Name
• Relationship to You (ex - Previous
Supervisor)
• Title (ex - Lead Machinist)
• Address
• City, State, Zip Code
• Phone Number
• Email Address
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• Your Contact Information
• Date of the Cover Letter
• Employer’s Contact Information
• 3 paragraphs
• Your Signature
Co ve r
Letter
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Create a Great Resume
• Your Contact Information
• Should match the same information as the Header on your
resume
• Employer’s Contact Information
• Address to the Hiring Manager (if known)
• If you are unsure who the Hiring Manager is, you can put “Hiring
Manager” or “Human Resources” or even "Search Committee"
Contact Information
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Create a Great Resume
• The position you are applying for
• The company you are applying with
• How you heard about the position
1
st
Paragraph
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Create a Great Resume
• What makes you qualified for the job?
• Lis t a ll s kills a n d a b ilitie s th a t a re
relevant to the position.
– Try to h igh ligh t s kills th a t a re n o t liste d
on your résumé if possible.
– Match words and responsibilities from
jo b d e s crip tio n if p o ss ib le
2
nd
Paragraph
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Create a Great Resume
• State that you would like to move
forward with the hiring process
• Thank them for their time
• Remember to sign the bottom of the
le tte r if p o ss ib le
3
rd
Paragraph
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Create a Great Resume
Io w a WO RKS
You can begin working on your resume by
logging on to your IowaWORKS.gov account.
Benefits:
• Automatically formats
• System walks you
through creating a
resume
Maximize Your Potential
Create a Great Resume
We are here to help
Career Planners are available in your local IowaW ORKS American Job
Centers to help you 1 on 1 with your job search! They can help identify open
job opportunities, craft your perfect resume, conduct a mock interview and
more!
Schedule a time to meet with one of our skilled career planners either in
person or online! Contact your local center or schedule a virtual meeting by
logging into IowaWORKS.gov and going to Meetings on your Dashboard!
Find contact information for your
local center at
www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/contact
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Interview and Negotiate
Let Us Know! Topics to Consider
We Are Here For YOU!
• Wow Employers in 30 Seconds!
• Mock Interviews
• Secret Interviewing Tips and
Answering Tough Questions
• Conflict in the Workplace
• Bring Your A Game to Work
• Make a Great Resume
• Application Tips and Online
Applications
• Make a Great Resume
• Top Job Search Strategies
• How to Keep a Positive
Attitude While Job Searching
• Budgeting and Money
Management
Questions?
Thank you for
attending today’s
Workshop!
