Resume Worksheet (.pdf)
With thousands of job applications coming across recruiters' desks every week, many recruiters only have time to skim resumes during the first go around. If an applicant's resume does not stand out in 20-30 seconds, it will probably be rejected. Many students on your campus may need direction in constructing an effective resume. Employers use resumes to determine if a job candidate can add value to their organization based on their experiences, skills and accomplishments. The resume is a marketing tool job candidates can use to get an interview. Because resumes are an important job search tool, helping students on your campus prepare and review their resumes is one way you can increase their opportunities for career success. Listed below are several ideas and resources to help you develop or extend your resume workshop.
- To open your workshop click through the 13 clever and funny resume problems on Resumania- a great way to get students' attention.
- Consider using this Purdue University Workshop to develop a resume workshop. This well constructed presentation proceeds in a logical order and includes interesting information like SMART strategies and a group accomplishment exercise. There are some 30 slides and the notes view gives you more relevant information about each topic.
- Attached to this email is a resume worksheet for students to complete before, during or after the workshop. In addition, you may want to include the excellent resume checklist from the University of South Wales.
- For students who want more information, suggest that they use sites like Monster to take resume quizzes and review a variety of sample resumes.
- As part of the debrief for this workshop, be sure to have students evaluate the workshop information and list additional topics they would like added to the career center’s agenda.
As a follow up to the resume workshop, invite several of your business partners to participate in a resume critique session where students get professional feedback on their resumes. This form from Sonoma State is excellent for this project. The booklets you received from our office, You and Your Next Job, page 10, and Career Journey, page 32, offer more information on resume review. The Glendale Community College career center staff do in-class resume presentations as well as campus-wide resume workshops. What kind of activities is your career center doing to build student career success? Please let us know so we can share your ideas and success.