C h a p t e r 3 5
Resume
A
resume (pronounced reh-zoo-may) is a summary of your qualifications for a job. It
usually includes your educational background, work experience, and references.Submitted with a cover letter [see Sample Letter to Accompany a Resume in Chap-
ter 26, Letters], delivered either personally, by mail, or by e-mail, the resume may be
your only opportunity to make a good impression. While formats vary considerably,
all follow one of three patterns:
-^ Chronological organization: experiences are listed beginning with the earliest;
the most recent experiences appear last.
-^ Reverse chronological organization: the most recent experiences appear first.
-^ Experiences grouped in relation to the job currently sought: little effort is made
to show time relationships, but dates are included.
In seeking employment early in one’s life, a reverse chronological pattern is usually
most appropriate. We will follow this form in our discussion here.
cHaracteristics
No matter its format, a resume will include these common characteristics
-^ your name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone numbers (land line and
cell, including area code), and fax number, if you have one,
-^ the position for which you are applying,
-^ your experience, including places, dates of employment, and responsibilities or
duties held,
-^ your education and special training,
-^ references.
In many cases, the resume is the only picture the personnel manager sees of you, so
you must make the best impression you can without being dishonest or misleading.