Writing Resumes That Get Results

English Language Vocabulary for Resumes

Introductions to Resumes

A resume is a tool with one specific purpose

A resume is a sales document designed for a very precise audience.

A resume is a one or two page summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience.

A very good resume is placed in the short list that survives the first cut.

An excellent resume convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in the position or career.

A superb resume motivates the employer to pick up the phone and ask you to come in for an interview.
Types of Resumes

The chronological resume focuses on the experience section of the resume; each job is listed and described in some detail with sections of skills or accomplishments later in the resume.

The functional resume begins with highlights of major skills and accomplishments and focuses attention on what you can do for them.

A combined resume includes elements of both the chronological and functional formats.
Sections of Resumes

The Summary is sometimes labelled as a profile. - This should be four to six lines of text. This section should indicate the position you are looking for, experience and abilities that will be of interest to your next employer.

Career Summary also called your job history starts with your most recent job and lists backwards in time. Basic career summaries only include the year you started, the year you finished, job title and employer's name.

Career overviews includes job history, brief overview of the companies and responsibilities for each position that you have held.

Achievement differentiates you from anyone else doing your job because what you actually achieved will be a indication of performance.

Education or Academic Qualifications should include recent relevant training.

Personal Details includes your date of birth, marital status, driving licence, languages, volunteer and community groups and interests.

If you need help with resume writing and job interview skills - go to the ESL Teachers and tutor pages.