Plain and Simple
Date: 2015-10-07; view: 620.
An effective “electronic” resume accommodates scanners and software retrieval systems that “find” qualified candidates. Start by using a plain, easy-to-read format. Your resume should be printed in black ink on white paper in a 10-point or larger font size. Don't use unique or complicated typefaces, graphics, shading or underlined words, since scanners can't read them.
When filling an opening, companies use database software to search for candidates with skills that match the position's requirements. The search criteria are “key words,” or nouns and phrases that describe the required skills. To be retrieved from a database, your resume must include these key words. So choose only the best words by thinking how an employer would describe the skills, abilities and experience needed to fill positions you'd like. Also study classified ads for similar positions, ask recruiters what words companies would use to specify qualifications for jobs in you field, or have an employed friend send you a position description. Use the words you've collected when writing your resume. Remember that, unlike humans, computers can't read between the lines. If you omit important words, the computer will overlook you.
v Comprehension check
o Answer the following questions using information from the article to support your ideas. Remember to use the article vocabulary to the maximum:
1. How can you make your resume computer-friendly?
2. What makes your electronic resume ineffective?
3. What words are the key words of your resume?
o Write out and study all editing-related words.
Part 4.
v Read the following sample resume and answer the questions after it:
| Linda P. Haigi 1105 Sweet Hall, Manhattenville College, (212)555-5812 Purchase, NY 10477 e-mail: Ihaigi@emerald.mnh.edu Skill Summary: Up-to-date knowledge of systems engineering field based on recent BS degree and summer work/internships at leading power engineering consulting firm and municipal utility. Member (of interdisciplinary team conducting research in human-machine interface of maintenance subsystem designs, strategies and procedures. Business experience in managing budgets, staff and inventory for small commercial enterprise. Education: Bachelor of Science (expected in June 2008) Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY Major: Systems Engineering. Minor: Spanish Experience: Collins & Wagonner Consulting Engineers, Boston, MA Project Team Member - Summer, 2006 Contributed to an interdisciplinary team under contract with the Federal Government to develop improved plan for maintenance subsystems of shipboard power plants. Conducted research in foreign literature on alternative approaches used in vessel power plant designs. Wrote reports and conducted briefings on findings. · Completed research project planned for three months in six weeks. · Expanded project to include literature reviews in Spanish language reports from Central and South America. Fairfax County Engineering Department, Fairfax, VA Engineering intern - Summer, 2005 Worked with the various power-generating facilities in large suburban county to ensure maximum operating efficiency and power output. Assisted in troubleshooting maintenance problems and in developing alternative procedures for repairing aging equipment installed in various county facilities. · Helped maintenance crews restore power to county facilities after lightning strike damage from major summer storm. · Documented repair work-arounds so they could be standardized and replicated in the future. Campus Express, Manhattanville College Store Manager - School year 2005-06 Cashier - School years 2003-05 Helped finance college education by working all four years at school's on-campus convenience store. Advanced from junior clerk on night shift to one of two student store managers. Oversaw staffing of all day shifts, daily receipts reconciliation, customer service problems and inventory management. · Increased store revenues by 25% in one year as store manager · Reduced pilferage by 10% by improving training of student staff Professional Associations: Member of student chapter of National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Associate member of American Business Women's Association (ABWA) |
1. Do you like the resume? Give your reasons why.
2. Would you offer this person a job? Why?
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