Writing your way to the top

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Writing your way to the top

• Stefanie Mayfield Garcia
• Marketing Instructor
• College of Business Administration
• sgarcia_at_bus.ucf.edu

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Self-Assessment
Career vs. Job

• Values
• Lifestyle
• Skills

• Abilities
• Skills
• Education

• Need Help?
• www.facts.org eCHOICES, Sigi Plus
• Career Resource Center
• Counseling Center

3
Top 10 Personal Characteristics Employers Want

• Communication skills
• Honesty/integrity
• Teamwork skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Motivation/ initiative

• Strong work ethic
• Analytical skills
• Flexibility/ adaptability
• Computer skills
• Self-confidence

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Your Resume Your Personal Advertisement

• 1st chance to make an impression
• Resume should provide
• A sense of purpose and career focus
• Inventory of skills and experiences
• Emphasis on achievements
• Clarity and simplicity
• An attractive package
• A sense of the person behind the resume
• Credible and honest summary

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Appearance

• Make Your Name Stand Out
• BOLD, Larger Font
• Standard Font
• Times New Roman, Courier, Arial
• Scanning OCR purposes, faxing
• Type Size 10 - 12 Point
• White, Beige, or Light Gray on Quality Bond Paper
  (see examples) Using color
• White Space
• Visually Pleasing, Consistent Layout
• Folding vs. 9x12 envelope

6
Length

• Limit Your Resume to One Page Unless You Have
  Extensive Experiences
• Bullet Form vs. Paragraph
• Use Only 8 1/2 X 11
• Evaluate What Belongs in the Resume vs. The Cover
  Letter

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Vocabulary

• Avoid Using Pronouns, Especially I
• Eliminate Excessive Punctuation
• Limit Abbreviations
• Omit Articles (a, an, the)
• Past Tense for Previous Positions
• Use Action Verbs When Describing Job Duties and
  Activities
• Manage, Supervise, Counsel, Advise, Create,
  Implement, Facilitate
• Spell check and proofread for grammar problems

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Organization

• Begin With a Summary of Qualifications
• Education
• Honors/Awards
• Experience/Employment History
• Projects, Internships
• Activities/Affiliations
• Skills
• List most recent activity first in each section
• Which comes first? Education or Experience?
• Careful with templates

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Identification

• Full Name
• Permanent Address
• Local Address - If Applicable
• Contact Information
• Phone Number (no cell or work s)
• Email Address (make sure its a good one!)
• Home Page (optional)

URSULA C. FORTUNE 911 Congestion Way Orlando,
FL 32817 [phone] ucfgrad_at_aol.com
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No objective, please

• Objectives are usually
• Lofty and therefore a waste of precious space on
  your resume
• Too specific so that you may not be considered
  for other positions in the company that may
  interest you
• Use an objective only is requested to do so
• Better to use a Summary of Qualifications
• Summary is the last thing you write pick out the
  gems of your resume to highlight here

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Sample Objectives

• Make a significant contribution in law
  enforcement where my customer service skills and
  education can further the safety and security of
  this community.
• A management training position in a community
  service agency leading to a career in service to
  the public.
• Become a community volunteer coordinator working
  with a nonprofit agency utilizing my
  interpersonal skills.
• An internship position with a respected law firm
  where my keen analytical skills and interest in
  environmental law can make a positive difference.
• Program development position working with the
  elderly population.
• To obtain a _______ position in the ______ field
  utilizing my _______ and _______ skills.

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Sample Summary

• Qualified professional with over 5 years of
  experience in retail management and
  merchandising.
• Honors student with history of academic
  excellence combined with hands-on internship
  experience.
• Proven leadership skills through involvement in
  several campus and community organizations.
• Oral and written proficiency in Spanish and
  French.

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Education

• Information to Be Included
• Type of Degree (M.S., B.A., A.S., etc.)
• Name of College/University
• Year Degree Received
• Major Field of Study
• Optional Minor, GPA (3.0 or higher), Significant
  Honors, Relevant coursework

EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando, FL Bachelor of Science in Public
Administration May 20xx Overall GPA
3.1/4.0 Course emphasis in Management, Human
Resources Administration, and Computer
Applications
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Honors

• Special Recognition
• If only one honor listed, then integrate into
  education section
• Can place this section towards end if desired,
  especially if honors are non-academic in nature

HONORS LEAD Scholars Program Florida Bright
Futures Scholar UCF Deans List
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Experience/Employment History

• Information to Be Included
• Company Name Location (City State)
• Job Title/Position (descriptive)
• Dates of Employment (Month Year)
• Job Description/Duties
• most important/relevant first
• use Action verbs
• avoid Responsible for, Duties included,
  Involved in, Experienced in, Know how to do,
  Worked as a
• Eliminate use of any pronouns

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Experience/Employment History

• Show Co-op, internship experiences, or senior
  projects
• Use quantities, percentages, amounts and/or
  dollar values for emphasis
• Highlight your skills, recognition received,
  goals achieved (ex Implemented inventory control
  system resulting in cost savings of over 10,000.)

WORK WALLYWORLD June
20xx-Present EXPERIENCE Operations
Hostess
Apopka, FL - Part-time
and seasonal employment providing customer
service for
various areas of tourist-oriented theme park
- Serve as
relief shift leader for up to 20 employees
- Train new
employees in guest relations and standard
operating
procedures for attractions BAREFOOT SHOE CO.
May
19xx-August 20xx
Sales Clerk
Orlando, FL - Summer
employment involving retail sales on a commission
basis - Awarded
bonus for highest monthly volume sales for August
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Activities

• Name of Organization or Professional Membership,
  Dates (optional)
• Leadership Positions
• Might Expand on These Experiences

ACTIVITIES American Criminal Justice Association,
Lambda Alpha Epsilon Rho Alpha Tau Sorority,
President and Vice President Community
Volunteer, Meals on Wheels Weekend Youth
Director
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Skills

• Oral Communication
• Flexibility
• Computer
• Language

• Written Communication
• Leadership
• Analytical/Research

SKILLS Computer Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,
Access, PowerPoint) Working knowledge of web
design and HTML programming Language Fluent
in Spanish
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Optional Sections

• Certifications/Licensure
• Volunteer Experience (if significant)
• Projects (if significant)
• May Group Honors and Activities Together
• References

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URSULA C. FORTUNE Campus Address


Permanent
Address 321 Graduation Way


123 New
Street Orlando, FL 32817


Jacksonville, FL 32438
[phone]



[phone] ucfgrad_at_aol.com
EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL
FLORIDA Orlando, FL
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
May 20xx
Overall GPA 3.1/4.0
Course emphasis in Communication and
Human Resource Administration
Minor General Business
Administration  
VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Orlando, FL
Associate of
Arts June 20xx  
Earned 75 of college expenses
through work experience.
HONORS Florida Bright Futures
Scholar
University of Central Florida Deans List (three
semesters)
EXPERIENCE ABC ENTERPRISES
Orlando, FL
Interviewing Clerk (Intern) June
20xx-Present Assist recruiter in all
aspects of interviewing process from scheduling
interviews to testing of applicants.
Compose all recruiting correspondence.
Conduct background checks on job applicants.  
WALLYWORLD
Apopka, FL
Operations Hostess June 19xx-May 20xx
Part-time and
seasonal employment providing customer service
for various areas of tourist-oriented
theme park.
Served as relief
shift leader for up to twenty employees.
Trained new
employees in guest relations and standard
operating procedures for attractions.
Promoted within three
months of hire.
ACTIVITIES Central Florida Human
Resource Association Student Chapter
Rho Alpha Tau Sorority,
President and Vice President
Community Volunteer, Meals on
Wheels
Weekend Youth Director
SKILLS Computer
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,
Access, PowerPoint)
Working knowledge of HTML and Java
Language Fluent
in Spanish
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WANNA A. JOB 911 Congestion Way Orlando, FL
32817 [phone] ucfgrad_at_ucf.edu
OBJECTIVE A professional position as a Loss
Prevention Specialist with an industry leader.
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Dec 2000 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando, FL Minor Legal Studies Course
emphasis in Research Methods in Criminal Justice,
Criminal Profiling, and Prosecution and
Adjudication
HONORS Florida Gold Seal Academic
Scholarship UCF Deans List
ACTIVITIES Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Lambda Epsilon
Chapter American Society for Industrial
Security Community Service Project Habitat for
Humanity
EXPERIENCE - INTERNSHIP Alcohol,
Beverage and Tobacco 2000 Criminal Justice
Intern Daytona Beach, FL Learn and
participate in the enforcement of alcohol and
tobacco laws. Attend community task force
meetings and confidential informant sign ups.
Assist agents in writing arrest reports.
- WORK Target Corporation 1999 - Present Loss
Prevention Orlando, FL Perform
security audits to ensure employees comply with
company policies. Train supervisors and staff
on loss prevention techniques and recognition of
customer threat behaviors, reducing
potential for property loss.
University of Central Florida
1998 - 1999 Resident Assistant
Orlando, FL Create educational,
recreational, and social programming for 30
college students. Enforce housing rules
and regulations within an educational
framework. Maintained inventory control and
reduced damage and theft from previously high
levels.
SKILLS Microsoft Office Suite, PageMaker
Conversational Spanish
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WANNA A. JOB 911 Congestion Way Orlando, FL
32817 [phone]
OBJECTIVE An entry level position in a not for
profit foundation providing services to the
elderly population.

EDUCATION Bachelors Degree
in Social Work, December 2000
Minor in Gerontology
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, Orlando, FL
GPA 3.4
Relevant courses include Health Care Needs of
the Elderly, Social Work Research, Social Welfare
and Community Resources, and
Roles and Interventions.
FIELD EXPERIENCE Student
Intern, Meadowbrook Long Term Care Facility,
Oviedo, Florida, August 2000 - Present
Perform assessments and recommend
service options under supervision of senior
supervisor. Develop recreational
and social interaction activities for
senior population of 350. Use knowledge and
observation skills to highlight
patients requiring increased services,
attention or intervention. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Office Assistant, Orange
County Senior Services, Orlando, Florida, April
1998 - August 1999
Performed 250 hours of volunteer work assisting
with office duties and program development and
administration. Improved
ability to contact service agencies by updating
database and training staff. Developed
newsletter increasing
knowledge of available services to Orange County
Senior population.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Admission Assistant, University of Central
Florida, May 1999 - Present
Led tours and information sessions for
prospective students and parents.
Shift Team Leader/Crew Member, Taco
Bell, May 1995 - September 1998
Promoted within 6 months to shift
leader position. Trained newly hired team
members to enhance quality and
customer service. Developed youth
birthday meal program increasing business and
customer loyalty.
HONORS ACTIVITIES
UCF Deans List (three semesters)
C.A.R.E. Committee on Diversity
Bachelors Social Work Club, UCF,
Secretary
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References

• Choose individuals who know you and whom you can
  trust
• Colleagues, professors, supervisors, etc.
• Contact them and ask for permission
• When you give their names, tell them you have
  done so and that they should expect to be
  contacted
• Supply them with a current copy of your resume

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Other items

• If submitting electronically, what format is
  required
• Name and contact info on every page you submit to
  prospective employer
• If applications are required
• Neat, typed if possible, attach resume to it,
  careful with wording of why you left last job

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URSULA C. FORTUNE Campus Address


Permanent
Address 321 Graduation Way


123 New
Street Orlando, FL 32817


Jacksonville, FL 32438
[phone]



[phone] ucfgrad_at_aol.com
REFERENCES

• Name
• Title
• Place of employment
• Address
• Phone number
• E-mail

Name Title Place of employment Address Phone
number E-mail
Name Title Place of employment Address Phone
number E-mail
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Whats new and different??!!

• Paper with graphics to enhance the aesthetics of
  your resume
• Interactive resumes
• Hyperlink your email address, web site, and any
  other web sites you have listed on the resume
• Using folders to present your information at
  career expos, unsolicited jobs, or during the
  interview
• Design your own ad
• Design your own web site

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URSULA C. FORTUNE Campus Address


Permanent
Address 321 Graduation Way


123 New
Street Orlando, FL 32817


Jacksonville, FL 32438
[phone]



[phone] ucfgrad_at_aol.com
EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL
FLORIDA Orlando, FL
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
May 20xx
Overall GPA 3.1/4.0
Course emphasis in Communication and
Human Resource Administration
Minor General Business
Administration  
VALENCIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Orlando, FL
Associate of
Arts June 20xx  
Earned 75 of college expenses
through work experience.
HONORS Florida Bright Futures
Scholar
University of Central Florida Deans List (three
semesters)
EXPERIENCE ABC ENTERPRISES
Orlando, FL
Interviewing Clerk (Intern) June
20xx-Present Assist recruiter in all
aspects of interviewing process from scheduling
interviews to testing of applicants.
Compose all recruiting correspondence.
Conduct background checks on job applicants.  
WALLYWORLD
Apopka, FL
Operations Hostess June 19xx-May 20xx
Part-time and
seasonal employment providing customer service
for various areas of tourist-oriented
theme park.
Served as relief
shift leader for up to twenty employees.
Trained new
employees in guest relations and standard
operating procedures for attractions.
Promoted within three
months of hire.
ACTIVITIES Central Florida Human
Resource Association Student Chapter
Rho Alpha Tau Sorority,
President and Vice President
Community Volunteer, Meals on
Wheels
Weekend Youth Director
SKILLS Computer
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,
Access, PowerPoint)
Working knowledge of HTML and Java
Language Fluent
in Spanish
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Cover Letters

• Brief introduction designed to entice an employer
  and compliment your resume
• Use standard business format
• Tailor each letter to individual employer
• Address each employer by name and title
• Use simple, direct language
• Keep letters short and to the point
• Use same paper your resume is printed on

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Cover Letter Format

• Addresses, Date, and Salutation
• 1st Paragraph
• State Why You Are Writing
• Name of Position
• How You Heard of Opening
• 2nd/3rd Paragraph(s)
• Explain Why You Are Interested in Working for
  This Employer
• Relate Your Skills to the Position
• Closing Paragraph
• Refer to Resume
• Request for Action (Interview)
• Tell employer the next step

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Cover Letter Guide Sample Cover Letter  
911 Congestion Way Orlando, FL 32817 (407)
555-1212   February 15, 20xx   Ms. Sheila J.
Smith Recruitment Manager Cairdyne
Corporation 999 E. Broadway Blvd. Akron, OH
44319   Dear Ms. Smith   In May 20xx I will be
graduating from the University of Central Florida
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Administration. I am writing to explore the
possibility of employment as a Cairdyne
management trainee in the field of marketing and
sales.   Cairdynes sales management training
program, as described in the N.A.C.E. JOB CHOICES
magazine and in your company literature, offers
the kind of sales activities I am hoping to
pursue after graduation. My studies have
provided a strong foundation in management,
marketing, and computer applications. I have
also gained experience in retailing and customer
service and have been on the receiving end of
customer indecision and anxiety. My ability to
handle difficult customers has earned me an
outstanding performance review.   The enclosed
resume will give you additional background
information. I would appreciate the opportunity
to meet with you to further discuss my
qualifications and career opportunities with
Cairdyne. Thank you for your consideration.   Sin
cerely,       Ursula C. Fortune   Enclosure
Applicants Address Applicants Phone
Number   Date of Letter   Employers Name
Title Name of Organization Address   Salutation
  OPENING PARAGRAPH State why you are writing,
name the position or type of work for which you
are applying, and mention how you heard of the
opening or organization.   MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S)
Explain why you are interested in working for
this employer and specify your reasons for
desiring this type of work. If you have had
relevant work experience or related education, be
sure to point it out, but do not reiterate your
entire resume.   Emphasize your skills or
abilities you have that relate to the job for
which you are applying. Be sure to do this in a
confident manner and remember that the reader
will view your letter of application as an
example of your writing skills.   CLOSING
PARAGRAPH You may refer to your enclosed resume
(which gives a summary of your qualifications) or
whatever media you are using to illustrate your
training, interests, and experience. Have an
appropriate closing to pave the way for the
interview. Sincerely,   Always sign your
letter  Ursula C. Fortune   Enclosure (If you
enclose a resume or other document, use
this) (Keep to one page, proofread, use high
quality stationary and envelopes, and do not
staple your letter to your resume)  
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Other Letters

• Accepting invitation to interview
• Thank you for interview
• Staying in touch
• Acknowledging offer
• Accepting offer
• Declining offer

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CRC Workshops

• Choosing/Changing Majors
• Which is the Best Career for You?
• Internship Search
• Job Search Strategies
• Career Etiquette

• Getting your Job or Internship on the GOLD
  Connection
• Resumes Cover Letters
• Successful Interviewing
• Federal Employment
• How to Work a Career Expo

• Statewide Job Fair May 8, 2003