TAP Supplement

TAP Workshop Participant Manual

Section 3.10

Create an
Effective Resume

Transition Assistance Program

U.S. Department of Labor
Veterans Employment and Training Service
September 2007
2 Create an Effective Resume

Create an Effective Resume

Objectives

Review key elements in the resume writing process

Write career objectives and descriptive accomplishment statements
Construct a draft resume

Marketing Your Resume

Basic Job Search Principle = Market Yourself!

X Purpose of a Resume

Marketing Tool sells YOU!

Summarizes how your skills and abilities can contribute to their company
Helps get you a job interview
Employer screening tool

X
XTThe Importance of the Career Decision-Making Process
To write the most effective resume, you need to know what career field you want.

Research:

The career field you would like to pursue

Where the jobs are and who is hiring
What qualifications and credentials you need to attain
How to best market your qualifications
 Create an Effective Resume - 3

X
XRResume Formats and Types
Resume Formats:

There are several resume formats to choose from which include:

Chronological

Functional

Combination

Targeted

Chronological Format

Focuses on your work history with most recent position first

Easy for employers to follow your career history and career progression

See example Chronological Resume on the next page

4 Create an Effective Resume

Sample Chronological Resume

Ben Turner
2345 Brook Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 12345
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]

OBJECTIVE: Seeking a position as an armed security guard for Pinkerton Services

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Active U.S. government security clearance

Bilingual-fluent in both English and Spanish
Superior performance award for past four years in security management
Able to make difficult decisions in stressful situations

EXPERIENCE

19XX-20XX Security Specialist U.S. Marine Corps

Supervised $100 million of highly sensitive equipment efforts led to zero loss in a 3-year period.
Implemented new system security plan that led to increased lockdown protection for brig
personnel.
Provided leadership, instruction, and supervision of 25 personnel efforts resulted in a 30%
decrease in staff turnover and a 10% increase in promotions.
Expertly managed investigative reports recognized as NCO of the Quarter for efficiency and
accuracy of written instructions and documents.
Proven ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments efficiently managed a diverse
workforce and inmate population resulting in a 10% decrease in inmate violence.

19XX-19XX Warehouse Supervisor Micro Chemical, Inc., Denver, CO

Supervised a crew of 15 in daily operations, including evaluation and discipline efforts led to a
company-record promotion rate for staff and a 10% decrease in staff turnover.
Monitored complex cataloging and ordering systems Implemented a fast-track procurement
system for office supplies resulting in a 20% decrease in supply turn-around.
Helped develop and implement an effective security system efforts led to $24K savings
annually by reducing pilferage and damage.
Proficient at using Windows Vista, Microsoft Office, and PeopleSoft Databases

19XX-19XX Security Guard Mayfield Malls, Denver, CO

Coordinated work assignments, evaluated performance and disciplined a four-member security
team recognized as Security Supervisor of the Quarter for boosting morale and encouraging
an innovative and safe working environment.
Investigated security and safety violations and wrote detailed incident reports led to Mayfield
Mall being recognized as the Safest Shopping Facility in the Mountain States.
Helped diffuse conflicts in a public environment with regard to everyones safety consistently
recognized through customer feedback for excellent customer relations.

EDUCATION

U.S. Marine Corps Specialized Training: Explosives, Firearms, Leadership, Diversity,

Communication
Metro State College 42 Semester Units in Administration of Justice, Denver, CO
 Create an Effective Resume - 5

Functional Format

Focuses on your skills and experience. Skills are grouped into functional areas

Used most often when changing careers or if there are employment gaps

See example Functional Resume on the next page

6 Create an Effective Resume

Sample Functional Resume

Ben Turner
2345 Brook Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 12345
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]

OBJECTIVE: Seeking a position as an armed security guard for Pinkerton Services

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Active U.S. government security clearance

Bilingual-fluent in both English and Spanish
Superior performance award for past four years in security management
Able to make difficult decisions in stressful situations

EXPERIENCE

Security
Supervised $100 million of highly sensitive equipment efforts led to zero loss in a 3-year period.
Implemented new system security plan that led to increased lockdown protection for brig
personnel.
Monitored restricted personnel in a correctional facility ensuring they remained in detention
Helped develop and implement an effective security system efforts led to $24K savings
annually by reducing pilferage and damage.

Investigation
Investigated security and safety violations and wrote detailed incident reports led to Mayfield
Mall being recognized as the Safest Shopping Facility in the Mountain States.
Expertly managed investigative reports recognized as NCO of the Quarter for efficiency and
accuracy of written instructions and documents.

Communication
Proven ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments efficiently managed a diverse
workforce and inmate population resulting in a 10% decrease in inmate violence.
Helped diffuse conflicts in a public environment with regard to everyones safety consistently
recognized through customer feedback for excellent customer relations.
Proficient at using Windows Vista, Microsoft Office, and PeopleSoft Databases

Supervision
Provided leadership, instruction, and supervision of 25 personnel efforts resulted in a 30%
decrease in staff turnover and a 10% increase in promotions.
Supervised a crew of 15 in daily operations, including evaluation and discipline efforts led to a
company-record promotion rate for staff and a 10% decrease in staff turnover.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Security Specialist U.S. Marine Corps

Warehouseman Supervisor Micro Chemical, Inc. Denver, CO
Security Guard Mayfield Malls Denver, CO

EDUCATION
U.S. Marine Corps Specialized Training: Explosives, Firearms, Leadership, Diversity, and
Communication
Metro State College 42 Semester units in Administration of Justice, Denver, CO
 Create an Effective Resume - 7

Combination Format

Combination of the Chronological and Functional Resume formats

Highlights skills and provides the chronological work history that some employers
prefer

See example Combination Resume on the next page

8 Create an Effective Resume

Sample Combination Resume

Ben Turner
2345 Brook Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 12345
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]

OBJECTIVE: Seeking a position as an armed security guard for Pinkerton Services

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Active U.S. government security clearance

Bilingual-fluent in both English and Spanish
Superior performance award for past four years in security management
Able to make difficult decisions in stressful situations

EXPERIENCE

Security
Supervised $100 million of highly sensitive equipment efforts led to zero loss in a 3-year period.
Implemented new system security plan that led to increased lockdown protection for brig
personnel.
Monitored restricted personnel in a correctional facility ensuring they remained in detention
Helped develop and implement an effective security system efforts led to $24K savings
annually by reducing pilferage and damage.

Investigation
Investigated security and safety violations and wrote detailed incident reports led to Mayfield
Mall being recognized as the Safest Shopping Facility in the Mountain States.
Expertly managed investigative reports recognized as NCO of the Quarter for efficiency and
accuracy of written instructions and documents.

Communication
Proven ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments efficiently managed a diverse
workforce and inmate population resulting in a 10% decrease in inmate violence.
Helped diffuse conflicts in a public environment with regard to everyones safety consistently
recognized through customer feedback for excellent customer relations.
Proficient at using Windows Vista, Microsoft Office, and PeopleSoft Databases

Supervision
Provided leadership, instruction, and supervision of 25 personnel efforts resulted in a 30%
decrease in staff turnover and a 10% increase in promotions.
Supervised a crew of 15 in daily operations, including evaluation and discipline efforts led to a
company-record promotion rate for staff and a 10% decrease in staff turnover.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

19XX-20XX Security Specialist U.S. Marine Corps

19XX-19XX Warehouseman Supervisor Micro Chemical, Inc., Denver, CO
19XX-19XX Security Guard Mayfield Malls, Denver, CO

EDUCATION

U.S. Marine Corps Specialized Training: Explosives, Firearms, Leadership, Diversity, and
Communication
Metro State College 42 Semester units in Administration of Justice Denver, CO
 Create an Effective Resume - 9

Targeted Format

Customized to a specific Job

Written specifically to the employers needs

The Objective Statement is important and must specifically refer to the open
position. The resume will then be directly related to that position.
10 Create an Effective Resume

Other Resume Formats

Federal Resumes See sample on Page 60 in the TAP Manual Be sure to

sign up for a Federal resume writing class at your FSC or ACAP office if you
want to pursue a position in the Federal Government.

Curriculum Vitae Used primarily for candidates in medicine, academia, and

some senior level positions.

Hybrids of several styles Modified Combination Resume formats tailored to

specific openings
 Create an Effective Resume - 11

Which Resume is Best?

The one that best positions your

experience for the open position!

(See the resume comparison chart on the next page for quick, easy reference.)
12 Create an Effective Resume

Resume Comparison Chart

Resume
Advantages Disadvantages Best Used By
Format
Emphasizes gaps in
employment
Not suitable if you
Widely used format have no work history
Logical flow, easy to Highlights frequent
Individuals with
read job changes
Chronological steady work record
Showcases growth in Emphasizes
skills and responsibility employment but not
Easy to prepare skill development
Emphasizes lack of
related experience
and career changes
Individuals who
have developed
skills from other
than documented
Emphasizes skills rather
employment and
than employment
who may be
Organizes a variety of Viewed with changing careers
experience (paid and suspicion by
Individuals with no
unpaid work, other employers due
Functional previous
activities) to lack of information
employment
Disguises gaps in work about specific
Individuals with
record or a series of employers and dates
gaps in
short-term jobs
employment
Frequent job
changers

Career changers
Highlights most relevant or those in
skills and transition
accomplishments Individuals
De-emphasizes Confusing if not well reentering the job
employment history in organized market after some
less relevant jobs De-emphasizes job absence
Combines skills tasks, Individuals who
Combination
developed in a variety of responsibilities have grown in
jobs or other activities Requires more effort skills and
Minimizes drawbacks and creativity to responsibility
such as employment prepare Individuals
gaps and absence of pursuing the same
directly related or similar work as
experience theyve had in the
past
Personalized to Time-consuming to
company/position prepare Everyone
Targeted
Shows research Confusing if not well because any of the
(should be
More impressive to organized other formats can
used in all
resumes)
employer Should be revised be made into a
Written specifically to for each employer targeted resume
employers needs
 Create an Effective Resume - 13

Resume Types
Traditional Paper Resume

The printed resume is the traditional paper resume that you would mail to a company,
take with you on a job interview or to a job fair, or mail/fax in response to a job ad.

Traditional Paper Resumes: Presentation Tips and Guidelines

Professional look and feel, good visual appeal, white space for readability
Page Length 1 to 2 pages
Font Tahoma, Arial, Times New Roman, or Verdana
Font Size 10 to 12 points
Font Styles bold, italics, and capitalization to highlight key areas
Paper Color white, light gray or ivory
Proofread and Spell Check
Place your name and a page number on the top of all subsequent pages of your
resume
Writing Style: Always Write in First Person No I

Led a 75-member training team that delivered 100% of all scheduled training
seminars worldwide.

Not

Sergeant Jones led a 75-member training team that delivered 100% of all
scheduled training seminars worldwide.
14 Create an Effective Resume

Resume Types
Scannable Resume -

To be sent to the employer either electronically or in paper format

Enables employers in large companies to quickly scan your resume into their
resume database to be screened for specific jobs and key words that match their
criteria

Scannable Resume: Presentation Tips and Guidelines

Plain resume scanned by company for key words and qualifications

Everything that you would do to make your paper or traditional resume attractive, you
would not do on a scannable resume

DO NOT use highlights such as bold, italics, underlining, graphics, etc.

Use fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman

Minimum 11 point font size
No columns or tables
Spell out symbols like % and &
Place your name and a page number on the top of all subsequent pages of your
resume
Print out resume on clean white paper and mail or the employer. It will scan better.

Electronic Resume -

Resumes Sent as E-Mail Attachments

Use Printed resume type

Professionally done, visually appealing
Microsoft Word most common save as Rich Text Format (RTF) unless posting
suggests otherwise

Resumes Sent in the Body of an E-Mail Message

Copy and paste resume into email

Very Important: Check formatting before submitting your resume

See example Scannable Resume on the next page

 Create an Effective Resume - 15

Sample Scannable Resume

Ben Turner
2345 Brook Avenue
Englewood, Colorado 12345
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]

Objective: Seeking a position as an armed security guard for Pinkerton Services

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

- Active U.S. government security clearance

- Bilingual-fluent in both English and Spanish
- Superior performance award for past four years in security management
- Able to make difficult decisions in stressful situations

EXPERIENCE

19XX-20XX Security Specialist, U.S. Marine Corps

- Supervision of $100 million of highly sensitive equipment

- Monitored restricted personnel in a correctional facility to ensure they remain in detention
- Experienced in handling confidential material
- Trained in diffusing hostile situations
- Certified in the use of tear gas, C-4, and TNT
- Qualified sharp shooter in small arms and assault weapons
- Proofreading and checking contents of investigative reports
- Proven ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments
- Instruction, supervision and evaluation of 25 personnel

19XX-19XX Warehouse Supervisor, Micro Chemical, Inc., Denver, CO

- Proficient at using Windows 3.x

- Supervised a crew of 15 in daily operations, including evaluation and discipline
- Monitored complex cataloging and ordering systems
- Helped develop and implement an effective security system

19XX-19XX Security Guard, Mayfield Malls, Denver, CO

- Coordinated work assignments, evaluated performance and disciplined a four-member security team
- Investigated security and safety violations and wrote detailed incident reports
- Helped diffuse conflicts in a public environment with regard to everyones safety

EDUCATION

- U.S. Marine Corps, Specialized Training: Explosives, Firearms, Leadership, Diversity, Communication
- Metro State College, 42 Semester Units in Administration of Justice Denver, CO
16 Create an Effective Resume

X
XSSections of a Resume

Contact Information
Career Objective Statement
Summary of Qualifications
Experience
Employment History
Education/Training

Sections of a Resume: Contact Information

Goes at the top of the resume and must be accurate.

Be sure to include at least your name on each page of the resume

Janis Jenkins
123 Pearl Street
Rockville, Maryland 12345
Home: (301) 555-1111
Cell: (301) 444-2222
[email protected]

Janis Jenkins
123 Pearl Street Rockville, MD 12345
(301) 555-1111 (H) (301) 444-1234 (C)
[email protected]

Janis Jenkins
123 Pearl Street Rockville, Maryland 12345
(301) 555-1111 (Home) (301) 333-1111 (Cell)
[email protected]
 Create an Effective Resume - 17

Sections of a Resume: Career Objective Statement

The most effective, well-written career objective is targeted for a specific job
(bookkeeper, medical transcriber, diesel mechanic, etc.) with a specific company
(General Motors, Johnston Automotive, etc.). Since you may need a different resume
for each opening you locate, you will also need to change the job objective and
especially the specific company for each resume. Be sure that you know the actual title
of the job when you apply. If your resume targets a position that is not open, then you
may not be considered. For example, if a line position is open and you are asking for a
management job, then you may never get the interview that you want. Your objective
can also be repeated in the body of the cover letter. Make the objective short and to the
point. Consider this the title of your resume. The rest of the resume must convince the
hiring authority that you have the background and skills to do the job and are well worth
an interview.

Do not assume that any career objective is better than no objective. If your objective is
vague and unfocused, you appear indecisive and unable to make decisions and set
goals. This is not a description of duties or a vague description of a job. Avoid
statements such as a position that will utilize my broad talents and allow me to grow. If
this is your objective, leave it off your resume.

Using a career objective has been an optional issue on a resume in the past, but in
recent years it has become more important. There are times when you absolutely need
a job objective, such as:

When applying online. Often jobs are sorted by objectives and directed to the
correct department for review.

When applying to large companies, to avoid the human resources department

deciding the position you should fill.

Posting resumes on job search sites, such as Monster.com.

Employers decide whether to review your resume based on the job objective.

Resumes for scanning. The objective becomes a key word in the screening
process.
18 Create an Effective Resume

Writing Career Objectives

Concise, short and to the point

Target your career objective whenever possible. Dont make the employer guess
Be specific dont write: Seeking a challenging position with a large company that
will provide an opportunity for growth and advancement.
Answers the question What can you do for the employer?

Targeted Objective (preferred):

Lists the specific job and company you are applying for

Examples of Good Targeted Career Objectives

Seeking a position as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for St. Marys Hospital

A position as a Bookkeeper for M&M Tax Consultants
Position as a Security Guard for Brinks International

General Job Objective:

Occasionally you do not know the actual company you are sending your resume to and
a general job objective is most effective in these circumstances. When you do not know
the name of the actual company or are going to a job fair and will hand out resumes to
several companies, then the objective needs to be more generic. Often jobs that are
posted on the Internet are blinds ads from head hunters and you will not be able to find
the company name.

Examples of General Objectives

Entry level position in multi-image production company

Position as a Health Educator
Project management position in Marketing
 Create an Effective Resume - 19

Exercise #1
Writing Objective Statements

Purpose

The purpose of this exercise is to provide you with practice writing Objective
Statements.

Materials Needed For This Exercise

You will need the following for this exercise:

Decision regarding the job you are considering. Make a preliminary choice if you
are not sure.
Job Announcement(s) for a position(s) that you would like to apply for (from
homework assignment)
Review sample Career Objective Statements listed below. For additional
information, refer to the TAP Participant Manual, Page 71.

Hints For Writing Career Objectives

Targeted Objective Statement (preferred method): List the exact job as listed in
the job announcement and company's name.
Keep your objective short, simple and to the point. Do not make the employer
guess what job you are applying for.
Don't use vague statements such as "seeking a challenging position with a large
company with potential for growth and advancement."

Example Objective Statements

"Electronics Technician position with Lockheed Martin"

"Seeking a position as a Customer Service Representative with Viatech Inc."

"Biomedical Equipment Repair Technician"

"Front Line Investigator with a security or law enforcement agency."

Practice

Write your Objective Statement below:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
20 Create an Effective Resume

Sections of a Resume: Summary of Qualifications

Highlights your key skill areas draws attention to specific skills that support your job
goal

Can either be done in paragraph form or as a bulleted list

Should include your Security Clearance if you have one. Remember to have your
resume cleared by your Security Manager.

Time to brag about your best qualities your greatest hits

 Create an Effective Resume - 21

Exercise #2
Writing Summary of Qualifications Statements
Purpose

The purpose of this exercise is to provide you with practice writing Summary of
Qualifications statements.

Materials Needed For This Exercise

You will need the following for this exercise:

Preliminary career objective

Job Announcement for a position(s) that you would like to apply for
Skill statements from Page 22 of TAP Participant Manual
Review sample Qualification Statements listed below

Hints For Writing Qualification Statements

Draw the reader's attention to specific skills that you possess and can offer the
company.
Look for key words in the job announcement and write qualification statements
that highlight those key words
Can either be written as a short paragraph or short list with 4-5 bullet
statements.
This is your time to brag about your best qualities.
List your certifications, licenses or security clearance if required for the position.

Example #1: Summary of Qualifications for a Law Enforcement Professional

Law enforcement professional with a degree in criminal justice. Qualifications include

15 years experience in international and homeland security, outstanding leadership
capability managing large security teams, knowledge of patrol, search and rescue,
investigative and criminal procedures. Ability to handle deadline-oriented and crisis
situations. Sharpshooter and expert marksman qualifications. Active Top Secret
Clearance.

Example #2: Summary of Qualifications for Human Resources Manager

Human Resource Management

Organizational Development and Process Improvement
Training Development and Delivery
Compensation and Benefits Administration
Management and Supervision
Resource Allocation and Administration
Planning and Budget Management
Legal Compliance
22 Create an Effective Resume

Example #3: Summary of Qualifications for a Network Administrator

Solutions-oriented IT professional with experience in Network Administration, Network

Support and Help Desk services

Knowledge of LAN/WAN network administration

Expert capabilities for hardware, software and networking issues
Outstanding customer service skills
Certifications: MCSE Windows 2000 and CCNA
Hardware: Desktops, servers, laptops, modems, network cards, printers,
scanners, etc.
Systems: Windows NT/2000, SCO Unix, Windows 95/97XP

Practice

Using the skills statements you developed from page 22 of the TAP manual, practice
writing two Summary of Qualifications statements.

Paragraph Style:
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Bullet Style
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
 Create an Effective Resume - 23

Sections of a Resume: Experience

Lists your results and/or achievements that relate to the position desired

Not a job description!

Employers want to know: What is this individual going to do for me?

Use numbers, percentages, statistics, examples to illustrate your achievements

Identify Your Skills and Accomplishments

Use the Transferable Skills Inventory (TAP Manual-Page18)

Select the skills that relate to the job you want
Sell your resume by highlighting your major accomplishments and achievements
RememberEmployers want to know What skills can you offer me?

Writing Accomplishment Statements

Use civilian terms

Start with an action verb

Dont use Responsible for
Write in past tense for previous jobs
Present tense for current job

Quantify results when possible

Use numbers
Percentages
Statistics
Examples

Example Accomplishment Statements:

Inventory Control: Managed companys 500-item, $10M stock inventory warehouse

with 100% accountability.

Logistics: Processed over 700 annual shipments of personal property and household
goods valued in excess of $30M.

Security: Supervised the security of $100M of highly sensitive equipment with zero
loss.

Management: Developed and managed an annual budget of $50M meeting

departments profit goals.
24 Create an Effective Resume

Translating Military Experience to Civilian Terms

One of your biggest challenges

Employers may overlook a military member because their resume is:

Filled with military job titles and military skills not understood
Written using military jargon, acronyms and awards
Not targeted to job

It doesnt matter how qualified you are if the employer cant understand your resume

Resources to help you translate your Military Experience to Civilian Terms

O*NET: http://online.onetcenter.org
 Create an Effective Resume - 25

Military to Civilian Skill

Translator Resources and Websites

O*NET

Website: http://online.onetcenter.org

The Department of Labor's O*NET website helps you to translate your military skills by
providing common language and terminology to describe your military occupational
specialty.

To use O*NET you will need to know your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), Navy
Rating or Air Force Military Occupation Code (MOC).

Enter your MOS, MOC or Navy Rating. The system will provide a summary
report of your job duties. O*NET can also help you browse civilian
occupations by occupational group, high growth industries and by education
required for the job, i.e., Chemist.

Army COOL and Navy COOL

Websites: https://www.cool.army.mil or https://www.cool.navy.mil

These websites were developed in coordination with the Departments of Defense and
Labor. They catalog and define comprehensive information on occupational credentials
correlating with military ratings, jobs, and occupations.

Go to the COOL website

Click on the tab to Search for Credentials
Enter either your specialty Code or search by your military job title, and a
screen will appear with civilian equivalent jobs, common associated
certifications, etc.
Then, by clicking on the civilian equivalent job titles, you will be redirected to
Department of Labors Occupational Outlook Handbook, which lists the nature
of the work, job outlook, earnings, related occupations, and more

Verification of Military Education and Training (VMET)

Website: http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/vmet
26 Create an Effective Resume

America's CareerInfoNet

Website: www.acinet.org/moc

This is a military to civilian occupational translator that provides a wide range of

information such as occupational outlook by state, wage information and other job-
specific resources.

Jobsaurus, The Jobs Thesaurus

Website: www.taonline.com/jobsaurus

Type in a job title and this site will provide you with a resume objective and industry-
standard terms to help you describe a job(s) you have held.

Military.com Translate Your Skills

Website: www.military.com.Careers.Skills.Translator

This site provides very basic information on the civilian job that relates to your military
specialty.

Mil-Skills Translator

Website: www.taonline.com/mosdot

Enter your MOS, MOC or Navy Rating and this site will provide you with a very brief
description of your job in civilian terms.
 Create an Effective Resume - 27

Skills and Experience Military to Civilian

Military Platoon Leader, Leading Petty Officer, Section Leader, etc.
=
Front Line Supervisor in the business world

Supervised & evaluated up to 75 employees

Conducted high quality training for groups up to 25 employees
Improved staff productivity and efficiency by 30%
Planned and executed logistical support for team with outstanding results
Enforced 100% of company policies and procedures
Submitted comprehensive and timely reports to supervisor
Worked under pressure, multi-tasked, and met tight deadlines

Creating Accomplishment Statements

Step 1: Think of this as a story with a title. Identify the Scenario. Some topics (titles)
may include:

A task you performed alone.

A project you worked on as a team member/team leader.
A challenge you overcame in the job setting.
A problem you solved.
A goal you set.

Step 2: Identify the action you performed to tell the story. Use the skills you identified on
pages 18-21 and page 74 of your TAP Manual. (Also see page 28 of this Supplement.)

Planned, organized and directed a four-day training exercise

Troubleshot, disassembled and repaired mobile over 300 pieces of mobile
communications equipment
Recorded, documented and tracked daily, weekly and monthly reports
Formed, created and lead special security force

Step 3: Which resulted in: End with a positive and measurable conclusion.

which reduced accidents from 30% to fewer than 2% in two weeks.

which enabled constant communication in four different states.
which increased the training rate of employees by 45%.
that provided search and recovery support for disaster victims.
28 Create an Effective Resume

ACTION VERBS TO DESCRIBE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

(This list also appears on p. 74 of your TAP Manual.)
The following verbs can be used to help you describe your skills and experience.

PEOPLE THINGS IDEAS

____ Accomplished ____ Built _ ____ Adapted

____ Activated ____ Calculated ____ Analyzed
____ Adapted ____ Changed ____ Coordinated
____ Adjusted ____ Compiled ____ Created
____ Administered ____ Completed ____ Defined
____ Advertised ____ Constructed ____ Devised
____ Advised ____ Created ____ Educated
____ Analyzed ____ Designed ____ Established
____ Arranged ____ Drafted ____ Executed
____ Assembled ____ Edited ____ Explained
____ Assisted ____ Enlarged ____ Illustrated
____ Calculated ____ Established ____ Implemented
____ Catalogued ____ Evaluated ____ Initiated
____ Chaired ____ Examined ____ Innovated
____ Coached ____ Expanded ____ Integrated
____ Conceptualized ____ Expedited ____ Interviewed
____ Conciliated ____ Facilitated ____ Investigated
____ Conducted ____ Familiarized ____ Maintained
____ Consulted ____ Formulated ____ Marketed
____ Contracted ____ Generated ____ Modified
____ Coordinated ____ Governed ____ Monitored
____ Delegated ____ Guided ____ Negotiated
____ Demonstrated ____ Hired ____ Obtained
____ Devised ____ Identified ____ Organized
____ Directed ____ Improved ____ Presented
____ Distributed ____ Increased ____ Presided
____ Effected ____ Indexed ____ Processed
____ Explained ____ Informed ____ Proposed
____ Indoctrinated ____ Inspected ____ Publicized
____ Managed ____ Installed ____ Recommended
____ Motivated ____ Invented ____ Recorded
____ Organized ____ Prepared ____ Recruited
____ Programmed ____ Programmed ____ Related
____ Promoted ____ Revised ____ Surveyed
____ Stimulated ____ Specified ____ Synthesized
____ Supervised ____ Used ____ Transmitted
____ Taught ____ Wrote
 Create an Effective Resume - 29

Exercise #3
Writing Accomplishment Statements
Purpose

The purpose of this exercise is to provide you with practice writing accomplishment
statements.

Materials Needed For This Exercise

You will need the following for this exercise:

Preliminary decision regarding your career objective

Job Announcement for a position that you would like to apply for
Review Accomplishment Statements listed below. Refer to TAP Participant
Manual, Pages 72-74, for additional information.

Hints for Writing Accomplishment Statements

A well-formulated accomplishment statement has two parts:

-Value added results that came as a result of your work
-Action you took to achieve those results
Use civilian--not military--terms
Start with an action verb. Refer to list on previous page.
Try not to use "Responsible For"
Write in past tense (i.e. Integrated, Organized) for previous jobs and present
tense (i.e., Integrate, Organize) for current job.
Quantify wherever possible.
State the benefit first, then what you did to accomplish the result.
Avoid wordiness - use only the words that describe what you did, how you did it
and the results.

Example Accomplishment Statements

Jobs you did in the past (past tense):

Reduced motor pool service turnaround time 25% by creating a "fast track" team
for easy repair jobs and routine service.
Upgraded mail processing system and attained 50% improvement in delivery
lead times.
Restructured program for purchasing department supplies, which resulted in 28%
cost reduction per year.

Your current job, if you are still working (present tense):

Direct personnel programs in support of over 1,800 personnel in 84 locations
worldwide.
Lead 500+ personnel in all aspects of production and training of over 180 pilots
per year.
30 Create an Effective Resume

Practice

Step 1: List 2-3 skill areas that you want to highlight and that are required for the
position you are applying for. Some examples are:

Security, Investigation, Teaching, Communication, Management, Training

Development, Network Administration, Project Management, Risk Analysis,
Policy Development, Diagnostics and Troubleshooting, Financial Management

Step 2: Write 3 accomplishment statements that relate to that skill, what you did, and
the results. Remember to quantify results.

Skill #1: _______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Skill #2: _______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Skill #3: _______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
 Create an Effective Resume - 31

Sections of the Resume: Employment History

Chronological Resume

- Dates, position, location and experience

Functional Resume

- Does not include an employment history

Combination Resume

- Dates, position and location

Targeted Resume

- Will use any of the above formats but will be specifically tailored to the Objective

This portion of the resume is probably the most important. Depending on the style you
select, it will dictate where and how you will organize the information. To make this
process easier to understand, there are several examples of each format in the TAP
manual. There are many books that provide example resumes. See the transition
website for specific recommendations.

To begin exploring your employment history, write down everything you can about what
you did in a specific job. Include:

skills
accomplishments
machines you can operate;
computer software you can run
improvements you suggested or made in a process or system

Try to include specific and quantifiable data. Once you have written a paragraph or
pages of information, find qualifications relating to the job you are seeking. If the job you
are seeking is an entirely new field, but uses a lot of the specific skills from your past
experience, consider putting information into categories. An example would be if you
have been a Military Police Officer and want to go into private investigation, you could
group bullet statements under categories such as investigation, case management, and
security to create a combination resume. Or, if you were an electronics technician for
the past four years in the military plus worked in the same field for two years prior to
joining, and want to go into the same field of work, then you would write a chronological
resume to show stability and progressive job responsibilities.
32 Create an Effective Resume

Sections of the Resume: Education/Training

Include all degrees awarded beyond high school

List special honors you achieved such as: graduated Cum Laude, with Honors, or
possibly list your grade point average (GPA) if it presents you in a positive light

Include certifications, licenses and course work relevant to job applying for

List only military schools that support your job goal!

 Create an Effective Resume - 33

Exercise #4
Documenting Education and Training
Purpose

The purpose of this exercise is to provide you with practice in documenting your
education and training.

Materials Needed For This Exercise

You will need the following for this exercise:
Copies of college transcripts and training certificates, VMET printout
Job Announcement(s) for a position(s) that you would like to apply for (from
homework assignment)

Hints For Documenting your Education and Training

Include all degrees achieved beyond high school, highest to lowest.
Include any additional training and coursework that is directly related to the job.
If degree-award date is within nine months, indicate expected graduation date;
otherwise indicate number of credit hours completed
List locations of colleges and universities, but it is not necessary to include dates
attended
Depending on your background and the job you are applying for, Education and
Training might need to be placed above Experience or Employment History on
your resume
List special honors you achieved

Example of Education and Training

Bachelor of Science, Health Care Management (Cum Laude), Southern Illinois

University, Carbondale, Illinois

Metro State College, Denver, Colorado: 42 semester units in Administration of

Justice

U.S. Marine Corps: Specialized training in explosives, firearms, leadership,

diversity, and communication

Practice
Document your Education and relevant Training:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
34 Create an Effective Resume

XWhat NOT To Include On a Resume

These items are not recommended on a resume:

Marital Status - Hobbies

Age - Height and Weight

Race - Salary

Photograph - References

Religious or Political Affiliations

Names, ages and number of children

Now lets tie all of the elements together and start drafting your resume!
 Create an Effective Resume - 35

Exercise #5
Writing Draft Resume
Purpose

The purpose of this exercise is to provide you with a working draft of your resume to
continue to enhance after leaving the workshop.

Materials Needed For This Exercise

You will need the following for this exercise:

Job Announcement(s) for a position(s) that you would like to apply for
Exercises: Career Objective, Summary of Qualifications, Accomplishment
Statements, and Education and Training
Refer to sample resumes on Pages 4-8 of the TAP Supplement

Steps

Today we are going to develop a draft Chronological Resume. You can use this later to
develop a Functional, Chronological or Combination Resume that best meets your
needs. Instructions include:
Write in your contact information at the top of the page to include:
Name, Address, Home and Cell Phone numbers and professional email
address
Transfer your targeted Objective Statement to the Objective Statement section
Transfer 3 or 4 of the qualification statements to the Summary of Qualifications
section.
List your three previous duty stations (jobs) with the most current one first and
working back into the Experience section. Enter the dates and title (civilian
equivalent, if possible)
Transfer the accomplishment statements you wrote to the appropriate job under
the Experience section. Remember to keep these in bullet format. You can
complete the remainder of the statements after the workshop.
Complete the Education and Training section. List all degrees and any additional
education, specialized training and certifications that apply to the job you are
applying for.

NOTE: Once you finalize your resume you will not add the items in lighter type on the
worksheets.
36 Create an Effective Resume

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 Create an Effective Resume - 37

Name: (14 pt)

Address:
Phone Number(s):
Email Address:

OBJECTIVE STATEMENT
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

EXPERIENCE

Dates Job Title (most current)

_________ ______________________________

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
38 Create an Effective Resume

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 Create an Effective Resume - 39

Dates Job Title (2nd)

_________ ______________________________

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Dates Job Title (3rd)

_________ ______________________________

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Degree, Major, Names of School, etc. or training, licenses and certifications

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________
40 Create an Effective Resume

XResume Review and Quality Assurance

Carefully review your resume

Poorly written resumes and typographical errors result in being screened out

Suggested Reviewers
Transition/ACAP Office Staff
Veterans Representatives at your local Career One-Stop Center
HR Professional
Co-workers/Colleagues
Professional in the career field

Use the Resume Checklist on the next page to review and double check your resume!
 Create an Effective Resume - 41

Resume Checklist: An employer-ready resume must be OK in every category.

CONTENT OK

Order of Information

Does the most important category come first?

Is the organization logical and clear?

Completeness

Are all major topics emphasized by the employer covered?

Is each area concise yet complete?
Are duties and achievements described in specific terms?

Relevance

Is there a clear reason for each piece of information?

Has the information been tailored to a targeted field and job?
LANGUAGE OK

Word Choice

Are action verbs or nouns (key words for scannable resumes) used?
Are inappropriate jargon and military abbreviations avoided?
Is the language clear and straightforward?

Mechanics

Are there any errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation?

Are there any typographical errors?
APPEARANCE OK

Layout

Is the resume appealing and easy to read?

Does it use headings effectively?
Does it use white space, indentation, underlining, capitals effectively?
Does it have a professional look?

Consistency

Are layout featuresheadings, spacing, fontconsistent throughout?

Is the wording consistent throughout?
42 Create an Effective Resume

XHow Resumes Are Submitted

Printed or Traditional Paper Resume: mailed, faxed or delivered in person
Scannable Resume: mailed, faxed, delivered in person or sent electronically
Electronic Resume: sent as an email attachment or in the body of an email

XWays to Market Your Resume

Once you complete your resume, you can start sending out your marketing document.
There are many ways to look for jobs and market yourself. Use AS MANY as are
appropriate for you.

Remember you have a product to sell - yourself! The best way to do that is to use every
available method that is right for you to distribute your resume. What methods will be
best for you will be based on your career objectives, the position you want, the industry
you're targeting, the geographic location and your salary requirements.

Networking: Networking is the key to a successful job search and the number
one method that people get jobs. Talk with anyone who may know of an
opportunity that would be right for you: friends, colleagues, neighbors, relatives,
etc. You may also want to join a professional association that is related to the
career field you wish to work in. Many times these associations have regional
meetings specifically for networking.

Personal Referrals: Personal referrals are another great marketing strategy.

Personal referrals open doors that may not be accessible to everyone. So, if you
know an individual who is employed in a company that you wish to work for, ask
them to talk to the appropriate hiring manager and submit your resume.

Job Fairs: Job Fairs are a great way to meet potential employers. Instead of cold
calling or surfing the Internet, job fairs offer the chance to chat with hiring
managers in person and pass around your resume.

Targeted job search campaigns: This is where you send your resume directly
to recruiters or hiring managers working in the industry or company you want to
work for. You must be careful to select the right recruiters, which can be done
through networking or research online.

Professional Associations: There are hundreds of professional associations for

a variety of industries and career specialties. Do your research and find out the
professional associations in your field. Many have websites and publications that
post available jobs. Many hold national conferences and local chapter meetings
which are great networking venues.
 Create an Effective Resume - 43

Newspaper Ads: Responding to job ads in print advertisements is another

method. If you see a job ad in a newspaper, professional association journal or
other job announcement publications that you are qualified for, send them your
resume. These ads are usually time sensitive so dont wait.

Posting your Resume Online: Many sites such as monster.com and

careerbuilder.com (there are a multitude) allow you to post your resume on their
sites for free. Employers then search for suitable candidates who meet their job
qualifications. Many jobs sites give you several options how to post your resume.
You will either be able to develop an online resume using their system, upload it
in a Word Document or cut and paste it into the website.

Responding to Online Job Postings: Responding to online job postings is

another option, especially with the explosion of online job posting sites such as
monster.com and careerbuilder.com. Remember that networking and personal
referrals are the number one way that most people find jobs, so only use this as
one of your job search methods.

Corporate Web Sites: Employers are using the internet more than ever to direct
applicant flow. Many companies accept resumes and/or have resume builders
directly on their own employment sites.

In Person Cold Calls: This is where you go door to door to companies to look
for work. This method depends mainly on luck and being in the right place at the
right time. Very time consuming, it is not considered a very effective or productive
method, but it does work from time to time.

In Summary Resumes:
9 Speak for you when youre not there
9 Serve as a marketing tool
9 Must highlight your ability to do the job
9 Should result in you getting an interview

Congratulations! You are now well on your way to completing your resume.

Next Steps:
Continue to update and perfect your resume; remember that it is a work-in-
progress

Use the resources of the TAP/ACAP Centers to help you complete your resume.
They are there to help you, so make an appointment today!