Resume Purpose and Types
Appearance/Format and General Guidelines
CV/Resume Organization
Cv/Resume Content: Indetifying Information, Career Objective, Educational Information, Experience/Employment History, Optional CV/Resume Information
References
Additional Suggestions
Sample Reverse-Chronological CV/Resume (European Style)
Sample Functional Resume (American Style)
A CV/resume is a summary of your qualifications
for employment. The terms “CV” (curriculum vitae)
and “resume” generally mean the same thing,
but a CV is typically lengthier than a resume, with additional
sections and possible attachments. Both documents describe
educational and professional experiences, but vary in what
categories to include. The primary purpose of the CV/resume
is to get you an interview, but may also be used as a marketing
tool when conducting informational interviews and when networking.
CV/Resumes should be adapted to the market in which you
intend to use it, following culturally-appropriate guidelines.
There are basically three types of CV/resumes:
-
Reverse-Chronological
This type of CV/resume is used most frequently. With
this format, you present information in reverse chronological
order (most recent first) and give a detailed account
of education, work experiences, accomplishments, and
other relevant skills.
-
Functional
This type of CV/resume includes themed skill categories
that highlight transferable skills and accomplishments
developed through work, academic, and community experiences.
A functional CV/resume may stress your skills and de-emphasize
your experience and/or education if it does not support
your professional objective.
-
Combination
This type of CV/resume presents patterns of work experiences,
accomplishments, and skills in categorical sections
within a reverse chronological listing of work history.
An educational summary is also included.
APPEARANCE/FORMAT AND GENERAL GUIDELINES
Computer Templates
Do not use a computer CV/resume template. These formats limit
your flexibility in changing the content and style of your
CV/resume.
Enhancements
Use indention, bolding, and underlining to enhance important
information. Avoid using italics and excessive bullets because
some CV/resume scanners have difficulty interpreting this
information.
Font and Font Size
Use only one font. The font should be professional; when
using Microsoft Word, it is suggested you use Arial or Times
New Roman. Text font size should be no larger than 12 point
and no smaller than 9 point.
Language
Many companies will expect you to speak the language(s)
of their country and English, which is accepted today as
being the universal language of business. Having your CV/resume
drafted in both languages shows your global perspective
and abilities.
Layout and Format
Select a CV/resume layout that is eye appealing and allows
the employer to quickly retrieve information. Try different
formats to determine which one best highlights your skills
and qualifications.
Length
The standard CV is between 2 and 8 pages long, depending
on education and professional experience, but it is suggested
that you verify the appropriate length for the country in
which you are applying. Attempt to limit your resume to
one page. If you have extensive, relevant experience (10+
years) or you have earned a graduate degree, your resume
may be two pages long.
Margins and Paper Size
Set all margins (left, right, top and bottom) no smaller
than ½ inch and no larger than 1 inch. Be aware that
paper sizes are different dimensions in different countries
and your CV/resume may need to be saved in the European
A-4 standard size (210 x 297 mm).
Personal Information
Personal information such as date of birth, nationality,
health status, marital status, number of children, security
clearance, passport number, and a recent color photograph
may be required. Remember that this information may be necessary
for applications in certain countries/cultures, but also
might be considered inappropriate, so check before including
this information on your CV/resume.
Proofreading
Request that several people review and comment on your resume.
If you can, ask someone who is a native speaker of the language
in which your CV/resume is written to review your document
for cultural appropriateness and correct use of language.
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CV/RESUME ORGANIZATION
Follow these guidelines when organizing your CV/ resume:
-
Identifying information (name, contact
information, personal information) is listed first.
-
Career objective is listed second,
if appropriate for the country in which you are applying.
-
All other headings are listed as
they relate to the objective. CV/Resume information
should be prioritized and presented in a manner that
best supports the objective. For example, if you have
limited professional experience, your educational information
should appear before your experience. However, if you
have professional experience that is directly related
to your objective or your major does not support your
objective, you should list experience before educational
information.
-
List information in reverse chronological
order, unless the practices of the country to which
you are applying suggest otherwise. With reverse chronological
order, the most recent information is listed first.
CV/RESUME CONTENT
The following information is typically included in a CV/resume:
•IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Your name, complete address, telephone number(s), and other
pertinent personal information should be listed at the top
of your CV/resume. Individuals who have differing temporary
and permanent contact information may distinguish the separate
addresses by date.
•CAREER
OBJECTIVE
The objective appears near the top of your CV/resume and tells
the reader about your career goals and/or expresses interest
in a specific job or vacancy. Check the country’s guidelines
on CV writing before choosing whether to include this section
in your CV/resume. The major components of the objective,
in their suggested order, are:
• General
or specific job title
Examples:
entry-level position, accountant, graphic designer, actor,
musician, biologist, sales representative,
teacher, etc.
• Occupational
field or industry
Examples:
information technology, retail, health care, manufacturing,
banking, education, entertainment,
etc.
• Qualifications/skills
Examples:
computer competencies, languages, teamwork, problem solving,
creativity, management,
organization, etc.
• Information
related to the position that may entice an employer to consider
you (optional)
Examples:
willingness to travel and/or relocate, work authorization,
etc.
•EDUCATIONAL
INFORMATION
This section of your CV/resume outlines your educational
background by listing the degrees, certificates or licenses
you have earned. Specialized training, computer knowledge,
language knowledge, and apprenticeships may also be included
in this section, or may be listed in separate sections of
their own.
Required Educational Information
• Dates of Attendance
and/or Graduation
• College or University
• Location of
College or University
• Degree and Emphasis/Major
Area
Optional Educational Information
• Overall and/or
Major Grade Point Average
• Minor or Area
of Concentration
• Related Coursework
• Class Projects
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•EXPERIENCE
/ EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
This section of your CV/resume tells the employer what type
of experience you have that may qualify you for a position
with the employer’s organization. Provide examples
to describe your accomplishments in the work setting.
Required Experience Information
• Dates of Employment
• Employer Name
• Location of
Employer (City, State, Country)
• Job Title
• Bulleted job
descriptions starting with action verbs which clearly state
your experience-related actions, outcomes and achievements.
•OPTIONAL
CV/RESUME INFORMATION
Once you have listed your identifying and personal information,
education, and experience, you will need to decide what
else you want to communicate to a potential employer. Here
are some common CV/resume categories with sample headings:
Awards/Honors
• Distinctions
• Scholarships
• Special Honors
Involvement/Leadership
• Extracurricular
Activities (hobbies or special interests)
• Volunteer Work
(community service)
• Leisure Activities
• Civic Responsibilities
Professional Information
• Conferences
• Presentations
• Professional
Affiliations/Associations
• Professional
Involvement
• Publications
Skills
• Computer Competencies
and Skills
• Language Proficiencies
Other Areas
• International
Travel
• Military History
REFERENCES
Depending on the culture in which you are applying, you may
wish to include original reference letters or prepare a separate
sheet listing your references. This sheet should be printed
on the same paper as your CV/resume and should indicate it
is your reference list.
When providing references to a prospective employer provide
the following information: the reference’s name, job
title, organization, complete address, telephone number, fax
number and e-mail address.
Before including someone as a reference, make sure that you
contact the person and ask if he/she would be willing to serve
as a reference for you. Also, make sure that you keep your
references informed about your job search.
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS
•Look at the sample resumes provided
with this handout and through electronic resources.
•Make an appointment to discuss your
CV/resume with a Career Services staff member via phone, or
e-mail for a critique.
•Visit web pages that assist with the
international job search process:
• Eurograduate.com
http://www.eurograduate.com/
• GoingGlobal
http://goinglobal.com/
• JobERA.com
http://www.jobera.com/
• American Evaluation
Association Resume Bank
http://www.kistcon.com/JobBank/defaultresume.htm
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SAMPLE REVERSE-CHRONOLOGICAL CV/RESUME (European Style)
| |
PHOTO |
| PERSONAL
INFORMATION |
Keshav Sankar
570, 2nd Floor, Raghavendra Block
Bangalore, India 560050
+011 91 80 6513806
keshav_s@email.com
Date of Birth: 18 August 1974
Nationality: Indian
|
| Career Objective |
A management position with an international
trade organization. |
| EDUCATION |
|
| 2003 to Present |
Webster University, Geneva, Switzerland
Masters of Business Administration, Emphasis in Marketing
|
| 2003 |
Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri,
USA
Workshop: “How to Manage in the Global Marketplace”
|
| 1998 to 2002
|
Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri,
USA
Bachelor of Arts, Emphasis in Management
|
| |
Related Coursework:
Management Theory and Practices, Managerial Policies
and Strategies, Marketing, Marketing Strategies and
Human Resource Management |
|
WORK EXPERIENCE |
|
| 06/2002 to
05/2003 |
Management Intern, ABC Retail, St.
Louis, Missouri, USA
• Assisted with overseeing
daily operations of three departments; trained and supervised
six store clerks working in these departments.
•
Created store displays to promote new and sale items specific
to each department.
• Prepared and balanced
cash drawers; prepared bank deposits averaging $50,000
- $75,000 daily.
|
| 08/2000
to 06/2002 |
Office Assistant, Webster University,
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
• Coordinated biannual diversity awareness programs,
which resulted in a 50% increase in attendance each year.
• Developed and implemented survey by which international
student needs were measured, so appropriate services could
be provided.
• Increased customer loyalty by overcoming objections
and handling customer problems with patience and sensitivity.
|
| ADDITIONAL
SKILLS |
|
| Computer:
|
HTML, JavaScript, Microsoft Office
(Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint)
|
| Languages:
|
French (fluent), Spanish (fluent),
German (working knowledge) |
| |
|
| EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES |
|
| 2000 to 2003 |
World Trade Center St. Louis, Trade
Show Volunteer |
| 1999 to 2002 |
Webster University Student Government
Association
• Senator, School of Business and
Technology, 2001 to 2002
|
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SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL RESUME (American
Style)
Christine Sample
124 Main Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63131
314-444-3232, mschristinesample@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a management position in the healthcare industry.
HIGHLIGHT OF QUALIFICATIONS
•Six years of experience
in the healthcare industry.
•Experienced at
strategic planning, program design/implementation, and personnel
management.
•Expertise with
insurance claims and contract negotiations.
•Proficient with
Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SAP, and patient
database systems.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Management
•Presided over all operations of a 40-room facility,
including annual operating budget of $12,000,000.
•Increased annual revenues by more than 15% for three
consecutive years as Director.
•Managed all insurance contract negotiations; implemented
new system for processing claims.
Supervision and Training
•Recruited, trained and supervised 60 employees; established
goals and competencies, conducted performance evaluations,
and granted promotions. Directed staff meetings and strategic
planning sessions.
•Implemented new leadership development and training
program for employees that resulted in a 50% increase in employee
retention.
•Instituted employee incentives program that resulted
in enhanced job performance.
Program Development/Coordination
•Facilitated opportunities for peer-support systems
within treatment program.
•Developed and implemented new patient evaluation system.
•Designed, organized, and promoted “Healthy Alternatives”
community prevention program; registered 500 participants
in the first year.
Public Relations/Marketing
•Produced a comprehensive marketing plan, including
a design for radio/television advertising.
•Partnered with city police and fire departments to
sponsor charity events.
•Redesigned company logo for ten-year anniversary event.
•Managed 35 corporate sales accounts, with revenues
of over $300,000.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
SERENITY HEALING CENTER, St. Louis, Missouri,
July 1997 to present
•Director, December
1999 to present
•Counselor, July
1997 to December 1999
ST. LOUIS BREAD COMPANY, St. Louis, Missouri,
May 1994 to July 1997
•Marketing Assistant
EDUCATION
Webster University, St. Louis,
Missouri
•Masters of Arts,
Health Services Management, May 1997
•Bachelor of Arts,
Psychology, December 1994
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American College of Health
Care Administrators, 1999 to present
American Association of
Homes and Services for the Aging, 1997 to present
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