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Resume Development

Outline of Resume Information and Format

Use the following resume outline from Prep Your Path in Rye, New York, to create a first draft. You'll learn the proper format and writing style for this important document. Then, check out a sample of a high school student's resume.

Discussion Outline

If you are a high school or college student, recent grad, or early professional, consider your academic or professional goals and search and interview objectives. Ask yourself:• What's "Your Story?" What Are Your Relevant Experiences, Skills, & Value To Others You Wish To Convey? Think About School Work, Volunteer, Honors, Awards, & Credentials, As Well As Specific Or Universal Skills Like Leadership & Communication. Also Consider Personal Qualities, Interests, Passions, Anything Else That Makes You Unique• Who's Your Audience? What Are Your "Core" & "Targeted" Resume Needs?• What Steps Have You Taken To Date To Reach Your Goals? What Are Your Next Steps & Timing?

Current Resume Evaluation — Content

Does your resume read like a story verses a list? Review it for the following:• Experiences, Credentials, Potential, Clarity, Conciseness, Persuasiveness, Voice, & Transitions• C-CAR Bullet Point Effectiveness for Context, Challenge, Action, & Result• Omissions & Errors Of Key Facts, Phrases, Or Words, Contact Information, LinkedIn Profile

Current Resume Evaluation — Structure

Is your resume professional looking? Make sure it is appealing, balanced, and easy to scan for information. Review it for:• Format• First Impressions — Passing the 20 Second Test, Grid Design Layout, & Emotional Response• Organization Of Information — Headings, Sub-Headings, Titles, Text Density, Chronology, & Prominence Of Key Facts• Page Length — Preferably One Page Long, White Space, & Consistency Of Justifications, Returns, Spacing

Word Processing

• Typeface Style, Point Size, Emphasis In Bold, Italics, Underline• Margin Width, Line Spacing, & Line Length• Red Flags Like Typos, Errors, Omissions, & Applicant Tracking System Compatibility

Writing Style

• Business Writing Style — Sentence Structure, Word Choice, & Tense• Resume Writing Style — Bullet Points, Action Words, Keywords, Key Phrases, & Jargon• Grammar, Usage, & Mechanics - Spelling, Punctuation, Capitalization, & Numbers