A resume is an important tool that is used in a variety
of circumstances. It will be useful to you when you apply
for a job or college admission. Webster's Dictionary
states that a resume is a summary. You have a variety
of experiences and skills: it is important to summarize
the most important ones on your resume.
Identify Your Skills
You may begin with the Self-Assessment
Worksheet; it will help you to determine what
skills you have developed. Start at the top of the
page and at the top of the first column write a title
for the 4-H project or other activity that you feel
helped you to develop important skills. The activity
could be a paying job, participation in a youth sport
or other youth development organization. After writing
the name of the activity, work down the column and
check all the skills listed that you used by participating
in that activity or project.
Repeat this with four or more additional activities or projects.
You may want to refer to your 4-H
Summary Record for supportive information.
After you complete this process you are ready to go on
to the Resume Worksheet.
From the list of workforce competencies on the Self-Assessment
Worksheet determine which competencies you have checked
most often. Select three to five of those and transfer
them to the Skills and Accomplishment section of
the Resume Worksheet.
Be specific about how you developed that skill in your
project or activity. Discuss how you used that skill
in 4-H, school or other area and what you accomplished.
You could include a description of a workshop or
conference you attended where you practiced or learned
more about the skill. Keep you descriptions brief;
1 to 2 sentences in length. For example if the competency
is "negotiates: works toward agreements, resolves
conflicts," you may write:
Negotiation Skills:
As a member of the Peer Leadership Team at Smithfield High School,
I participated in 20 hours of conflict resolution training. As
a member of this team I was on the Peer Mediation Team and helped
to mediate conflict between high school students a total of 6 times.
Now, shorten this into bullet statements using action verbs:
- Participated in 20 hours of conflict resolution training as
a Peer Leadership Team member at Smithfield High School
- Helped to mediate conflict between high school students 6 times
For the competency "uses materials, supplies, tools & equipment
efficiently" and/or "maintains & develops
new skills", you could write about skills that
you have developed as follows:
Computer and Customer Service Skills:
In my position as a Sales Associate for a local clothing store
I learned to operate the computerized inventory control system
as well as developing good customer service skills. I received
the employee of the month award twice last year.
Now, turn this section into bullet statements:
- Learned to operate computerized inventory control system
at local retail clothing store
- Developed good customer service skills
- Received employee of the month award twice last year
You get the idea! You need to be specific about the skills
you have learned and how you have developed and practiced
them! Use short, simple, active statements to convey
this information.
Putting Together Your Resume
Complete the other sections of the Resume Worksheet, listing
information about yourself and your education and
work experience. Once you have finished that, you
are ready to transfer that information into a resume.
You may use the sample resume enclosed in the packet
as a template for setting up your own resume or use
another format that you like. Some computer word
processing programs have sample resumes, you may
want to check on this. Regardless of what format
you use, make sure to include sections for your skills
and accomplishments, educational background, and
employment history which includes your volunteer
experiences. Always include your objective on the
resume; you may need to do more than one resume with
different objectives given on each one.
The best resumes are as clear and concise as possible.
One page is best but it is acceptable to go onto
a second sheet if you must. Remember, the point of
a resume is to summarize the most important information.
Keep your font size readable (no smaller than 12).
White space on the page is necessary to make it attractive
and readable. Neatness and correct spelling are critical.
Do not rely only on spell check; have others check
your resume for spelling accuracy.
Remember that a resume is never finished! It is a living history
of your life experiences and will change as time
goes on. |
