Resume Tips

MAJOR POINTS

1. Most resumes should be one page and should not excede two pages
2. Headings should be in bold print with a larger font and/or capitalized
3. It is important to be consistent with the resume format
4. Job titles, locations (city and state only) and dates (month and year) should be listed
5. A bulleted format is recommended for job descriptions (between two to four bullets) for each position listed

THE COVER LETTER

     Read this very infomative how-to on cover letters. Courtesy of State of Michigan.

SUGGESTIONS

     Suggested headings include: Objective or Summary, Education, Work Experience, Skills,  

     Volunteer Work or Clubs and Organizations, and Hobbies

1. All past jobs should be in the past tense
2. Before submitting a resume complete a spell check and have others review it

HOW TO USE WINDOWS RESUME WIZARD

• Go to  - START
• Select - NEW OFFICE DOCUMENT
• Select - OTHER DOCUMENTS
• Select - RESUME WIZARD
• Follow the directions to develop a resume

RESUME STYLES

1) CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME - resume template

• Focuses on job skills, professional expertise, and work accomplishments
• Lists work experiences chronologically, beginning with most recent

             ADVANTAGES:

1. Good for those with strong work history
2. Presents your experiences in an organized and straightforward manner

  DISADVANTAGES:

1. Focuses on past work experience, not future ambitions

2) FUNCTIONAL RESUME - sample & resume template

• Focuses on job skills, professional expertise, and work accomplishments
• Work history is a brief outline at the end of the resume

             ADVANTAGES:

1. Good for those changing career fields and those with employment gaps
2. Downplays unusual or erratic work history
3. Directs attention away from short term jobs

  

    DISADVANTAGES:

1. More difficult to review than traditional chronological resume

3) COMBINATION RESUME - sample

• Highlights both work history (chronological) and skills (functional)

SAMPLE RESUMES BY PROGRAM:

Registered Nurse, Information Technology Specialist, Culinary Arts,

Customer Service/Hospitality

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE:

• Sign-up for a free resume writing workshop in the Job Placement Office
• Contact the Job Placement Office at jobs@tcl.edu or visit the Beaufort campus, Coleman Hall, Building 2, Room 134.  Books, videos, and staff are available to assist TCL students and alumni!

OTHER HELPFUL SITES

• www.resume-help.org
• http://resume.monster.com
• www.resumesamples.info
• http://rockportinstitute.com/resumes.html

For more information contact the Job Placement Office:

Wendy Walls

Job Placement Coordinator

Technical College of the Lowcountry
921 Ribaut Road
PO Box 1288

Beaufort, SC 29901
Beaufort campus, Coleman Hall, Building 2, Room 139

Tel:  843.525.8224
Fax: 843.525.8285
Email: wwalls@tcl.edu

Job Board Questions: jobs@tcl.edu

The TCL Online Job Board Is Now Available