Job Application

First, you will need to be prepared to fill out a job application.  A job application is a document you fill out that asks for basic information about you, as well as information about your work history.

Resumes

v      Let’s first begin by defining what a resume is so that you are able to get a better understanding of what to do.

A resume is a document that highlights your qualifications, skills and experience either in an academic setting or employment setting. For more information on what type of resume would be best to suit your needs visit http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/undergrad_studies/career/students/tsresume.pdf

1. Two most common types of resumes: chronological and functional or skills based:
   
• Chronological: lists and emphasizes any job experience beginning with the most recent. Be sure to list your employer name, the position you held, and the dates you worked for the company. You should also include a short description of the tasks you performed while working for this company, be sure to use actions verbs for emphasis. This style should be used when your work experience is strong and related to your overall objective. This kind of resume can be divided into sections such as education, work experience and activities/awards/volunteer work. Each section is listed in reverse chronological order (from most recent to least recent).

Ø        Here is an example of a chronological resume http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/tempchr.php

• Functional or Skills based: lists and emphasizes skills and abilities. This type of resume draws on all types of experience to describe skill such as: volunteer work, educational, activities, and course work. Skills resumes are saved for those that have a variety of experience

Ø       Here is an example of a functional or skills based resume http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/tempfun.php

2. Tips for Formatting:
   
• Create a file for yourself on your computer where you save important documents you may be able to send to potential employers later that show your skills such as group projects, papers written for class, and any publications written.
• Use 12 point readable font such as Arial or Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins
• Use action verbs to create a dynamic image of yourself, but do not over do it with verbs.
• Provide enough white space on your resume so that it is easy to read.
• Use black ink and white paper, if you chose to use a different paper make sure your cover letter and resume are both on the same paper.
• Include internships and volunteer positions
• Include dates of employment
• Awards, activities, honors- the title of this section depends on you
• Proofread, use parallel form, do not use slang or clichés
  
3. Common Weaknesses
   
• Believing that your resume must not be longer than a page- your resume can be longer than a page, but be sure you only include relevant information
• Crowding information so that it is hard to read
• Omitting positive, specific details about work experience and education. Titles and length of time you held a position is not enough
• Emphasizing unimportant information and omitting emphasis on your most valuable education, experiences and activities
• Errors in spelling and word usage