Seminar assists in resumes
by Frances Matteck
nw news editor

Everything starts with a resume, a South Campus career center adviser said last month.

Donna Rouse, who presented a resume-writing seminar, told her audience she prides herself on her winning resumes.

“ A resume is a snap shot of who you are professionally,” she said.

Applicants cannot get a job without an interview, and they cannot get an interview without a great resume, Rouse said.

“ It’s your first impression,” she said.

Rouse stressed the resume’s relevance.

“ Businesses don’t want to know about your personal life unless it’s relevant to the job you are applying for,” she said.

For example, an applicant would not put down that she had four children unless she is applying for a job as a childcare provider.

Rouse said to have several resumes. Depending on the job, different skills may be relevant.

Rouse said it does not make sense to include extensive work as a waitress if applying for a job as a lawyer.

Unless some skills acquired at a previous job makes the applicant a better candidate, the resume should not include unrelated jobs.

“ Your resume is about marketing yourself; it should put your strongest points first,” she said.

Rouse said work experience should be written as accomplishments, not duties. For example, instead of saying, “Answered phones,” the resume should say, “Competently assisted customers with great phone service.”

“ Toot your own horn,” she said.

Writing a resume is not the time to be shy or modest, Rouse advised.

“ If you’re modest, then why should a company pick you when another person’s resume is full of his accomplishments,” she said.

Last Updated: 4/14/2004
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