Writing a Résumé Instructions:
In this activity you will write a résumé which could then be used to apply for a job. Follow each
of the steps listed below to complete the activity. Be sure to save your work often!
1. Open the Word Processing software of your choice.
2. From the four job listings at the end of these instructions, choose an employer to whom
you would like to write your résumé. Carefully read over the job duties and
qualifications that you need in order to get the job. Think about how you will talk about
your skills and qualifications. You will be tailoring your résumé to fit this position.
3. Decide on a format for your résumé.
a. Functional – Focuses on the job tasks or skills that the applicant can perform
b. Chronological – Focuses on the applicant’s work experience and education
c. Combination – Focuses on the skills and work experience of the applicant
4. Write out each section of your résumé:
a. Heading: Allows the employer to get in touch with you easily
i. Location: Usually located at the top of the first page of the résumé
ii. Information to Include:
1. Name/Mailing Address/Telephone number/E-mail address
2. Optional: Website/Fax
b. Objective: Briefly states your goal in relation to the job you are applying to
i. Location: Generally the first item in the main résumé
ii. Information to Include:
1. Job title or type of work desired
2. Specific skill or area of specialization
3. Needs of the employer
c. Work Experience: Used to describe the breadth and depth of your employment
experiences, including relevant volunteer experience, internships, school
projects and classes
i. Location: Variable: Main Body SectionWriting a Résumé
ii. Information to Include:
1. List of all work/volunteer experiences
a. Dates of employment
b. Employer’s name, city and state
c. Job Title
d. Brief results-oriented description
d. Education Background: List of all the schools you have attended
i. Location – Variable: Main Body Section
ii. Information to include:
1. List of all high schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities
attended, from most recent to least recent
a. For each institution:
i. Years of attendance
ii. Degrees or certificates earned
iii. Relevant certifications, specialized training, and
seminars
iv. If acceptable, Grade Point Average (GPA)
e. Qualifications: Highlight skills, capabilities and accomplishments to establish that
you are the perfect candidate for the position
i. Location – Variable: Main Body Section
ii. Information to include:
1. Relevant credentials and degrees
2. Relevant accomplishments in work, volunteer experiences,
community involvement, or other activities
3. Skills with and knowledge of software/hardware
4. Years of experience in a specialized field
5. Knowledge of specialized skills
f. Other Experience: Used to highlight information that employers might find
interesting but does not fit in other areasWriting a Résumé
i. Location – Variable/Optional: Main Body Section
ii. Information to include:
1. Create new section heading
a. Awards and Honors, Volunteer Work, Community Service,
Certificates Earned, Activities, Professional Associations,
etc
b. List relevant experiences under new heading, in the same
format as your “Work Experience” section.
5. DO NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
a. Age
b. Height
c. Weight
d. Gender
e. Sexual Orientation
f. Race
g. Religion
h. Disabilities
i. Photos
6. DO NOT INCLUDE REFERENCES
a. Typically, references are not included with the main résumé
b. You may create a separate references sheet
i. Information to include:
1. Full name of reference
2. Job Title
3. Place of Employment
4. Relationship to reference
5. Contact information for reference
7. Check your formatting
8. Check your work against the scoring rubric. Save your résumé and print it out.
9. Turn in your résumé and a rubric to your instructor.