Resume Writing (saylor.org)

Are you getting ready to apply for a job, or are you already seeking employment? A resume (or résumé) is a brief written account of personal, educational, and professional qualifications and experience that you prepare as part of your application materials for a prospective job. To ensure that your resume is read by the recipient, you will need a cover letter that markets your unique qualifications for the specified job description. In the current global economy, it is essential for job seekers to optimize their chances of being considered and hired for positions that are well-suited to their qualifications and interests. This course will help you effectively develop employment application materials for today’s job market by honing your resume writing skills, providing you with tools to create an impressive resume (or to improve the one you already have), and giving suggestions on developing an effective cover letter. You will study different types of resume and cover letter formats that can be applied to various prospective employment situations and your own personal career goals. You will undertake a critical assessment of the professional skills you already possess, brainstorm and apply the best ways to market these skills in your resume and cover letter, and enhance your application materials by using specific tips and techniques to make you more competitive for the job you seek.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Describe the main function of a professional resume.

Identify the components of a professional resume.

Describe best-practice techniques for creating a professional resume.

Explain how to draft and produce a professional resume for both print and virtual distribution (through email).

Describe the main function of a cover letter.

Explain how to develop an effective cover letter to accompany a resume.

Identify effective language and keywords to use in a professional resume or cover letter, and describe template designs that will enhance and polish a resume and cover letter.

Explain how to tailor a resume and cover letter for a specific job.