2. WHAT ISA RESUME?
• A résumé is a professional employment seeking document used by job seekers.
• French word résumé meaning summary.A resume is a short,generally one page long
summary of your education,work experience,skills, achievements and references.
• It is a technical as well as a marketing document that presents the candidate’s past and
present performance to the prospective employers so that they can assess his/ her future
potential.
3. RESUMEAND IT’S PURPOSES
• The main objective of a Resume is winning a job interview by highlighting the applicant’s
fitness for a particular position.
• A resume is suitable for any type of job and it can be updated and modified as per the
job requirements.For example: if engineering students wish to apply for the post of a
software executive post, they may highlight their skill sets in software.
4. RESUME,BIODATA,CURRICULUMVITAE
• Although the words résumé,biodata and curriculum vitae (CV) are used synonymously,
they differ from each other in certain aspects.
• Résumé is shorter and less detailed as compared to Biodata and CV.
• Personal information like age,marital status,nationality,and gender are not included in a
résumé.
• A biodata is a shortened form of biographical data,and has now become an obsolete
term.In this format emphasis is more on personal details.These details are followed by
educational qualifications,work experience,and job skills.
• A curriculum vitae contains all the elements of a résumé but it is more detailed in terms
of the academic credentials.
5. FEATURES OF A RESUME
• Written in points.
• Objective and formal in approach. (Experienced retail clerk.Able to execute upon
objectives.Efficiently meet time bound project.Expereience in working under pressure)
• Written in third person.
• Name and address of the applicant.
• Summary of the educational qualifications.
• Employment history.
• Professional affiliation.
• Skill sets.
6. DESIGNAND STRUCTURE
• Personal information
The first thing an employer needs to know is who you are and where you can be reached.
So include your name,address,phone numbers,email address, and website under this
heading.
• Career objectives
This element is optional.However,most employers agree that a statement of career
objective should be included in a résumé. An example of career objective of an
engineering graduate: Aspiring to contribute my technical skills and innovation to a reputable
company in the field of computer engineering.
7. CONTINUE…
• Education
Employers are usually interested in learning about the candidate’s academic training,
especially education and training since high school,degree earned,major and minor fields of
study,courses or projects done,and also the practical experiencegained during graduation.
Begin with the most recent education and work backward.If the grade-point average of the
candidateis impressive,it should be included.However,list only if the information will be
helpful and if space permits.
8. CONTINUE...
• Work experience/professional skills
A prospective employer would always be interested in a candidate’s past work experience.
When describing work experience,list jobs in chronological order, with the present or last one
first. Include any part-time or summer internships or projects done,even if unrelated to the
career objectives. It demonstrates the person’s ability to get and hold a job.
• Activities, achievements/special interests, aptitudes, memberships
Most employers want to know about special abilities that will make an individual a more
valuable employee.These include professional courses undertaken,community service/volunteer
activities, languages known (written and spoken communication), knowledge of handling
special equipment, relevant hobbies,and so on.
9. CONTINUE…
• References
This section should always be the last one in a résumé.For space and privacy
considerations,one may simply include the phrase‘References available upon request’ and
supply the names only when and if asked for,as employers rarely investigate references until
the candidate is under serious consideration.
If, however,the references are impressive enough to merit listing,follow these basic
guidelines.Choose only the three or four people who combine the best elements of
familiarity with the work and a credible position
10. AWELL CRAFTED RESUME IS:
• Neat and error-free with no whiteouts or hand corrections.
• Legible and well-spaced.
• Printed on good quality paper of A-4 size.
• Reproduced clearly on a high-quality printer or copy machine.
• There is lot of debate on the ideal length of a résumé.However,the ideal length for
résumé is around one page,and it should never exceed two pages.
13. WHAT ISA JOB LETTER?
• A job letter is a formal document or letter of intent that individuals send to potential
employers as part of the job application process.
• A Job letter is used to introduce oneself to the employer,express interest in a job
vacancy,and often accompanies a résumé or curriculum vitae.
• Remember that a job letter complements your résumé by providing a more personal and
narrative introduction. It should grab the employer's attention and persuade them to
consider your application.
14. FORMATANDTIPS FORWRITINGA JOB LETTER
A job letter follows the same format as that of any business letter.
1.Start with a Formal Header: Begin your job letter with a formal header that includes
your name, address, phone number, email address, and the date. Below this, include the
recipient's name, title, company, and address.
2.Salutation: Address the recipient with a formal salutation, such as "Dear [Hiring
Manager's Name]" or "To Whom It May Concern" if you don't have a specific name.
3.Introduction: In the opening paragraph, statethe position you are applying for and
express your interest in the role and the company. Mention where you learned about the
job opportunity.
15. CONTINUE…
4.Body Paragraph(s): The body of the job letter should highlight your qualifications and
relevant skills. Use this section to explain why you are a suitable candidate for the
position. Mention specific experiences, projects, or accomplishments that demonstrate
your qualifications. Use quantifiable achievements wherever possible.
5.Show Your Fit: Explain how your skills and experience align with the company's needs
and values. Research the companyand demonstrate your understanding of its mission,
culture, and goals.
6.DifferentiatefromResume:A job letter is different from a resume. It should provide
more context and narrative about your qualifications and experiences. While your
resume is a concise summary, the job letter is an opportunity to elaborate and
personalize your application.
16. CONTINUE…
4.HighlightSoft Skills:In addition to technical qualifications, emphasize your soft skills,
such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. These skills are
often as important as technical skills to employers.
5.Express Enthusiasm: Convey your enthusiasm for the job and the company. Show that
you are genuinely interested in the role and why it matters to you.
6.Closing Paragraph: Summarize your interest and qualifications and express your desire
for an interview. Mention your availability for a conversation or meeting. Thank the
recipient for their time and consideration. Use a professional closing, such as "Sincerely"
or "Yours faithfully," followed by your signature.
17. CONTINUE…
7. Keep It Concise: A job letter should typically be one page in length. Be concise and
focus on the mostrelevant information.
8. Customize for Each Job: Tailor your job letter for each job application. Highlight
qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the specific position.
