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Contact Candace Davies -
Email
780-513-0010
Toll-free 877-738-8052
Fax 775-593-3556
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Building a Successful Resume
Your resume
is a marketing tool that allows you to advertise your skills and
abilities to potential employers. The presentation of your resume
can either open or close the door to success, leaving you with a
lingering thought of “why didn't I get an interview? I am
qualified.”
The resume
that gets the job does not just simply list your past work
experiences and duties, it convinces the reader that you have the
identified skills and abilities to meet or exceed the expectations
of the position. For this reason, your resume should be written in
such a way that arouses interest, gives reasons why you are more
qualified than other applicants, and encourage the employer to
contact you for an interview.
What most
individuals don't realize is that employers scanned a resume for
only a few seconds, searching for key skills and accomplishments
that the ideal candidate must possess. As a result, it is imperative
that your resume captures the reader's immediate interest, or it
will get lost in the shuffle.
Resume
Writing Tips
-
Carefully review the Job Posting or Description
More often than not, job hunters develop a general resume,
sending the same “generic” resume to different job
opportunities. This is one of the biggest mistakes, as it
results in a mediocre resume that does not fit the recruiter's
requirements.
It is essential to highlight the appropriate skills and
experience you have, pertaining to the job posting. Obtaining a
job description for the desired position is a great way to pick
out key skills and core competencies. In the event that a job
description is not available, you can always research job
descriptions on positions with similar titles. Visiting the
school district's website also gives plenty of information about
the atmosphere of the district and gives you an idea of what
tone you can use when writing your cover letter. It is
imperative that you prepare several resumes tailored to the
positions for which you are applying. Using one resume to apply
to several positions results in a generic resume that never
really pinpoints what you have to offer that will supply the
needs of each particular employer. A resume is not a one size
fits all.
-
Maintain Focus – Chronological or Functional Format
Know what the read is looking for and what you have to offer.
Read the job description, call the school district for more
information, or visit the website. Knowledge is power! Once you
have established these criteria, you can then choose from one of
two resume formats; chronological or functional.
Chronological Resume - A chronological resume coordinates your
past work experiences, placing emphases on experiences that
applies directly to your educational field.
Functional Resume – A functional resume is ideal when you have
little or no experience. It allows you to portray your skills
and abilities in categories that highlight specific skills the
job requires.
-
Focus
on Your Accomplishments
Focusing on your individual accomplishments will set you apart
from other applicants. This allows you to highlight the value
and successes you have brought to your past educational
institutions. Spot lighting your successes will allow you to
show a potential employer how you outperformed your peers.
Quantify your accomplishments. There is something about the %
and $ that naturally draws the eyes. Give proof of your
accomplishments. (i.e., “Designed unique curriculum that
resulted in 75% of my students increasing their test scores by a
whole letter grade.”)
Do not simply list your duties, tell the district how your
skills can help advance their individual goals and objectives,
increased student achievement or school growth. You are
undoubtedly selling yourself when applying to a job with a
resume, and you have very little time to close the deal. Make
the decision easier for the employer by explaining exactly how
you will meet his or her needs.
-
Use
Descriptive & Key Words
Descriptive Words - When describing your past work experiences
and accomplishments, start your phrases in the past-tense, and
list them in bulleted format, as this will ensure statements
that are dramatic and descriptive. Example of Descriptive Words:
achieved, decreased, planned, produced, restructured,
transformed, initiated, supervised, and managed.
Key Words - Ensure that you showcase your abilities in a
particular field by using keywords that will highlight your
competencies and expertise. Example of Key Words: Teacher:
classroom management, curriculum design and implementation;
Principal: educational program evaluation, IEPs, enrollment
process.
-
Proof
Read & Review Your Resume
Read, and re-read your resume. Have someone else review your
document, as it is sometimes difficult to identify your own
errors. A friend's review of your resume may assist you in
discovering unclear and confusing areas, and may provide you
with further information that you may have inadvertently
forgotten. Having an extra set of eyes to proof your document is
always a positive move
You can review
samples of our work by
clicking here.
Please remember these are only basic tips. For further help with
your resume,
contact A+
Resumes for Teachers.
Contact
Information
Below is our
contact information, please don't hesitate to call or
email if you have questions or require assistance. We are here to
help you!
U.S./Canada -
Toll-Free: (877) 738-8052
International/Local: (780) 513-0010
Fax: (775) 593-3556
Email:
candoco@telus.net
"Go confidently
in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."
- Henry David
Thoreau
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