1) "The resume must provide clear, specific information, without generalization or self-congratulation" and
2) "The resume must be completely free of errors"
To help achieve this, we will do a few activities in class today:
- Look over some example resumes and discuss the language and aesthetics in the documents, and how this affects the reader...
- Then work on the re-vision strategies below to help discuss the language within your own resume.
- Finally, we will open up a blank Word Document, find its Word 1003 resume templates, and at minimum look at which one looks appropriate for our content and then how to insert own information into the relevant sections.
Re-vision Strategies:
Active Language includes specific tasks, actions, tools/programs (like Microsoft Excel/ C++/Quark/ tow motor operator/ etc.) in the appropriate categories.
Here are two easy rhetorical exercises you can do alone, or with a considerate reader, to help you make your resume stronger:
1. Look for Generic Content:
- Read over the resume and look for standalone generalizations. Phrases like "intelligent leader", "strong communicator", "great secretarial skills" and "well-practiced in field" are not as effective as we'd think, and really don't provide much insight into the kind of talent and experience you can bring to job. These phrases can be effective when when part of a longer description that includes specifics, but when left on their own, leave a lot of questions (in other words, alone these phrases are weak and empty).
-Underline/circle/highlight standalone generalizations...
-Then, ask yourself the question, "What made me write that I am /have . . . _____(ex. "hard-working")?"
-Record the answers to the above question for each standalone generalization. Use these answers to revise by addition!
2. Effective and Dynamic Language: Read over the the resume again, looking at your verbs and your adjectives. After doing the above content-revision, you want to go through and make sure the language sticks out -- in a good way -- from all of the other applications.
-In this exercise you want to do to two things:
- Reconsider your verbs. Go through this list here (Columbia College's list of strong action verbs) and see if you can replace generic verbs describing you and the work you've done with a word or phrase inspired by the list.
For example: instead of writing "worked at a publishing house," use a verb that describes the kind of work done, such as: "edited at a publishing house" or "developed new material at a publishing house."
- Add specific tasks: Don't just use verbs, but use language that will allow reader to visualize your skills: look at the first exercise we discussed, about standalone generalizations. Use not only more accurate verbs, but attach those verbs to specific skills, duties, tools, courses, etc.
