Resume Building
Hi Susan,
We do resume building with our student in a class forum. They are instrucetd on how to prepare a Profile or an objective (which ever they choose). They are also instructed on the description of their program and compiling information to include. The problem we have run into is our PAC members advised us that our students resume's are too uniform and that they can be picked out just by the format. (Is this a bad thing?)
Our students are instructed that they can use diffrent headings (ie: Profile/ Objective, Education/ Training) and that they can change fonts to make the resume more individualized.
Do you think this should be an issue? If so, what changes would you suggest we make?
Thanks,
Denise
HI Annmarie
Sounds like you are really being thorough and providing the student with every opportunity to create a professional and individual resume. Nothing wrong with resumes being similar. There is an established format. Obviously has to reflect something personal about the grad.
Best wishes
Susan
We teach resume preparation, job and interview skills in a classroom setting. The information is available along with resume templates in the student workbook. We have a computer lab where the student can type her/his resume "a la carte" or using the WORD resume templates. We encourage an objective at the top of the resume, for our particular field of study, and often that statement will help to get the graduate noticed even if they used a resume template with a look similar to other resumes received.
Hi Ayala
Offering resume building in a large classroom is a good start. However, some students might get lost and not ask for help. We suggest resume building in many steps by first getting students to think about themselves, their good qualities, and interests for example. Then format the resume with the specifics. Resume building is effective in small groups and one-on-one.
Best wishes
Susan
HI Dario
One-on-one works for a lot of students. Others may feel nervous talking to an instructor or administrator. Many schools offer the option. Or both formats plus workshops and in class employment training.
Best wishes
Susan
We also do resume building in a large class room enviroment. We believe its the first step to getting the students speaking about them selves.
Ayala
I like to do it on a one on one basis. Some students dont open up when they are in a group. I like to first train then on some communication skills first.
Dario
HI Yahaira
Interesting situation when all resumes look alike. We don't have a problem with that. There are some very effective resume formats. No need to get that creative unless it is a "creative" profession. The task is to get the facts out. Creativity comes in the way the student relays their unique personal capabilities since most don't have much work experience.
Best wishes
Susan
We use a worksheet during workshop and do step by step instruction on how to complete it. Usually all of their resumes do look very similar, however I feel that the format is effective. I do encourage creativity but more than likely they are going to copy the format we gave them.
Hi Candace and Sheila
The resume workstation sounds great. For schools that don't have WinWay or similar they can print out sample resumes and have them posted for students to see and copy. Or sample WORD docs or similar can be made available for students to use.
Anything to get the student started on their resume.
Best wishes
Susan
Hello Sheila,
We also use WinWay Resume and we love it. We have a resume workstation set up in our office and we allow the graduate to create their own resume using the various themes. The thing that impresses them the most is how creative they can be but they dont have to worry about formatting, it takes some of their fears away and they learn how to create a professional resume on their own. We feel they take that confidence into their job search. We also love the option to export the final product (final draft is reviewed and edited by the CSO) into Microsft Word format to send to the employers via email and internet applications.
Hi Amy
Sounds like a great plan to offer grads the opportunity to host their own websites.
Why not offer it to grads and alumni as well? Keeps them thinking about your school for referrals or to take more courses.
Best wishes
Susan
I guess that's all it is - creating a web site. We're looking into becoming a host for our students so that while they are in our "employment plan" they can take advantage of it. That way they can create an "online portfolio" to refer employers to.
HI Amy
Perhaps you can discover the ideal resumes for each of the industries you train for. Then share the model with students. When you write about a resume being its own website, what are you specifically referring to? Some schools post the resumes of all grads. Some schools also show grads how to create their own websites.
Thanks
Susan
Do you have the students construct different types of resumes? What I mean is, do you find it helpful to have them put together a scannable resume, an electronic resume and a "pretty" resume that can be handed in as a hard copy? We've been finding that employers are asking for more of a variety of ways to apply for a job and the basic word doc resume isn't cutting it anymore. What I want to learn is how to make your resume it's own website!
Thanks Sheila
Reminder to be sure the program can be customized for students with litle work history. Or those with experience that doesn't fit into the template.
Best wishes
Susan
Hi Susan
It can be purchased at any staples store.It's pretty awesome I have the deluxe verison. As long as you have Windows 95,98,NT, 2000 or Me. It works with all popular printers inkjet and laser.
Hi Sheila
Thanks for sharing info about WinWay Resumes. Where can we find it? Does this template allow for students who may not have much of a work history? What else comes with the program?
Thanks
Susan
We use WinWay Resume it also has a varity of resume forms along with spelling,grammar, and cover letter template as well. the program is very user friendly also.
HI Pam
I agree that some templates just don't work for most students. They have to be creative about showing how their work experience is relevant to their new workplace. Sometimes basic templates are effective. The ones that include the elements of a resume and where information goes.
Susan
