Important tips for job seekers: How write a resume

Before you apply for a position (with us or with any employer) make a small but important investment in your future - take the time to write a resumé that clearly and effectively communicates what you have to offer to prospective employers.

Need some help? We're happy to share a few tips on preparing an effective resumé:

Keep in mind that a resumé should let an employer know who you are - your education, experience, skills, abilities and achievements. Think of it as a written sales presentation about you! It's intended to quickly give employers a sense of your skills - and to share the story of where you've been and where you're going. Hiring professionals use your resumé to determine how your background compares with the needs of the job they're filling, as well as what strengths you have to offer compared with other candidates.

Your resumé should be organized and easy to read and understand. Above all, grammar and spelling should be perfect! Below is a sample resumé.


Carl, Claims
Elements to Include in Your Resumé
Personal Data
Name
Address
Phone number
E-mail address
Employment Objective
An optional statement indicating what position you are seeking and how your background suits that position.

Work Experience
List your current position first and work back in time. Include:

Job title
Employer
Dates of employment (month and year)
Description of your duties and responsibilities
Professional achievements
Education
List your formal education, including degrees and certificates. Also be sure to list any courses you've taken since leaving school that are related to the position you're seeking.

Skills
Typing/keyboard words per minute
Knowledge of equipment operation (Can you drive a forklift? Pilot a helicopter? Or most complex of all, un-jam a copier?)
Software proficiencies, especially those related to the job you're seeking
Professional Affiliations & Achievements
Memberships in professional organizations
Job-related extracurricular activities
Job-related certifications
Volunteer work and activities related to the position you're seeking
Here's an example of a resumé format you might consider:

Terry B. Smith
1313 Mockingbird Ln.
Your Town, WI 53783
(608) 242-4100

Career Objective: Administrative Assistant

Professional Experience
08/86 - Present Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Claims
American Family Insurance, Madison, Wisconsin
Description of the position, including job skills and knowledge, actions and results.

06/84 - 08/86 Secretary to Sales Manager
Blardy Company, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Description of the position, including job skills and knowledge, actions and results.

02/81 - 06/84 Clerk Typist
W.T. Rogers, Inc., Saint Joseph, Missouri
Description of the position, including job skills and knowledge, actions and results.

Education
Continuing Education:

Microsoft Office Suite
Advanced Microsoft Access
Speaking to Persuade
Customer Service Skills



Madison Area Technical College, Madison, Wisconsin
Associate Degree - Office Mid-Management

Skills Microsoft Office Suite
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Project Microsoft Outlook 2000
Internet Explorer 5.5

Words Per Minute: 95

Professional Affiliations & Achievements
1995 - Present Member, National Association of Administrative Assistants

1990 - 1999 Member, Optimist Club
Actively involved with many community projects.


Please remember that this resumé format is only an example of a style you might use. There are many others and you may choose any that you like!

You should also know that American Family Insurance, like many employers, strongly prefers to receive resumés electronically rather than in paper form. This can actually save you time and money as well - no need to spend hours formatting your resumé and no need to spend your hard-earned cash getting it printed and mailed! Just be sure it's clear, concise, truthful and accurate (and don't forget to spell-check!).