• General Information about Resume Writing

    There are many samples of resumes online and in books.  Choose the one that best suits your needs and skill level.  The following information is important for all types of resumes:

    • Not all resumes are formatted the same.  Find a format that you like and change the information to reflect your own history.
    • On the bottom of your resume you should include the following statement:  “References available upon request.”  Ask two or three (2-3) people to be a character reference for you before you give out your resume.  Individual names of references do not have to be included on the resume but may be typed on a separate piece of paper.  Be ready to give a potential employer your list of references during the interview. 
    • Use your correct information and be accurate in everything you put in your resume.  Do not stretch the truth at all. 

    Resume Template

    Of course you can use the Resume Builder section on the CFNC website (http://www.cfnc.org) to help you in preparing your resume.  In case you would like to use a template to go by, here is an example of a “Resume Template” that you may use. 

    Resume Template 

    Key words and phrases to be used in a resume

    Obtain a copy of “Resume Words List” and “Interests Lists” in the useful information section of this page..  These files include key words and descriptions you can use to improve your resume.  This information is found on the CFNC website (www.cfnc.org) under Resume Builder.  It is highly recommended that you use this website when building your resume.

    Create a Resume Online with CFNC(College Foundation of North Carolina)

    You can create a great resume online by using the Resume Builder on the www.cfnc.org site.  You will need a login, but the login is free.  Once on the CFNC site, go to Plan. You will then choose Resume Builder.  This tool will guide you step by step through the entire process of building a resume!

    Three Major Types of Skills

    Obtain a copy of “Skills List”  in the useful information section of this page to help in determining your Adaptive and Transferable skills to be used in your resume. 

    The information on this handout comes from the book The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book:  Write and Use an Effective Resume in Only One Day, Fifth Edition by Michael Farr.

    Three Major Types of Skills (There is some overlap between skill areas)

    1.     Adaptive skills/personality traits

    These are the skills you use every day to survive and get along.  Some of them also could be considered part of your basic personality.

    2.    Transferable skills

    These are general skills that can be useful in a variety of jobs.  Examples include:  good math skills, organizational and management skills, and the ability to write well.

    3.    Job-related skills

    These are the skills that come to mind about a specific job when you are asked about your skills in an interview.  As an example, a cashier needs to know how to run the cash register.  Someone who has a lawn maintenance business needs to know how to operate and maintain a lawn mower and other machinery.