Creating a Job Application

Employers cite 6 reasons for rejection

• Provocative/unprofessional photos/text
• Photos/text showing drug/alcohol use
• Poor writing (35%)
• Negative comments about current/former employers (33%)
• Discriminatory comments about race, gender, or religion (28%)
• Lies about the candidates credentials (22%)

Features of a Resume

• Identifying information (name, address, phone number, email)
• Summary statement
• Education
• Employment history
• Interests and Activities
• References
• Skills

Employment History

• Skills: What did you do on the job?
• Equipment: What equipment did you operate or oversee?
• Documents: What important documents did you write or assist in writing (brochures, reports, manuals, proposals?)
• Personnel: How many people did you supervise?
• Clients: What kind of clients?

Use active voice

• "Supervised 5 workers" vs "3 workers were supervised by me"
• "Wrote and produced a catalogue" vs "the company catalog was written and produced by me"

Be consistent

• use of "I"
• "I coordinated the company retreat"
• "Coordinated the company retreat"

Grouping nonprofessional jobs

• Other employment: cashier at Publix (summer 2010), salesperson at Urban Outfitters (part-time, 2011)

Interest and Activities

• participation in community service
• hobbies related to your career
• sports, especially those that might be socially useful in your proofession
• university organizations

Other elements

• Computer Skills
• Military Experience
• Language ability
• Willingness to relocate

Remember to always use words from the job ad

When you are editing, read over your work as if you were its intended audience