Chapter 13—Preparing Résumés and Application Letters

 

CASE

 

1. Concise Language Adds Punch to a Resume

 

Interviewers quickly scan a resume in about 40 seconds to learn about a job candidate’s skills, accomplishments, and attributes. Because interviewers spend such a short time reading resumes, the writing must be direct and simple. Victor, a recent college graduate, is applying for a job and has written the following sentences to describe his accomplishments.

 

 

 

I was a receptionist at a doctor’s family medical practice.

 

My work included taking appointments, filing charts, answering phones, and running errands.

 

 

 

I was a sales person at a hardware store where I worked with selling windows, doors, tools and other customer service.

 

 

 

I eventually became a manager at the hardware store, ordering products and supplies, as well as supervised five employees.

 

 

 

I spent two summers working at the university’s admission office, showing prospective students the campus and answering phones and other clerical duties.

 

 

 

I was a summer camp counselor with kids that have special needs. My responsibilities included handling special activities and providing daily assistance to kids as needed.

 

Required:

 

Rewrite Victor’s work experience section of his resume so that it is more effective.