Resumes and Cover Letters


Here is a simple, effective resume format that CPGjobs recommends.

 

FIRST & LAST NAME

STREET
CITY, STATE  ZIP
PHONE NUMBER(S)
EMAIL
LINKEDIN ADDRESS

(If you need more room, you can combine contact lines above)

SUMMARY

This should be a small paragraph of 5-6 lines, keyword rich, career overview.

Pull out 4-6 short bullet points, keyword rich, highlighting your specialties and expertise.
  • Point 1
  • Point 2
  • Point 3
  • Point 4

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

COMPANY NAME, Dallas, TX. MONTH/YEAR TO PRESENT
Title of Job: Month/Yr to Present
Responsibilities written out in paragraph format up to 5 sentences: 

  • Accomplishments written out in bullet format and should be quantifiable and measurable.
  • Place as many accomplishments that are appropriate.
  • More for current positions and less or none for beginning positions
  • Accomplishment
  • Accomplishment
Title of Job: Month/Yr to Present
Responsibilities written out in paragraph format up to 5 sentences. 

  • Accomplishments written out in bullet format and should be quantifiable and measurable.
  • Place as many accomplishments that are appropriate.
  • More for current positions and less or none for beginning positions
  • Accomplishment
  • Accomplishment
Title of Job: Month/Yr to Present
Responsibilities written out in paragraph format up to 5 sentences. 

  • Accomplishments written out in bullet format and should be quantifiable and measurable.
  • Place as many accomplishments that are appropriate.
  • More for current positions and less or none for beginning positions
  • Accomplishment
  • Accomplishment
COMPANY NAME, Dallas, TX. MONTH/YEAR TO PRESENT
Title of Job: Month/Yr to Present
Responsibilities written out in paragraph format up to 5 sentences. 

  • Accomplishments written out in bullet format and should be quantifiable and measurable.
  • Place as many accomplishments that are appropriate.
  • More for current positions and less or none for beginning positions
  • Accomplishment
  • Accomplishment
COMPANY NAME, Dallas, TX. MONTH/YEAR TO PRESENT
Title of Job: Month/Yr to Present
Responsibilities written out in paragraph format up to 5 sentences. 

Accomplishments written out in bullet format and should be quantifiable and measurable.

Place as many accomplishments that are appropriate.

More for current positions and less or none for beginning positions

ETC….

EDUCATION

MBA Keller Graduate School, Chicago, IL, 1982

B.S. in Marketing, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 1978

 

Computer Skills

Include various software packages that are appropriate. Apollo, SAS, Nielsen, IRI Microsoft Office, etc.

 

Additional Tips

  1. After Education, you can include various seminars, classes and workshops that relate to your jobs. For example, Brian Harris workshop on category management, Wal-Mart retail link training etc.
  2. You can also list additional awards after education that were not included within the resume.
  3. Never have a resume that is only 1 and a third pages, make it one or two pages and format it to use the full page if possible.
  4. Update your resume as you approach completion of each assignment.
  5. Use “bullet” format where appropriate for accomplishments.
  6. Use conventional English. Stay away from multi-syllable words when a one- or two-syllable word is clearer.
  7. Use short paragraphs — preferably no longer than five lines.
  8. Make sure the resume and the cover letter are error free. Proofread and have others proofread for you, too.
  9. Rewrite a resume for a specific position with a specific company. It’s extra work but may very well pay off.
  10. Include your significant contributions at each one of your jobs.
  11. Allow the most space for the positions that are most relevant.
  12. Summarize the technologies (hardware, software, databases, operating environments, etc.) you are familiar with where appropriate.
  13. List your activities with professional, trade and civic associations — but only if they are appropriate.
  14. Keep a permanent file of your achievements, no matter how inconsequential they may appear to be. This is the basis for a good resume.
  15. Give each of your references a copy of your resume.

Re-read your resume before every interview — chances are the interviewer just did!

 


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