OCP - Professional Writing Part 1: The Resume (Lesson)

Professional Writing Part 1:  The Resume

Professional Writing Video

Mastering the art of professional writing is a fundamental skill for advancing in your chosen career. It entails the ability to effectively showcase your qualifications, enabling you to distinguish yourself from competing applicants. In this module, we will focus on two pivotal elements of professional writing: the resume and the cover letter. These documents serve as the cornerstone of your professional presentation and play a vital role in securing opportunities in your career field.  

Example Cover Letter and Resume

Resume

A resume is a formal document meticulously crafted to enumerate your qualifications for a specific position. Given the limited time hiring managers must review numerous resumes, it's imperative to ensure that yours rises above the rest. Your goal is to compellingly convey why you deserve the opportunity to be considered for an interview, highlighting what sets you apart from other applicants.

There are three primary resume formats, and it's crucial to determine which one aligns best with your needs. The most utilized format is the chronological resume, where your work history is presented by job title, beginning with your current or most recent position.

Three Types of Resumes

The crucial step is to determine which resume type aligns most effectively with your career objectives. Additionally, you want to make sure not to make these common errors:

Common Resume Errors

Resume Self-Assessment

Creating a Standout

Creating a standout resume is paramount to grabbing the hiring manager's attention. The objective is to craft a clear and concise resume that enables the reader to swiftly grasp your qualifications and reasons why they should consider meeting with you. This is one of the 2 key pieces of professional writing you will create. In the next lesson, you will learn about the 2nd which is the cover letter.

How to Make A Resume Standout Video

Video used with permission from Crash Course Links to an external site.

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