This e-course, through a series of incremental modules, aims to clear the path for you to represent your client—no matter whether they are technically inclined, a new graduate, or an executive. It will underscore advice with reasoned logic and will be reviewed for quality, marketability and consistency.
Yes, the responsibility of such an endeavor can be overwhelming; still, a client's resume is just one spoke in the wheel. Of course, her talents must match the requirements of the position, the influence of the economy on the job market, the client's demeanor at interview and even the way she seeks out information—all these things play a part. But the power of that initial resume document should never be underestimated, for it is the thrust of those words that paint a picture and solidify your client in the reader's mind. If that picture is unclear, muddied by an unbalanced presentation of the candidate’s job chronology, ridden with clichés, or filled with jargon and acronyms that confuse the reader, then that document is actively sabotaging the client’s prospects.
Résumé writing is a noble profession that helps clients to realize their potential. By refining your craft, we all benefit.
General Description
This course is directed towards professional resume writers keen to enrich the quality of their professional practice and service towards their clients. Pre-requisites are simply a desire to improve and an understanding of resume fundamentals. This e-course is self-paced, allowing each participant the opportunity to absorb information and respond within the confines of your job and lifestyle. Each module has been created to take in a specified order, much like the layout of a resume.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this e-course participants will:
- Have a greater understanding of the construction of resume content that defines achievements, and sets the scene to achieve clients' goals
- Have a greater understanding of the construction of resume content that defines achievements, and sets the scene to achieve clients' goals.
- Produce a high-impact resume for clients devoid of clichés and fluff.
- Develop resume layouts that are clean, uncluttered, consistent and attractive.
- Elevate the potential of achieving resume writing certification with one of the official resume writing associations by demonstrating an unequivocal command of the resume writing process.
Each module when completed and passed will prepare you for the next module. Participants can devote any amount of time necessary to complete each module subject to their lifestyles and work pressures.
The "Rules" of Resume Writing. Are they myths or reality? Much is said about resumes most of which has no basis in fact. Learn to sweep out the clutter of misconceptions and move forward. A quiz will follow that will test comprehension.
Creating the foolproof action plan. Takes the participant through the seven steps of planning a resume. Writers are to ask their clients these five key areas to plan the strategy on paper.
Analyzing the components. Using the action plan to create the resume fundamentals for your client.
Finishing and Polishing with Power Words: Discusses the folly of using repetitive words and phrases, and how to rewrite phrases for maximum power without excess.
Tricky Situations: What to do when a client presents a challenging background or desire to secure a job in a different field. How to effectively use the CAR principle when clients have been unable to demonstrate any achievements at all.
Creative Jobs Versus Creative Resumes. Should graphics be used on a resume? When? For what type of individuals?
Including or Excluding: What should be included in a resume?
Tricks with Numbers. How to make an impact by the way you write numbers.
Dealing with absences. How to address employment gaps.
Word 2003 Tips. Brief section provides direction on layouts—from tabs, to shortcuts, font, and style.
Putting it all together.
Participants are provided with a series of notes as if having talked with a client in person or on the telephone. From these notes, the class participant is required to develop a resume using the information from this course. The final assignment requires a small brief to justify the writer's reasoning for the content and style used. Once complete, the document will be assessed, and if passed would be considered suitable for use as a sample document to submit for assessment by accreditation panels.
Methodology
Each e-course module will be completed by the participant responding to a quiz, or submitting a sample of their work for assessment. Where extra reading is required the document or article will be available from the site for download. In most cases each module will provide the information necessary to be evaluated and move forward.
Course material
Course materials will comprise of information provided in each virtual lesson, PowerPoint presentations, images, and PDF files that will be freely available from the links provided. There will be no further purchase of books required.
Human and Technical Resources
Gayle Howard will be the contact point for submitting samples of writing requested in each module, and will be able to resolve questions pertaining to the use of the site and course content. Gayle can be contacted at: guru@learnresumewriting.com