RESUME ANALYSIS PAPER

This paper is designed to prepare the student to prepare an actual resume which can be presented to employers in the student's proposed career or for promotion at his/her current position.

GOALS

• To survey the available resume formats now in use on the commercial market, especially webbed, video and paper formats
• To determine the identifying characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each format
• To establish the format(s) most used and best received in the student's career field
• To find out what information and/or qualifications employers most want to see on a resume
• To establish contact with human resource, library, Career Development Center and academic personnel as sources of expert advice on career planning

ASSIGNMENT
Each student will prepare a paper of at least three (3) typed pages, double-spaced, reviewing paper, video and webbed resumes as they currently appear in his/her field. Begin by learning about the three types of resumes and their subtypes. Paper resumes, for instance, come in traditional paper and scannable versions. Electronic resumes are frequently found in HTML format, so as to be browsable on the Internet; or in database format, where the applicant just fills in fields created by the employer, usually on the employer's own web site. Use such sources as Moving On or other career-related materials available through the Career Development Center. Also, interview AT LEAST three people with actual experience in evaluating resumes and hiring/accepting: career counselors, your own employer, senior professors in your department or related ones, career placement services, the graduate admissions staff, etc.

From all these sources, seek information about the merits and faults of each format, as well as its acceptability in your field. Does your field have a highly defined, individualized format, as in engineering? Are traditionally formatted paper resumes preferred? Or is there room for creativity in medium or content? What information must an applicant provide to be a successful candidate?

Write this information into an organized and thoughtful essay covering the three basic resume types. Include:

• How the three formats are received in your field
• The type of experience and education employers are looking for
• The reasoning which leads employers to seek certain qualifications
• Any hints or insights gathered along the way that would help a candidate prepare a successful resume
• Any formats or requirements peculiar to your field
• Finally, propose a format and content for your own personal resume--the next assignment. Explain the tactics behind your choice.

To your paper, attach a References page, using the correct APA, CBA or engineering format as applicable if you are in a Natural Sciences or Social Sciences section. Prepare a Works Cited page in MLA format if you are in a Humanities section. Use the format preferred by your discipline if you are in a Business section. In any case, there should be a minimum of FIVE total sources, including people.

GRADING
Technical Requirements:

• Essay form with clear structure and smooth transitions
• Integration of sources into paper
• Length (3pp. or more)
• Correctly formatted works cited or references page with a minimum of five sources

CONTENT

• Overview of three resume types and their respective subtypes
• Clear picture of resume use in the student's field
• Well-planned strategy for preparing a personal resume

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