Resume Writing Mastery Program (RWMP)

WELCOME TO MODULE 2

[memb_contact fields="FirstName"] ― congratulations on getting through your assignment from the previous module! You're well on your way. 😉

IN THE LAST MODULE, we introduced you to many ground-floor details about resumes. For example, you learned:

Resumes are living, forward-looking documents
Certain tech (e.g., ATS) is changing how resumes get written and formatted
There are 3 primary resume formats
Action verbs are at the core of every resume
Resume length gets dictated by "recent and relevant" career details
Ideal resume layouts and visual presentations by reviewing the many resume examples you were provided for download

IN THIS MODULE, we continue on the path of the fundamentals of writing resumes by covering deeper topics, such as handling employment gaps, identifying and writing branding statements, and leveraging the SAR writing style.

We also introduce you to example client intake questions because asking clients the right questions can shorten the time you spend writing resumes. So, you'll find a sizable list of example project questions broken down by profession (see below) that you can download and use with current and future clients.

Lastly, we're starting on the writing part of this program because the best way to learn how to write resumes is by writing them. You won't be writing a complete resume, as we haven't covered the full fundamentals you'll need. So, we're assigning you the task of writing a job description. Easy enough, right?

If you have questions or need help, we can be reached at [email protected].

Regards,

BREAKDOWN OF THIS MODULE

Videos to Watch & Learn
Example Intake Questions/Downloads
Additional Reading (offsite)
Best Practices for Writing Job Descriptions
Your Module Assignment & Quiz

1. VIDEOS TO WATCH & LEARN

2. INTAKE QUESTIONS/DOWNLOADS

Part of the resume-writing process is to utilize questionnaires that dive deep into what your clients do, their successes, etc.

To start, we've compiled the intake questions below, broken down by profession. You're encouraged to customize these example intake questions to better fit each of your client's job roles and industries.

3. ADDITIONAL READING

Here are a few additional articles published on our sister site, ResumeToReferral.com. Understandably, the content is written for job seekers, although they have value for resume writers, too, which is why we're offering them here.

5 Resume Writing Tips to Improve a Management Resume (+Sample Content)

How to Write Effective Resume Titles +Examples

5 Things to De-Junk & Remove From a Resume

Resume Keywords & Key Phrases: Which Should You Be Using?

Resume Blemishes: Fixes For The 6 Resume Issues That Most Jobseekers Face

What's Your Resume Objective? [Examples + Screenshots]

4. BEST PRACTICES FOR WRITING JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Many components make up a resume, so you might wonder why we're starting the writing portion of this program with job descriptions. Job descriptions are often the first tasks resume writers tackle when approaching a new project.

When writing job descriptions for resumes, there's some wiggle room with your visual presentation, catering to ATS (software) and hiring staff (human eye). Yet, there are standardized best practices to follow because anyone viewing a resume for the first time has some expectations on what they'll see - and how that information is presented.

THE BELOW GRAPHIC represents a basic example of how to format a job description to include job title, employer, and dates. We've also included a more advanced example with a description of the employer. It's important to note that this employer description is optional. In fact, if you review the resume examples you downloaded in the previous module, you'll notice that job descriptions WERE NOT used in those.

This more advanced job description (minus the employer description in most cases) example is what you should emulate throughout this program.

Because ATS reads content from left to right and top to bottom, we make the layout easy to follow regardless of whether the document is being read by software or a person.

What you should notice about the below:

Each bullet point starts with either a current or past tense action verb
Instead of a heavy paragraph, the use of bullet points enables anyone reviewing the resume to skim the content
Numbers aren't spelled out and don't follow typical grammar guidelines (e.g., 9 versus nine); using numbers draws the eye of readers
Bullet points are consistently the same/similar length
Content is keyword rich and uses acronyms to boost resume scanning success

Are these the only way to present this information? There are varying ways to give this information. This example layout is simple to understand and implement, so we recommend it.

[DOWNLOAD THIS GRAPHIC VIA CANVA]

6. ASSIGNMENTS & QUIZ

A. RESUME EXAMPLES

Below are a few additional resume examples you can print and place in a binder. A binder with resume examples provides you with works to reference as you write new projects.

As your body of work grows, keep them sorted by job title and/or industry.

Once you've printed the above examples, do the following:

- Familiarize yourself with how each resume is formatted, written, and the overall look.
- Acquaint yourself with each job seeker's career field and potential career challenges, e.g., multiple job changes, lack of education, or unemployment (date gaps).
- Recognize word patterns, document layouts, colors, and heading choices, making notations of those elements you'd like to mimic in your projects.

B. COVER LETTER EXAMPLES

We've also made this download with several cover letter examples available to you as well. Cover letters are indeed NEEDED LESS by today's job seekers; however, familiarizing yourself with letter-writing techniques is ideal so you're prepared for those clients who request one.

C. WRITING ASSIGNMENT

Your writing assignment for this module is to write a job description for a purchasing/procurement manager. Imagine that you are adding this position to an existing resume. We encourage you to reference the above example. Remember, the employer description is optional. Ensure your content is keyword-rich, accomplishment-focused, and as detailed as possible.

Download the assignment here.

Please allow 1-3 business days for review and approval.

D. MODULE 1 QUIZ

Please complete the module 1 quiz (via Google) to demonstrate what you've learned so far.