Entering (or Re-entering) the workforce is NOT about the resume. However, the resume is an integral part of the search process. More important than a resume, are the qualities that employers look for. Below are the *Top 10 qualities employers seek:

1. Communication skills (verbal and written)
2. Honesty/integrity
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
4. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
5. Motivation/initiative
6. Strong work ethic
7. Analytical skills
8. Flexibility/adaptability
9. Computer skills
10. Organizational skills

In the last edition of the Rochester Women’s magazine (Jan/Feb 07) we discussed “Easy Steps for Entering (or re-entering) the Workforce.” If you’ve followed or are proceeding with these Easy Steps, I’m convinced that you’re well on your way to coming alive – as said by Howard Thurman.

When following these Easy Steps - at some point in the selection process - someone is going to ask you for a resume: a Human Resources representative, a recruiter, a hiring manager. What is a resume? A resume is:

a written document that lists your work experience, skills, and educational background. It is used as a marketing tool for job seekers.

Having a clear, easy to read, up-to-date resume ready (at all times) to distribute electronically and via hard-copy in your pursuit of entering the workforce is KEY. Utilize your network of trusted advisors again to bounce your polished resume off of.

Resumes must be easy to read and usually have the following outline:

• Objective
• Job/Career Highlights
• Experience (Professionally)
• Education
• Activities/Interests

In addition to the above outline, you may also want to consider adding: Skills, Computer Skills, Achievements, Volunteerism.

Below is a “best practice” following the above outline:

Laura Goodwin
3273 19th Street NW, Ste 1 * Rochester, MN 55901 * M: (612) 518-2176
jobs@virtuesearch.com

OBJECTIVE
To attain an outside sales position at an entrepreneurial company where I can establish a long-term career.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS / QUALIFICATIONS
Character: Energetic self-starter, high level of integrity, natural leadership ability, enthusiastic team player, excellent communication skills, solid work ethic, driven and determined to succeed

Sales: Qualifying sales prospects, cold-calling, getting past gate-keepers, appointment setting, delivering presentations, motivating prospects to buy, closing business, building long-term client relationships

Computer: Salesforce.com, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, FrontPage

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Cast North America, Ltd. May 2002 – Present
Outside Sales Representative
Promoted from an inside sales position to sell an international transportation service
Expanded commercial freight volume by 65 percent in 1999
Directed the cold-calling and customer service activities of two inside sales representatives

Customer Service Representative June 2000 – April 2002
Offered full-time position upon college graduation
Controlled consumer loan delinquency, negotiated collections, provided customer support
Interned during the summer of 1993 and 1994
Resigned to pursue a career in sales

Family Financial, Inc. June 1998 – April 2000
Internship
Acted as a client manager of commercial account receivables
Assisted with the assessment of client merits in establishing commercial lines of credit

EDUCATION & TRAINING
New York University, New York, NY — Professional Certificate, Journalism
July 2002

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN — Bachelor of Arts, Geography
May 2000

ACTIVITIES / INTERESTS
archery, journalism, L.L. Bean fly-fishing instructor, reading, running, sailing, tennis, World Vision sponsor, volunteering, church choir

Additional online “resume writing” resources:

www.careerjournal.com
http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/resumes/

www.resumepower.com
http://www.resumepower.com/resumeformat.html

www.jobweb.com
http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/resume_guide/res.htm

*Top 10 qualities employers seek:
http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/resume_guide/comp.htm