Hello Sheila,
We also use WinWay Resume and we love it. We have a resume workstation set up in our office and we allow the graduate to create their own resume using the various themes. The thing that impresses them the most is how creative they can be but they dont have to worry about formatting, it takes some of their fears away and they learn how to create a professional resume on their own. We feel they take that confidence into their job search. We also love the option to export the final product (final draft is reviewed and edited by the CSO) into Microsft Word format to send to the employers via email and internet applications.
Hi Candace and Sheila
The resume workstation sounds great. For schools that don't have WinWay or similar they can print out sample resumes and have them posted for students to see and copy. Or sample WORD docs or similar can be made available for students to use.
Anything to get the student started on their resume.
Best wishes
Susan
We use a worksheet during workshop and do step by step instruction on how to complete it. Usually all of their resumes do look very similar, however I feel that the format is effective. I do encourage creativity but more than likely they are going to copy the format we gave them.
HI Yahaira
Interesting situation when all resumes look alike. We don't have a problem with that. There are some very effective resume formats. No need to get that creative unless it is a "creative" profession. The task is to get the facts out. Creativity comes in the way the student relays their unique personal capabilities since most don't have much work experience.
Best wishes
Susan
I like to do it on a one on one basis. Some students dont open up when they are in a group. I like to first train then on some communication skills first.
Dario
We also do resume building in a large class room enviroment. We believe its the first step to getting the students speaking about them selves.
Ayala
HI Dario
One-on-one works for a lot of students. Others may feel nervous talking to an instructor or administrator. Many schools offer the option. Or both formats plus workshops and in class employment training.
Best wishes
Susan
Hi Ayala
Offering resume building in a large classroom is a good start. However, some students might get lost and not ask for help. We suggest resume building in many steps by first getting students to think about themselves, their good qualities, and interests for example. Then format the resume with the specifics. Resume building is effective in small groups and one-on-one.
Best wishes
Susan
We teach resume preparation, job and interview skills in a classroom setting. The information is available along with resume templates in the student workbook. We have a computer lab where the student can type her/his resume "a la carte" or using the WORD resume templates. We encourage an objective at the top of the resume, for our particular field of study, and often that statement will help to get the graduate noticed even if they used a resume template with a look similar to other resumes received.
HI Annmarie
Sounds like you are really being thorough and providing the student with every opportunity to create a professional and individual resume. Nothing wrong with resumes being similar. There is an established format. Obviously has to reflect something personal about the grad.
Best wishes
Susan
