Writing a Resume
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Your first step should be deciding which format you should use - chronological, functional, combination, targeted or alternative. Don't let this intimidate you. This is simply different ways to display your work experience, education and talents. This Resume Calculator will help you decide.
Don't worry if you don't have much work experience. There are lots of other things you can include that your potential employer will want to know about you, for instance:
- Courses you’ve taken in school, especially cooking, home economics, food safety, business and management
- Your extracurricular activities
- Hobbies and special interests that might relate to the food field
- Special school projects you have participated in related to the food field
- Catering, banquet or special-event work, such as participating in the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s Gala Awards banquet
Also, if you have a good attendance record in school, stress this. Employers want to know that you're reliable. If you have your own transportation, include this as well.
You can look at your schoolwork as the equivalent of work. Indeed, it is work in that it required self-discipline, completion of a variety of tasks, and other activities that are similar to those required in many jobs.
A skills resume format, where you present your skills in the same way you might present work experience in a chronological resume, is probably the best format for you. At a minimum, you should have a Highlights or Skills Summary section on your resume. You should also play up the fact, if you can, that you are familiar with the latest trends and techniques in your field and can apply these skills right away to the new job. And, since you are experienced in studying and learning new things, you will be better able to quickly learn the new job.
Include a one page cover letter. This is your chance to sell yourself. Each cover letter should be customized for the particular job and company you're applying for. Make it clear what position you are applying for, and lists the skills and qualifications you have that pertain to that position. Give them a reason to hire you! Finally, let the employer know you will follow up, and make it easy for them to contact you.
