lend a HAND or lead the WAY
Number 9, September 2008
Resume Writing
Dr. M.C Jamali
Putting together a resume is a serious business. It is the resume that impresses your employer in the first instance, leading to the next most important opportunity to face the employer
Choosing a Resume Format: First of all you must decide what type of format is to be used for the resume. There are three basic types: chronological, functional, and a combination of the two. The following sections will explain what each of these types is and when to choose one type over another.
Chronological Resume: Here the work experience is listed in reverse chronological order (most recent job first) showing the period of time employed followed by the name of the employer and then the location. A description for each job is also included. Next is a section on educational qualification. This kind of format is used when there is progressive growth in the career to show-case.
Functional Resume: A functional resume categorizes skills by function, emphasizing upon your abilities. This is useful if you are changing careers and want to show how you can transfer your skills. You have to show skills you are capable of handling in order of your expertise and in order of the need of the employer. However, if you don't list your previous jobs, the person reviewing your resume may be suspicious.
Combination Resume: A combination resume is exactly what it sounds like - it combines a functional resume with a chronological one. An objective is listed at the top, after your name and address, of course. Following that are paragraphs describing job functions. A section titled "Employment Experience" comes next. That is where the chronological part of the resume comes in, listing employers and dates in this section. This is a useful format if you are changing careers and have a solid employment history. If you have spent a long time at one job and moved up through the company, you might want to use a combination resume.
Educational background: If your education includes a college degree it is not necessary to include information about high school. If you have completed your education recently (less than five years ago) and your degree is relevant to the position for which you are applying, you should place your educational background near the top of your resume. Otherwise, you may place it at the bottom. If you completed your education more than five years ago and worked outside the field in which you were educated, but are now seeking to enter that field, you should also place your educational information at the top of your resume.
Length: A rule of thumb is to stick to a one page resume. Employers need only see a snapshot of your background. However, you can run onto a second page to show some special achievements if necessary.
Personal information: Not required really except your contact details.
Salary history: Sometimes a prospective employer will require a salary history along with a resume. If that is the case, you can include the salary history as an addendum to your resume.
Brief period of employment: If it is not required in an employment notice, you can make only a passing reference to short tenured jobs done in the past.
Some final thoughts: Do not forget to proof read your resume - over and over again. Have someone else do it as well. Before you send it out, put it away for a day. Take it out again and look it over. You will probably pick up errors you didn't see yesterday. Also, keep your resume up to date. Even if you are currently employed and have no intention of job hunting, add any new skills to your resume. If you work on a special project add that as well. You may not remember some important additions if you have to write a resume under pressure.
Dr. M.C Jamali is a career counselor (mjamali@tawam-hosp.gov.ae)
.... Dr. Imteyaz Ahmad Khan
Problems of our community: At one level we forgot Allah, so Allah has forgotten us. Apparently the problems are lack of education, poverty, total lack of unity in religious or political parties, and selfishness (in individuals and leaders).
Remedies for the Muslim community: We should think of ourselves as one Muslim community and unite as one Ummah, present our problems to the country as a united Group. We should work hard, help each other in whatever ways we can for the pleasure of Allah SWT and try to achieve the best in the educational fields, without being too much dependent on others.
Advice for Bihar Anjuman: I think they are doing a grand job. However no organization not even the State can do every thing for the community. They must prioritize and narrow down the sphere of projects undertaken. I have a feeling that scholarships sponsored/ funded by charitable members are being misused or given to people who don’t really deserve it. Some other avenues with closer monitoring could be thought of. There are too many unnecessary mails, self congratulatory mails, religiously divisive mails, and inaccurate and baseless medical mails. Besides, BA is not a Shariah / Fatwa council and it is not desirable to approve divisive massages of different Maslaks on any topic. Views decently expressed should be given primacy
Suggestions for BaKhabar: I know little of journalism but it seems under the present dispensation, it looks fantastic and looks like a very good magazine. There has been tremendous improvement.
Presence of Muslims in Media: To write in Media one needs command over language and knowledge of current affairs. Alas Muslims are devoid of both .The standard of educated Muslims especially from Bihar is very poor indeed. It is shocking that in spite of having Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from reputed universities, very few can write even one sentence of correct English and their Urdu is equally poor. Weakness in English is a reflection of weakness in their mother tongue.
Advice to the Community: Educate and unite them as one Ummah (no beradri or caste system) and encourage every Muslim family to read and reflect daily on the meaning (translation) of Quranic verses, even if it is two or three verses.
Secret of good health: Exercise is very good rather mandatory for healthy living. It is good not only for heart but essential for healthy mobile joints. Lack of exercise inevitably results in various joint diseases, pain and disability. We must do exercise and keep on moving even if walking is painful. The less we walk the more we become incapacitated
Advice to our younger generation: Read the history of Islam and of great Muslims, how they achieved excellence in every field. Also read the history of all great men who were unknown before they became world famous.
On Medical Profession: Most of the medial professionals have started to behave like vultures. Their aim is not to treat but to extract maximum amount of money by advising unnecessary investigations and treatment
Seraj Akram is an active member of Riyadh Chapter and moving spirit behind this magazine (serajakram@yahoo.com)