Analyzing Web Resumes

[syllabus] [calendar]

The purpose of today's activity is to practice applying the document principles that you have learned to actual web resumes.

Before Class

• In PWOnline read about Employment Documents: Read Resume (with the two links about design and content), the Resume Template, Web Resume (with the two links about design and content). Also read the Non-Designer's Design Book (go through all six links by clicking on the "NEXT" link at the bottom of each node). Think about how these principles apply to resume
  writing.
• Read Web Resume Example #1 and Example #2. In a 250-350 word email addressed to the instructor (and cc: to yourself), explain what is effective or ineffective about each of these resumes. Use the principles discussed in both readings to guide your discussion.

During Class

• Work in the following groups.

• The instructor will assign you to either Example #1 or Example #2.
  
  
• In your group, use your knowledge from the readings to answer the following questions about the respective resume. Type your answers in a large font (size 18) in an MS Word document. After thirty-five minutes print your answers and be prepared to discuss your answers.
  
  
  1. Based upon what you read about resumes in PWOnline, provide three statements of advise that you would give to someone about writing a resume. This list should cover what your group believes is most important; it does not have to be exhaustive.
  2. For the resume you are looking at, identify 1) the writer, 2) the audience--be as specific as you can, 3) the purpose of writing the document, 4) the context or situation.
  3. Is this an effective resume? Why or why not?
  4. Does the writer of these resumes adhere to your advise (see answer #1)?
  5. How would you revise this web resume? How would you revise this resume into a print resume?
     
     
• Be prepared to talk about your findings with the class.