Posted By: Sheri (New Board: ForeignJobs) on 'ForeignJobs' Title: Devoping your own resume/CV Date: Tue Sep 7 15:05:24 1999 Part 7. B. Optional Elements These are not essential to the resume, but can be included if they will be beneficial in obtaining the job you are seeking. SPECIAL SKILLS You may have special skills and/or training not related toyour education or work experience that could appeal to an employer. The ability to speak a foreign language, to conduct research, to communicate effectively, and to utilize computers could be of interest to a prospective employer. These abilities can be highlighted in your resume through the creating of a Special skills and Training section. This section should not be used as a "filler" category to build up an otherwise weak resume. It should demonstrate unique qualifications for employment. Samples (for a liberal arts graduate): Mastery of German (reading, writing, conversation) Fluency in French Artistic abilities (drawing, photography, painting) Working knowledge of printmaking and layout Personal fitness program Comperhensive Liberal Arts Background Samples (for a technical graduate): Programming experience in COBOL, BASIC, PASCAL, FORTRAN Experienced user of IBM compatible personal computer using Word Perfect, Lotus 1-2-3, and Data Base software Knowledge of comptuer graphics using Macintosh microcomputers Operated electron microscope HONORS/AWARDS This section can add flair and individuality to your resume. It can be a separate category. Alternatively, you may want to include your honors/awards in the Activities section of your resume, thus labeling the category Honors/Activities. List your honors and awards, but make them meaningful. Did you graduate with honors? How about scholarships? Were you on the Dean's List or a member of honorary societies? Don't worry about self-praise, you are simply presenting the facts and you have a right to be proud. On the other hand, if you do not have any honors or awards, do not worry about it as you are not alone. This is an optional category. Other optional categories include Professional Memberships, Research, Community activities, Interests. These items should have a separate category only when you have room and there are too many items of one kind to put with something else. SHERI'S WEB INTERNATIONAL ** Email address: sheri@sherisweb.com Web Address: http://www.sherisweb.com