Page 25 - The Editors of VGM Career Books - Resumes for Computer Careers, Second Edition (2002)

16 Resumes for Health and Medical Careers

Special Skills

The special skills section of your resume is the place to mention any spe-
cial abilities you have that relate to the job you are seeking. You can use
this element to present certain talents or experiences that are not neces-
sarily a part of your education or work experience. Common examples
include fluency in a foreign language, extensive travel abroad, or knowl-
edge of a particular computer application. “Special skills” can encompass
a wide range of talents, and this section can be used creatively. However,
for each skill you list, you should be able to describe how it would be a
direct asset in the type of work you’re seeking because employers may ask
just that in an interview. If you can’t think of a way to do this, it may be
extraneous information.

Personal Information

Some people include personal information on their resumes. This is gen-
erally not recommended, but you might wish to include it if you think that
something in your personal life, such as a hobby or talent, has some bear-
ing on the position you are seeking. This type of information is often
referred to at the beginning of an interview, when it may be used as an
icebreaker. Of course, personal information regarding your age, marital sta-
tus, race, religion, or sexual orientation should never appear on your resume
as personal information. It should be given only in the context of mem-
berships and activities, and only when doing so would not expose you to
discrimination.

References

References are not usually given on the resume itself, but a prospective
employer needs to know that you have references who may be contacted
if necessary. All you need to include is a single sentence at the end of the
resume: “References are available upon request,” or even simply, “Refer-
ences available.” Have a reference list ready—your interviewer may ask to
see it! Contact each person on the list ahead of time to see whether it is all
right for you to use him or her as a reference. This way, the person has a
chance to think about what to say before the call occurs. This helps ensure
that you will obtain the best reference possible.