Writing for transfer in resume writing

This paper examines how effectively students can translate their awareness of employers’ expectations in resumes to their own resumes. The students ranked the sections of a resume, went for a lecture and tutorial on resume writing before submitting their resumes. Results show that they have difficulty in translating this awareness to their resumes. In particular, many students have difficulty marketing themselves or building their personal brands. These resumes had weak objective statements, inadequate or irrelevant elaboration on their previous work experiences, a disregard for extra-curricular activities in lieu of work experiences, poor grammar and mechanics, and unprofessional layout. Implications for writing for transfer studies, and the teaching of resume writing are proposed.