Writing an Effective Resume

We've all heard about the importance of a well constructed resume, but how do we go about creating one? Here are some helpful tips from fellow dancer and writer Kelsey Kudak:


Resume Writing Tips.
“Like it or not, employers will usually make a judgment about your resume in 5 seconds.”

While writing, keep these in mind:

Basics First
•Do include: full name, address, phone number, current position/status as student, etc.
•Don’t include: age to avoid discrimination

For whom are you Writing your Resume?
•A resume is not an all-purpose document: Therefore, structure toward the Company that will be reading it.
•Always maintain an updated version

Utilize Brevity:
•No more than a Page
•Organize by priority with paired bullet points (2 or more)
•Necessary Addendums should be explained via cover letter
•Omit obvious information

Use effective Descriptors, and Begin with them:
•List descriptive Titles in your position ( e.g. Founder, Manager etc. Rather than “accounting”)
•Active verbs require a Thesaurus
--Managed, Organized, etc. are strong, active verbs that employers will look for.
•Avoid personal pronouns “I” “Me” etc.

Utilize a Clean Presentation:
• Fonts should be san-serif
• Standard is 12 Points, but nothing smaller than 11
• Streamline the structure of the body to flow easily on the eyes

Proofread! On your own and With a Friend:
•Grammatical errors could mean the difference between your hire and that of another individual.

For More Details Visit Daily Writing Tips.com
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/resume-writing-tips/


Good luck and happy writing!

"Highly Qualified" Teacher Requirements

Don't worry, apparently you don't need to be "qualified" if you teach dance.

I pulled the Minnesota Department of Education "Highly Qualified" Teacher Requirements because they essentially follow guidelines dictated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Click the link labled Minnesota Plan for "Highly Qualified" Teacher Requirements. I found pages 4, 5, and 20 particularly interesting.

http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Teacher_Support/Educator_Licensing/Highly_Qualified_Teacher_Require_MN_State_Plan/index.html

If you are interested in getting your teaching certificate, I found a helpful site that provides a step-by-step guide of the process as well as links to online teacher preparation programs:

http://www.teacher-world.com/certification/minnesota-initial-certification.html


***UPDATE: Recent changes have been made to qualifications to teach dance in public schools. After three years of teaching, you must have or be working towards a teaching certificate or its equivalent.***

National Dance Education Organization

The National Dance Education Organization has compiled an archive of research regarding dance education. If you are willing to part with the $75, it looks to be a promising collection.

http://www.ndeo.org/research/

Status of Dance in Education, Lynnette Young Overby

Overby's article on the Status of Dance in Education may be a little dated, but dance in public schools is still a subject near and dear to my heart. She acknowledges the paradox of 'dance education' when certified teachers aren't qualified to teach dance and qualified dancers aren't certified to teach.

http://www.vtaide.com/png/ERIC/Dance-in-Ed.htm

Career Transition for Dancers

Career Transition for Dancers has a series of programs designed to help dancers in various stages of their careers. These programs are split into Career Counseling, Financial Assistance, and Informational Resources. A particular bonus in using Career Transition for Dancers is that all information and resources are provided free of charge. The organization also offers a broad perspective regarding possible careers available for individuals with dance experience.

Some interesting services provided by Career Transition for Dancers:

"Career Conversations": Video will soon be available from some of the past events the organization has held in NYC or LA. Past seminars have focused on starting your own business and going back to school while seminars for the coming year feature discussions on blogging and website design.

"Career Counseling": LA, New York, Chicago. Get personal help with resume building, job openings, and more.

"Career Line": Toll-free hotline used for career counseling. Call 212 764 0172 to set up a session.


Career Transition for Dancers also provides information about scholarships, grants, and other career opportunities.

http://http//www.careertransition.org/Programs/OnlineResources/