resume

• Resume


  One of the most important tools to assist in getting an interview for a job
• Resume


  • Brings together education, work experience, interests, and skills into one comprehensive but brief outline for the employer to read
  • Should be a good reflection of who you are, as it is the first impression a potential employer has of you
  • Take your time when preparing your resume
• Basic elements of a resume

  • Heading
  • Objective (optional)
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Honors and Awards
  • Skills/Highlights
  • References (on a separate page)
• Heading


  1. Include name, address, email address, and phone number

  2. Let your name stand out by using bold and enlarging the font size

  3. Use a professional email address
• Objective


  1. A one-sentence declaration of the type of job you are seeking

  2. Be as specific as possible, noting the company you are applying to, the job title you are seeking, and skills you would like to use in that job

  3. Only include if you can be specific about the position you are seeking
• Education


  1. List all colleges graduated from, along with their addresses and any degrees earned with the date attained

  2. If in the process of attaining a degree, list the expected date of receipt

  3. Do not list high school unless it is important to the employer
• Experience


  1. Refer to paid or unpaid jobs, include job title, employer name, city, state, and dates of employment

  2. Summarize contributions, achievements, and responsibilities assumed

  3. Use present verb tense only for current positions
• Honors & Awards


  1. Refer to paid or unpaid jobs, include job title, employer name, city, state, and dates of employment

  2. Summarize contributions, achievements, and responsibilities assumed

  3. Use present verb tense only for current positions
• Skills/Highlights


  1. Inform the reader of any unique, relevant, or necessary skills not reflected in other sections of the resume

  2. Examples: foreign languages, computer applications, certifications, etc.
• References


  1. Should be on a separate sheet matching the font/format of the resume

  2. Heading on this page should match the resume

  3. Secure permission from references before using their names

  4. Good references might include professors, advisors, or employers, not relatives

  5. Provide a copy of your resume to references
• Signs of a great resume

  • Targeted
  • Consistent
  • Well written
  • Concise
  • Summarize Qualifications
  • Self Promoting
  • Accurate
  • Abbreviation
  • No Personal Information
• 11 Signs of a Great Resume

  • Targeted
  • Consistent
  • Well written
  • Concise
  • Summarize Qualifications
  • Self Promoting
  • Accurate
  • Abbreviation
  • No Personal Information
  • Employers want to know exactly what you can do for them
  • Vague and general resumes that cover many possible job options will not get noticed
• Employers scan resumes and decide in less than 30 seconds if they want to look more closely at what you offer
• If you are submitting a paper version, one-page resumes work best
• Descriptive action verbs


  1. Established

  2. Implemented

  3. Created

  4. Streamlined
• The “Job Objective” or “Summary of Qualifications” section powerfully illustrates your top selling points
• Make sure to show your accomplishments, skills, and abilities. Employers want to see proof that you can do the job
• List your skills, qualifications, and experiences in as positive a manner as possible but do not exaggerate or misstate the truth
• Avoid abbreviated words on your resume. It looks sloppy and many abbreviations are not universally accepted
• Review your resume and have someone else read your resume as well. Mistakes of any kind are extremely annoying to employers and also the fastest way to get your resume into the rejection pile
• Spelling mistakes and typos suggest the poor quality of work they can expect from you
• If you are submitting a paper version of your resume, use a computer and print it with a laser printer to give it a sharp, professional look. Conservative white, light tan, or light gray are generally acceptable colors
• Dark or creative colors are acceptable only for artistic resumes (i.e. graphic design areas). Also, never send out a resume that is obviously a copy