Resumes

PURPOSE OF THE RESUME
One of the first steps in a successful job search is to develop your resume. It is important because it may be the only exposure that an employer has to you. A resume will not get you a job, but it may get you an interview. It is a critical item in the job search process, as employers use the resume to screen candidates and decide whom to interview. Considering that employers may only spend approximately 30 seconds or less scanning a resume, the importance of an attractive resume cannot be overemphasized.

TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR RESUME

• Use a font that is easy to read - Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica are all good choices.
• Font should never be smaller than 10 pt.
• PROOFREAD for spelling and grammatical errors. Once you have thoroughly checked your resume, stop by the Office of Career Services for a final proof. You might ask one of your favorite professors to look it over as well.
• Use standard 8.5 x 11 resume paper – white or off-white.
• Keep the margins consistent. ½ - 1 inch margins are standard.
• Format is important. Dates, fonts and spacing should follow a specific pattern. Be consistent.
• Keep in mind that a resume should be written with the audience in mind. Employers will be looking for the following:
  • Activities and experiences that differentiate you from other candidates
  • Highlights of your accomplishments
  • Demonstrated interest in the type of work you seek
• Keep your resume to one page. Alumni may find it necessary to use more than one page, but undergraduates should keep their resume to one page.

RESUME CONTENT
Name and Address Header:

• Provide college and permanent address.
• Include a phone number that has voice mail or an answering machine.
• Make sure the message you leave is professional.
• Include an email that you check regularly.
• Your email address should also be professional.

Education:

• Use the full name of your degree: Candidate for Bachelor of Arts/Science.
• Majors and minors.
• GPA if 3.0 or higher.
• List relevant coursework, research and projects.
• Study Abroad

(High school is not necessary, particularly as you near graduation. If you attended a well-known high school and plan to network with people who are familiar with or attended that high school, include it.)

Experience:

• Separate experience by using headings such as “Internship” or “Relevant” or “Research” experience
• Company Name
• Location – include city/town and state
• Position/Title
• Indicate months and year(s) you worked or by season (“summer”)
• Start each bullet or description with a strong action verb (listed below)
• Be specific about functions performed, results and skills utilized
• High school or irrelevant experience may be deleted or condensed as appropriate

Activities/Volunteer/ Leadership/Memberships/Skills/Interests:

• Choose headings that match your experiences
• These sections provide other relevant information that adds a different dimension to your resume
• Include foreign language skills and specific software and research tools

POSITIVE ACTION VERBS

• Resumes
• Sample Resumes