Resumes
What is a Resume?
A resume is a summary of who you are, presented in a way that will make an employer want to meet you and find out more. There are pieces of information that are expected in a resume, and it is your job to provide that information in a format that the employer finds easy to read.
Three Vital Points to Remember:
- The function of a resume is to get you the interview. A resume will not GET you a job, but it can PREVENT you from getting an interview.
- Present your information so it is quick and easy to read. Employers typically scan a resume in less than a minute. If they see what they need, they will then go back and actually read the resume.
- No errors! This resume represents you to the employer, and errors indicate sloppiness and lack of attention to detail.
Your coordinator will go over your resume at your initial meeting.
Resume Words of Advice
- Organize your data. To avoid forgetting something, collect all the information you might want on a resume before you begin writing the resume.
- Be brief. Try to keep your resume to one page and never go to more than two. Put your name on the second page in case the pages get separated.
- Be positive. Use active verbs to describe previous jobs, experiences, and education. Focus on accomplishments. Identify specific achievements. Show confidence, but do not claim more than is true.
- Employers will sometimes scan resumes for keywords. Usually keywords come from the job description so use as many words from the job description in your resume as you can.
- Make it easy to read. Use variety and spacing to make your resume interesting and readable. Use capitalization, underlining, bold type, or italics for emphasis. Bullets or different size type can highlight information.
- Be accurate. Check for typos, misspellings, and grammar or punctuation errors. Be consistent in the formats you use for spacing and punctuation.
- Have another person proofread your resume.
- Don't make it hard for an employer to reach you. Include phone numbers and e-mail addresses. If you use voice mail, remember that potential employers are hearing the greeting. Funny greetings, long musical recordings, or your child's giggling may make a poor first impression on an employer.
- Whatever method you use, remember it is YOUR responsibility to check for and respond to messages.
Resume Categories
There are some categories of information that should always be included in a resume, and other categories that are optional.
Required Categories
Personal Data
- Name
- Address (street, apartment #, city, state and zip)
- Phone (may include home, work, cell, message number or e-mail address)
Objective
- Type of job you are seeking
- Long-range and/or internship goals
Education
- List with most recent first
- Names of schools
- City and state
- Degree(s), year(s) received
- Majors, minors
- Relevant courses, if desired
- Research or projects completed individually or as a member of a team that gave you experience relevant to the job you are seeking.
Work Experience
List with most recent first
- Names of employers
- City and state
- Dates of employment (month and year)
- Job title
- Major responsibilities: Focus on accomplishments and duties that relate, as much as possible, toward your job/career objectives.
Identify equipment used if your area of study is
equipment-oriented. This would include computers
and computer programs with which you are familiar.
Internships or practicums are relevant work experience as are volunteer or community service work if directly related to job objective
Optional Categories
Military Service
- Dates
- Position title, if relevant, and rank
- Branch of service
- Relevant training
Volunteer Work, Community Activity
- Names of organizations
- Offices held, brief description of duties
- If relevant, include volunteer work under "work experience" rather than here
Special Skills, Licenses
- Computer skills (software, hardware, languages)
- Foreign languages
- Equipment skills
- Certifications
- Pilot ratings
Hobbies or Interests
Publications
References
- Statement that they are available
- A specific listing of your references (name, address and phone number) should be brought with you to an interview
- Permission to list an individual as a reference should always be obtained
Resume Examples
Rebecca
Fran
Steven
Calvin
Sarah
Edward
David
Lance