Resume Guide

OBJECTIVE

• Your resume objective should provide a short, simple and clear statement about the kind of position you wish to obtain.

• An objective is not required for your resume, but it can help show the reader how the job position or program relates to your personal goals. Here are some examples:

  • "Summer internship in the Biology Lab"

  • "Obtain a position in which I can learn more about business and finance"

  • "Part-time sales position in retail"

• If you're not sure about your objective, think about jobs that use skills and talents that you have or positions that could help you learn more about areas that interest you. You can record as many objectives as you want here and choose a specific one to print later.

SUMMARY

• A summary statement is a quick way to highlight the most significant accomplishments and skills on your resume.

• It helps the reader quickly understand what sets you apart and puts your best foot forward right away. The best format is a series of short sentences that contain actual accomplishments or skills.

• Some examples are:

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Proven leadership skills with multiple leadership positions

  • Three years of retail sales experience

  • National Merit Scholarship finalist

• Ideally, the summary contains items that relate directly to the most important skills required for the job or program. You can create multiple summary statements here, so you may want to create several versions that emphasize particular strengths depending on the situation.

EXPERIENCE

• One of the keys to writing a good resume is to learn how to write short "snippets" that demonstrate what you did (action) and what you accomplished (result).

• You can make your work experience a lot more relevant and informative to the reader if you use this style.

• Examples of snippets:

  • Organized records into an online database for easier administration

  • Consistently sold more than monthly quota

  • Tutored students in math to improve SAT scores by an average of 200 points

• For work experience, make sure you list any job that gave you useful experience or skills. Even if you didn't get paid, you worked for a parent or relative, or you worked for yourself, you probably still gained valuable experience and accomplished something meaningful.

EDUCATION

• Include coursework related to your job objective, apprenticeships, workshops or seminars.

• Even if it does not directly relate to a job, it can be helpful to list other interesting things you have studied to show that you are a well-rounded person.

• Note any significant accomplishments such as a high GPA or a leadership position.

VOLUNTEER SERVICES / EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Note any special accomplishments or leadership positions with your volunteer service.

• As you look for volunteer service opportunities, think about something that you would enjoy committing to on a regular basis. Spending more time on fewer activities can provide you with an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution and demonstrate your commitment.

• Don't worry about listing only the "right" activities. Try to note everything you've done and you can always select just a few items for a printed resume.

• Include anything where you have taken a leadership position, developed a significant skill or accomplished something.

SKILLS / ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

• Do you have technical skills such as computer programming or proficiency with processors and spreadsheets? Make sure you list specific languages or programs.

• If you have accomplished specific things with your skill, make note of it (e.g. developed a website for a local band using Microsoft .NET).

• Have you developed any skills on your own? This shows initiative and willingness to learn, which is valuable to any employer.

MUSIC / ARTISTIC / ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT

• Musical and artistic achievement requires a lot of hard work.

• Emphasize the work that has gone into your achievements.

• Note any recognition or advancement (e.g. was promoted to first soloist, etc.)

• Make sure you note any leadership positions or awards.

LEADERSHIP

• List any leadership experience you may have.

• Examples may be positions, offices, or experiences you can point to.

REFERENCES

• Make sure you have permission from each person listed to use them as a reference.

• Verify with each reference how they would prefer to be contacted.

• References can make a big difference. When you start a job, always think about how your supervisor would describe you to others. Don't be afraid to ask them how they see your strengths and weaknesses. If you show a willingness to listen and to learn, they may end up being a really strong reference for you.

Format

• Your resume should be appealing and easy to read.

  • Can the employer quickly find the information they need?

• Watch the length (1 page is ideal for entry-level candidates but can be exceeded, if necessary)

• Develop brief action statements with bullet points.

• Include (but not limited to) the following sections:

  • Objective or Professional Summary (1-2 sentences describing why you are qualified for the job)

  • Key Highlights/Skills (list the skills, certifications, and/or technologies you know well)

  • Experience (starting with the most recent-list past employers, related projects and/or activities)

  • Education (degrees you have completed and/or are working on, as well as, relevant classes)

Tailored to the Job

• Think of your resume as an advertisement: You need to convince the employer that not only are you a good candidate for the position, you are the best candidate for the position.

• Employers want to see that you understand what is involved in working for them and that you have ideas about how you could contribute to the team.

  • Make sure you highlight any particular skills, experience or education that pertains to the job.

  • Include most important and relevant information at the top of your resume.

  • Your do not need to list every project or jobs that aren't relevant. Summarize, but be inclusive.

• Do some research on the company before applying.

  • Know what it is they do, what their company policies and goals are, who their business partners are, and what they look for in employees,

  • Make sure that their values and practices are in-line with your own.

Language

• Be sure to use clear, concise language to get your information across. Be thorough, but brief.

• Use short phrases and succinct points rather than completed sentences.

• Use professional vocabulary, and employ action verbs/words where possible.

Spellcheck & Proofread

Before you submit your resume, make sure you use spell check for grammar; Proofread for spelling, capitalization, or punctuation errors. After, have someone proofread the document.

Keywords are Key

• When an employer searches a database, they use keywords. This should mean a couple of things to the resume writer:

  • Include relevant keywords in your resume (industry specific, often found in job postings)

  • A list of keywords that do not represent your expertise should be avoided.

​Save in Multiple Formats

• You may need formatted and non-formatted versions of your resume for various modes of distribution.

• Make sure to convert your work document into a PDF to retain the original formatting if sending as an attachment.

• It is also important that you save your resume using the following file name: firstname_lastname_resume