RESUME GUIDE

What is a resumé?

A résumé is a formatted summary of you! It tells the reader of your accomplishments and helps them understand why they should want to interview you. Yes! Interview you! The over goal is to get the job or get into your college program; however, first comes the interview, then comes the offer. For now, let's focus on getting you an interview.

In the "interview prep" section of this website, you can review and learn strategies for how to stand out from other applicants during your interview.

What goes on my résumé?

Contact information
Past and current employment
Academic achievements
Extracurricular activities

What format should is use?

MS Word or Google Docs
Do not use Canva!
An applicant tracking system (AI) needs to be able to read your document as a document or as a document that is saved as a PDF.
- - Canva creates images, not documents, or images that can be saved as PDF images. Stick to MS Word or Google Docs.
See the next section about Applicant Tracking Systems.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

VERY IMPORTANT!

Almost all job applications are completed online. Many companies use an applicant tracking system, or simply "ATS", software that helps to identify the best resumes. The software accomplishes by using artificial intelligence to read your resume for the following:

Keywords that match the job description
Education level and schools attended
Readability of your resume
Gives your resume a score based on the above.
High scores get read by recruiters. All others get rejected.

This means your resume is viewed and approved or rejected by the software before a human ever gets to see it! This guide will help you build a resume that is ATS-friendly.

Resume Design: The Fun Part!

Let's start off by addressing how your resume should look! The content on your resume is the most important part, but if your resume does look right or doesn't make it through the ATS, the content may never be read!

The font size should be between 10 - 12. Some fonts look bigger or smaller in different sizes. The best way to test out your font size is to print your resume, hold it at arm's length, and read it. If you can clearly read it from that distance, then your font size is fine.

The type of font matters, too! Avoid any fonts that resemble handwriting!

Here are some great fonts that are professional and can be read by an ATS:

Safe and Professional Colors

In the old days, a resume was on white paper with blank ink. Today, it is still a proper format to use white paper, but there is plenty of flexibility with using color. Colors should be professional and consistent. For example, if you have your first job title in blue, then your second job title should also be in blue. This creates a format. Think of it as your own, personal brand.

Avoid colors like yellow, pink, light gray, light blue, light any color, and neon colors. These colors may be viewed as unprofessional and can be hard to read on a white background. Remember: You can still have a black and white resume! Using color is just an option!

Here are some safe-to-use resume colors:

Green

Blue

Purple

Resume Layout: What Goes Where?

The following sections should appear on your resume. Some are required, while others may be left out, depending on your background and the job to which you are applying.

Section 1: Contact Information

Required! This is the first section to appear on your resume. Be sure to include

First and last name
Phone number
City of residence
Email address.

Email Address

Be sure to use a professional email address. If you do not have one, try using a mix of your name, initials, or birth year.

Here are examples of unprofessional email addresses that may cause employers to dismiss your resume

babyboy69@fakeemail.com
dodgers2020@fakeemail.com
streetz@fakeemail.com
cardiBnMe@fakeemail.com
badbarbie@fakeemail.com
lbc562forLyfe@fakeemail.com

Here are some good examples of professional email addresses you can use

jcabrillo@fakeemail.com
cabrilloJ2003@fakeemail.com
juanC2004@fakeemail.com
JC2005@fakeemail.com
jcabrilloLBC@fakeemail.com
cabrillo2004@fakeemail.com

Section 2: Summary

Required! This section provides the reader with a quick idea of what you have to offer, as an applicant. Be sure to touch on the following topics:

Working with diverse populations
Mention skills
Teamwork
If you're bilingual, be sure to say so.
Always have a summary, but never have an objective. Why? An objective is about what you want. A summary is about what you have to offer. An employer is interested in what you have to offer.

Section 3: Education

Required! This section is where you start to brag! The remainder of your resume will look like a list of accomplishments that you've achieved or are pursuing. In the Education section, be sure to list your most recent first, then work your way backward. Include the following:

Name of your college, trade school, or training program, if you have one.
Name of your high school
Graduation dates or the dates your attended. You can also write it as "Fall 2021 - Present" once you start your program
Degree, certificate, or diploma that you've earned or are working towards earning

Section 4: Experience

Required! This section is crucial! If you do not have work experience, be sure to connect with the College and Career Center.

This is the section where you list your employment, accomplishments, and duties. The reader should review this section and be able to get an idea of who you are as an employee and how your skills will help their company or organization.

Tense Matters!

Past Experience = Past Tense

Present Experience = Present Tense

Past Project at a Present Experience = Past Tense

Section 5: Extracurriculars

Optional! If you have extracurriculars, be sure to list them here. If not, use this space to expand upon your experience.

Extracurriculars include sports, after-school clubs, study groups, and other activities that are affiliated with your time at Cabrillo High School. Be sure to identify the activity, your role, and the month of the event or the duration of the time you were involved.

Section 6: Volunteer Experience

Optional! Having volunteer experience is a great way to get your resume noticed. If you don't have any experience as a volunteer, contact a local non-profit, government agency, or even LBUSD to find opportunities to volunteer.

Resume Example.docx

Download the resume template here.

NEVER EVER EVER...

Never include references or "references available upon request"
Never use pronouns (I, me, mine, they, his, her, your, you, etc.)
Never have a photo
Never list your social media
Never list your gender, birthday, age, marital status, social security number, or full address
Never have an objective. Write a summary instead (Section 2). A summary discusses what you can offer the employer. An objective is about your goals, not how you can help the employer.
Never be afraid to brag. That's the purpose of your resume.

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