How to Write a Resume
Getting Started
Your resume should be concise, but complete. An employer spends an average of 15 to 20 seconds scanning a resume. Make your first impression a good one. A 1 to 2 page resume is usually sufficient, especially for someone just starting out. Use the amount of space necessary to say what needs to be said!
First impressions count! For a professional looking resume:- Use good quality bond paper in a neutral color and a font that's simple and easy to read.
- Margins on the top, bottom, and sides should be uniform and approximately one inch wide.
- Use a laser printer.
- Make sure your resume contains no spelling or grammatical errors.
- Typically, a college graduate has a one page resume. Two page resumes are more acceptable for those with a PhD, with a considerable amount of experience, or for an education setting.
- Include those categories that are relevant and place them in order of importance. Based on what the reader (the employer) would find most important. Always target your resume to the employer and position.
Include your name, address, phone number, and email address if you have one. Students often include two addresses: "Current Address" and "Permanent Address". Make it as easy as possible for an employer to reach you during winter or spring breaks.
Objective
An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do.- Be specific about the job you want. For example: To obtain a specific title within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organization skills.
- Tailor your objective to each employer you target and every job you seek.
Education
The "Education" section is often the most important section heading for a recent college graduate. In this section, begin with your most recent educational experience. Actually name the degree you have earned or are working toward. If you have a degree from another college or university, list that after your current school.
- Example:
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, May 2009
- Minor: Spanish
- GPA 3.1/4.0
Experiences
Experience should include any relevant employment, internships, significant campus leadership offices, volunteer work, and class/research projects. Include title, name of organization, location, and dates for each position. Using action verbs, describe specific skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Use phrases rather than sentences (omit the personal pronoun "I").
- Example:
- Marketing Intern, ABC Corporation, Buffalo, NY, October, 2008 - May, 2009
- Updated and maintained customer database on PC network using Access and Excel.
- Researched demographics for targeted mass mailings.
- Organized all aspects of a marketing seminar, including scheduling presenters.
- Developed publicity and planned event for prospective local business customers.
Divide your experience into more than one category if you wish to highlight particularly related experience. Examples are "Related Experience", or "Marketing Experience", or "Leadership Experience". Entries within a section should be placed in reverse chronological order. How far back should you go? The goal is to offer the employer or college your most recent and relevant experience.
Extras
Anything you have done above and beyond employment and school needs to be emphasized. Employers look for those candidates that have prepared themselves far more than the person sitting next to them in the classroom. These "extras" may be listed in the experience section, or can be highlighted by creating sections just for those experiences. Check out the list in the right column for heading ideas.
Optional
Including your GPA on your resume is optional. Only include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. If you do include it, it should be written as follows: GPA 3.1/4.0 .
It is understood that if an employer is interested in hiring you, you will provide references. The statement "References furnished upon request" often takes up valuable space on the resume.
Creative Categories
(Use creative descriptions that best sell what you have to offer.)
- Objective
- Certifications
- Language Proficiency
- Achievements
- Career
- Summary
- Projects
- Volunteer Work
- Relevant Coursework
- Education
- Design Projects
- Leadership
- Licenses
- Academic
- Related
- Activities
- Skills
- Preparation
- Employment
- Campus Involvement
- Computer Skills
- Study Abroad
- Experience
- Community Work
- Co-operative Education
- Honors
- Work History
- Affiliations
- References
- Awards
- Internships
- Travel
- Availability
Video Workshop - Resume Writing
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