Writing Resumes
Resume Tips
A resume is the first tangible step in the job search. Following are some items to consider when approaching this potentially intimidating task:
- There are no hard and fast rules. An effective resume reflects your "uniqueness" as an individual. IT IS YOUR STORY and should be regarded as a "Living Document", requiring updates several times each semester.
- The "Story" told on your resume should reflect a TRUTHFULL summary of your accomplishments. Misrepresentations and overenhancements always lead to trouble with potential employers.
- "Image is Everything" thus make sure your "Story" is told free of grammatical and spelling errors. You only get one chance to make a first impression!
- Have fun with this project - it should be an enjoyable "Story" for you to produce!
- Resumes don't get you jobs - they get you interviews.
Your resume "story" should be composed of several important "chapters". The following are suggestions for each of these:
Objective
Not all modern-day resumes include an objective statement. If included, be specific to the point of what you are looking to achieve or obtain with your internship or job search. Most employers are scanning through resumes very quickly looking for key words and if the first item they encounter is a weak objective statement, there is a good chance you may not make it to the first round of interviews.
Education
- School(s) attended (usually do not include high school)
- Degree (Associates, Bachelor of Science, Masters, Doctoral) and date receiving degree
- Major(s)
- Minor(s)
- Grade point (optional)
- Thesis title for graduate level degrees
- Percent of college education financed by self
Relevant Coursework
Although often times looked upon as "filler" by employers, specific coursework may be beneficial for research-based or technology careers in which certain lab techniques or computer skills can be exemplified via classes.
International Experiences
Today's college student is provided the affordable opportunity to experience a diverse array of study abroad or international experiences. Although many students sense that such an experience is their "meal ticket" to a rewarding job upon graduation, it is generally not. Nonetheless these experiences definitely belong on a resume as recruiters do recognize their value. They may also be very beneficial in answering many of the behavioral-based questions asked during the course of an interview. Tell me about...
On the resume, limit each experience to a couple brief sentences summarizing the major purpose or accomplishment of the trip.
Work Experience
- Organize chronologically - most recent first.
- Utilize bolding to emphasize "company" and italics for "position title".
Example: Company, location
Title, dates of employment
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§
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- Utilize bullets to summarize responsibilities and accomplishments rather than paragraphs.
- Bullets can be complete or incomplete sentences.
- Incorporate action verbs and "buzzwords" associated with your area of interest.
- Watch verb tenses - past vs. present. Pronouns are usually not necessary - "I".
- Avoid word redundancy.
- Farm background??? Make sure you include it on resume as recruiters recognize work ethic and values associated with it. Include specifics - farm size, crops, livestock, machinery, ownership, etc.
- Can include volunteer activities here.
- Remember - regardless of the type of job - there are always universal tangibles that can be pulled from the work experience. Example - teamwork, customer service, management responsibilities, computer skills, etc.
Activities & Honors
This is one of the most important sections of the resume as recruiters are looking to hire potential leaders. If you don't have any activities - find some! It is never too late to start. Include the following:
- Campus clubs/organizations (list specific offices held - ex. President)
- Professional organizations
- Fraternities & sororities
- Athletics
- Volunteer activities
- Scholarships
- Dean's List
- Honorary academic memberships (Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, etc.)
- Other academic recognition
Note: As freshman and sophomore it is acceptable to include important activities/honors from high school (Valedictorian, American FFA Degree, etc.) on your resume. However, as you progress during your college years these activities should be replaced with current college activities and honors.
Publications & Presentations
This section is usually reserved for graduate students but may occasionally apply to undergraduates. If applicable, list appropriate authors, publications, conferences, etc.
References
- List them on your resume!
- There is no magic number on how many to list (3-4 is a good figure).
- Keep current and include references from academic and work experiences.
- Be detailed (name, title, address including zip code, and telephone number)
- Inform references when you are applying for specific positions.
Other tips for a successful resume include:
- In most cases a two-page resume is acceptable. Curriculum Vitae may be longer.
- Use white or light-colored, standard size (8-1/2" x 11") paper, printed on one side. Since many resumes are faxed or photocopied, do not use dark, marbled, speckled, or heavy paper.
- Mail resumes and cover letters in large manila envelopes to avoid folding.
