1. Spice Up Your Resume
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D R I V E T H R U

2. Explore
Take time to reflect on and list your accomplishments both in and out of the classroom
Answer these questions
What have I done in my life, academic or otherwise that would make me valuable to this company?
What qualifications do I have that would be of value?
How am I special?

3. Speak The Language Review the job description Research company
Look at the company web site
Read recent press releases
Do an internet search on the company
Incorporate the “LINGO” used with all of these into your resume

4. The Basics NO typos, spelling errors or use of poor grammar
Don’t use templates
Your resume = You
Neat resume = neat
Organized resume = organized
Error-free resume = careful
Professional resume = competent
Keep it relevant to the position
Be concise and clear
Be consistent
One page is preferred
Balance the info, equal margins
No personal pronouns
Use strong action verbs
Bullets
Avoid parentheses
Print on high-quality white or off-white bond paper
Never fold, staple or use paper clips

5. Choose a Style
Chronological Presents your Education and Work experience in a straightforward, REVERSE chronological order. Effective if your work is relevant to your objective. Functional Concentrates on your qualifications that relate to the skills necessary to perform the desired job. This style is effective if your work experience is NOT closely related to your objective. Combination Uses Both styles. The skills or qualifications section identifies your skills in relation to your job or career objective. This format grabs the reader’s attention early.

6. Heading Name- stand out Address- 1 or 2; state
Telephone Number- 1 or 2; area code
address- appropriate
Be Creative with your heading.
Make your resume stand out from others.

7. Objective Sets the course for the resume
Be specific to the individual position, field or industry
May include the company, industry, or organization
Do not add plans for advancement
Objective Real Estate Agent
Objective High School Agricultural Teacher
Area of Interest Banking Industry

8. Summary of Qualifications
3 to 5 bullets
List years of experience in area you are applying for
List personal traits that make you stand out
List skills relevant to your objective
Be specific and descriptive

9. Education Include degree Major, minor, emphasis
College or university with location
Expected date of graduation
GPA or major GPA if 3.0 or above
Optional- Part of the Texas A&M University System

10. Experience Job Title Name of Employer Location Dates of Employment
Description (Under Related only)
Having relevant experience will make you stand out from other applicants.

11. Types of Experience Work Internships- paid or unpaid Class assignments
Group projects
Volunteer work
Campus organizations
Job Shadow

12. Selling Yourself Insert bullets Start each bullet with an action verb
Use the correct tense
Rank order the information by importance to objective
Showcase your accomplishments, skills, and abilities
Keep your descriptions specific and concise
Emphasize leadership, problem-solving, organization, communication, ingenuity, teamwork, and promotions
Use numbers, percentages and details

13. Other Categories Related Courses Computer or Specialized Skills
Foreign Languages
Honors and Achievements
Scholarships and Awards
Volunteer Experience
Leadership Experience
Campus or Community Activities
Certificates, Licenses, and Additional Training

14. Checklist Spell check and proofread
Formatting—Does it make a good first impression?
Is it relevant?
Does it showcase my skills?
Make appointment with Career Services
Post resume in the Tarleton Connection Database

15. Then add the following information…

16. Cover Letter
Your street address City, State Zip Today’s Date Ms. Elizabeth Ford Assistant Director Meadows Corporation 7439 Western Avenue Chicago, IL Dear Ms. Ford: The opening paragraph should arouse the interest of the employer. State why you are writing and give information to show your interest in this specific organization. If it is a letter of application, name the position for which you are applying and how you heard of it. The middle paragraph(s) should create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the job description or requirements. Refer the reader to the general qualifications on your enclosed resume. Highlight important points, but do not repeat your entire resume. Also highlight points that will be of particular interest to the organization. The closing paragraph should pave the way for the interview by asking for an appointment, by offering to call the employer in the near future or by making some similar suggestion to facilitate an immediate and favorable reply. Sincerely, (sign here in black ink) Jennifer S. Lane Enclosure (You are noting that you have enclosed your resume or other documents as requested by the employer.)

17. References Separate page Use resume paper
Copy & paste your resume heading
3-6 references
Ask each person 1st
Provide each person with a copy of your resume
Professional rather than personal if possible
Include
Name
Position
Place of Employment
Contact Info

18. Interview Practice interview questions Mock Interview
Dress professionally
Plan driving route & parking
Make copies of resume & references
Prepare questions for the interviewer
Arrive minutes early
Be courteous & professional to everyone there

19. 1 Resume Pres
3 Sides of Tips
Total FREE
Thank You! 
Brittany

20. TSC, 218 968-9078 www.tarleton.edu/~careers
D R I V E T H R U
TSC,