How to create a Resume And other stuff you should care about even though you may not yet

Purpose Your resume is your Marketing Brochure Identifies what you have to offer Explains what contributions you can make Targeted directly to the specific needs of the employer Can be given to references Used in the interview as a guide by employer Main purpose: to get you an interview!

Things that you should have in your resume

Necessary Categories TITLE BLOCK/HEADING Your name Address (include local and permanent if applicable) Daytime telephone number - don’t forget area codes – more than one number is o.k.- make it easy for the employer to reach you Make sure your voice message is professional sounding – no music, jokes, etc. address – it should be professional; create a separate account exclusively for job search if needed through one of free ISPs (hotmail, yahoo, gmail, etc..)

Necessary Categories OBJECTIVE Need only be the job title you are applying for Many career hubs will allow you to upload more than one version of your resume and designate which one to be “active” Statements such as, “A challenging position that will utilize my ___ skills” is not necessary – recruiters just want to know what position you are applying for

Necessary Categories SUMMARY OR SKILLS Can be bulleted or in columns For examples, see GOOGLE List skills you can perform with little or no direction General skills, including communication (written and verbal), problem-solving, managerial, etc. Visit for Summary ideas

Necessary Categories SUMMARY/SKILLS continued Research - list research skills with which you are familiar Laboratory - list techniques, procedures and/or equipment Language - indicate fluency level, specify if you can read/write/speak the language Computer – list software applications can use “Proficient in” and “Familiar with” to qualify skill level

Necessary Categories EDUCATION List highest degree; date to be conferred GPA if 3.0+ (check specific major for guidelines) List Relevant Coursework Put in columns or can list in bullet format with a brief description, for example:

Necessary Categories EXPERIENCE List job title, employer, city, state, dates of employment List jobs in reverse chronological order Use accomplishment statements whenever possible to describe experience and add impact Start with an action verb to add interest Ex: Promoted to team lead as a result of consistently demonstrating excellent organizational skills and completing projects on or before deadlines. May include significant academic assignments and relevant extra-curricular activities

Necessary Categories EXPERIENCE continued When not using an accomplishment statement, describe how well you performed job tasks Start bullet point with an adverb, for example: Accurately filed documents to ensure staff had easy and quick access to all critical information. Strictly adhered to all safety and infection prevention standards. Tactfully and courteously handled difficult customers at busy, high-volume retail outlet.

The Cover Letter Should always accompany each resume you send out Establishes personal contact Introduces resume, highlights experience and promotes your eligibility Address it to a specific person Print on good quality paper (match resume) Use standard business format Stress how your skills, education, experience can benefit the employer Close by indicating your interest in the position and follow-up plans

Reference Page Take with you to an interview or include with resume only when requested Three to six names; your contact information at the top, with the title, “REFERENCES” Ask before listing – include name and all contact information with address No relatives, friends, other students Send references a copy of your resume Notify references if you think they may be contacted; provide information about the job you are applying for Thank people who serve as a reference by sending thank you /note

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Other DON’Ts in a resume