BUILDING YOUR RESUME FOR HEALTH FITNESS MAJORS

Strommen Career & Internship Center Anderson Hall, Lower Level, Room Careers and Internships

What is a Resume?  is a document to market your skills, experience, education and accomplishments to employers  is meant to get you an interview  is NOT your life history  is very concise and easy to scan for information

Basic Guidelines What’s Barney’s Advice?

Basic Guidelines  use consistency in your presentation  use a 10 to 12 point, plain font  organize your information to make it easy to read  use your white space effectively  start all of your descriptive states with past tense action verbs  proofread to check for spelling and grammar errors

Basic Guidelines  do not use high school information  place your most relevant information towards the top  include industry related keywords  target it to the career field you are entering  keep your margins even

Categories  Objective  Summary of Qualifications  Education  Honors  Related Coursework  Internships  Research  Related Experience  Additional Involvement  Volunteer/ Community Service  Skills  Employment  Activities

Resume Statements  use past tense action verbs to describe what you did in each position or experience  be descriptive and specific – who, what, where, when, how, results action verb + details + results = strong resume statement  look at job postings to get ideas  practice telling someone else what you did in each position or how you demonstrated each skill

Personal Information

Education

Related Experience

Related Research and Projects

Leadership Experience

Final Tips  have reviewed by a career specialist  print on quality paper  look at sample resumes and CV’s to get help  always send a cover letter with your resume

Questions?

BAD RESUME SAMPLE

Cover Letters

What is a Cover Letter?  is a letter that gives you a chance to elaborate on more skills you have that may not be specifically highlighted on your resume  is meant to get the employer to read your resume

Basic Guidelines  should always accompany a resume even when not requested  needs to be well-written and in a professional tone  do not start all of your sentences with “I”  customize each letter with a job description of the organization you for which are applying

Heading  your name and address should come first  then put the date  next the employer’s name, title, and work address  always address your employer as:  Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name:

Opening  indicate the position you are applying for and how you came to learn about the position  state why you are interested in the position  say something you know or admire about the organization  shows you have done your research

Middle Section  highlight your experience as it relates to the position  provide the employer with the key skills you have that are mentioned in the job description  be specific about how your achievements and education have prepared you for the position  elaborate more in-depth than what is on your resume

Middle Section

Closing  reiterate your interest in the position and thank them for their consideration  state that you hope to discuss your qualifications in an interview  say when you plan to follow-up with them and then do so

Final Tips  sign your letter with “sincerely” and your signature  do your research on the employer  PROOFREAD!  use the same font and paper as your resume  show enthusiasm for the position

Questions?

Government Job and Internship Fair Monday, October 26, 2009 Working in Green Jobs Panel Monday, November 9, 2009 Business Etiquette Dinner Thursday, November 12, 2009 MN Private College Job and Internship Fair Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Upcoming Events