1. Résumé Writing 101

2. Purpose of a Résumé To obtain an interview
This is a document used to provide a quick “snapshot” of your skills, abilities and accomplishments

3. Types of Resumes Chronological Functional Combination
Most commonly used.
Displayed from most recent position followed by other experiences in reverse chronological order.
Mostly used for people who are making a career change to another industry.
Allows you to present your experience in a way that reflects the needs of the employer.
Highlights transferable skills at the top.
Combination of both chronological and functional.
First part: Your functional resume section and highlights your skills, achievements and qualifications.
Second part: timeline of work experience in reverse chronological order.

4. Chronological

5. Functional

6. Combination

7. How To Get Started?
Microsoft Word document (.doc) (Avoid using templates)
One Page
Consistent formatting/style
One inch margin, Times New Roman , pt. to start
Bold key information (headings, position titles, GPA, etc..)

8. Common Headings/Sections
Contact Information
Objective (optional)
Education
Employment/Experience
Activities and Achievements/Additional Headings

9. Additional/Optional Headings
Technical (or Computer) Skills
Key Training and Skills
Languages
Study Abroad/International Experience
Military Experience

10. Contact Information
First and last name (Big & Bold)
Current address
Current phone number
Professional/appropriate address
LinkedIn profile or any additional professional sites

11. Objective
Short and simple way of communicating the type of position you are seeking
Optional to include
Leave off “Objective” section if:
Employer has more than one position of interest
Don’t know what position(s) employer has
Need space on your résumé to describe more qualifications
Examples:
“Seeking an intern position as a Computer Engineer for Spring of 20XX”
“To obtain the position of Staff Accountant with XYZ organization”

12. Objective Video

13. ****NO High School information unless a first year student
Education
Degree or Intended Degree (Bold) Graduation date (Month, Year)
University name and location (city and state)
GPA (if 3.0 or higher)
Minors
Academic honors/awards
Related certificates
Scholarships
International Experience
Licensures
Educational Honors
Related Training and Skills
Thesis or Senior Project
****NO High School information unless a first year student

15. Experience and Employment
“Experiences” can include:
Summer/Part-time Jobs
Internships (credit and not for credit)
Campus Involvement
Self-Employment
Volunteer Work
Clinical work
Practicum work
Information to include:
Job Title/Position (Bold) Employment Date(s) (Month, Year – Month, Year)
Name of Employer/Organization
Location (city and state)
Skills/Duties/Accomplishments
(Include 3-5 Bullet points!)

17. Activities and Achievements
Awards
Volunteer
Training Completions
Any Leadership Experience
Memberships/Organizations
Related Experience and Skills
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Vice President, Husky Helpers, SCSU August 20XX-Present
Coordinated and led Business Etiquette program attended by 100 students and 20 employers
Volunteer, Catholic Charities, St. Cloud, MN August 20XX- May 20XX
Recipient, Husky Leadership Award, SCSU January 20XX
One of only 23 students on campus of 16,000 to receive award for outstanding leadership and service

18. Most Common Mistakes
Résumé Mistakes

19. TASK/EXAMPLE/EXPERIENCE/RESULT/ACCOMPLISHMENT
Bullet Points
WHY?
To STAND OUT!
Show the employer…..
HOW you performed your duties.
WHY the task is important.
IMPACT of the task within the organization.
Highlight the SKILL you developed.
Briefly state RESULTS or ACCOMPLISHIMENTS.
KEY POINTS:
These are phrases, not full sentences.
Use action verbs when describing your experiences and skills developed.
Use appropriate verb tense with past and present employment.
FORMULA:
STRONG ACTION VERB +
SKILL
TASK/EXAMPLE/EXPERIENCE/RESULT/ACCOMPLISHMENT

20. Making Bullet Points Stronger
Ok: Enhanced interpersonal skills
Better: Enhanced interpersonal skills by facilitating teens and community members
Best: Enhanced interpersonal skills by facilitating cross-cultural conversations with 200 teens and community members  

21. Ok: Created real interest nursing tool Better: Created real interest nursing tool to show rate changes effects Best: Created real interest nursing tool to study the effect of rate changes on foreign exchange levels

22. References What to include: Format Who? Name of Reference Title
Organization
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip
Phone #
Separate page.
Paper, font size and style should match résumé.
No need to state “References available upon request” on the bottom of your résumé.
Heading from résumé should match heading on references.
Generally 3-5 references.
Give the correct document and amount.
Current or previous employers
College professors
Always obtain permission first
NOT family or friends

23. John Smith References 105 South Maple Saint Cloud, MN 56301
References
Dr. Jane Doe
Associate Professor
Communication Studies Department
333 Wick Science Building
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320)
Ms. Tracy Wilson
Assistant Store Manager
Herbergers Department Store
567 St. Germain Street
(320)
Nancy Johnson
Director of Sales
Holiday Inn
789 Parkwood Drive
(320)

24. Final Reminders
Follow up on all résumés you send out
Print on good quality résumé paper
Always have a cover letter and reference sheet ready
Recruiters and Human Resources departments are impressed with three things:
The right combination of skills, education and achievements
The ability to relay that information quickly and concisely
A clean, neat, easy-to-read format
Set up an appointment with the Career Center to get your résumé reviewed OR stop by for a drop-in session!

25. THANK YOU! Career Center Centennial Hall 215 320-308-2151