Resume writing basics...

Things to think about before writing your resume:

1. Research the organization and the position to find out what skills, knowledge, values and experience are needed for the position you want.
2. Brainstorm a list of primary jobs you've held, including any unpaid work that shows you have the skills for the job. Also list all the skills you have developed at each of these positions.
3. Make a list of three or four of your strongest skills or abilities that make you a good candidate for the target job.
4. For each key skill, think of several accomplishments from your past paid or non-paid history to illustrate those skills.
5. Make a list of your training and education that's related to the new job you want.

1. Name
   • Use your formal name (Ex: Elizabeth M. Smith, instead of Liz Smith)
   • Your name should stand out from the rest of the text by being larger in font, bold, or CAPS
   • If necessary, include your middle name to help clarify ambiguous names (Ex. Corey Nathan Smith, etc.)
2. Address
   • Use your current address. If you are moving, include your new address (or permanent address if you are unsure of where you will be living) and the date to start using it.
3. Telephone number
   • Use your home phone number and be sure employers will be able to leave a message. Make sure you change your answering machine so that it sounds professional, as well as inform your roommates of your job search so that they will be sure to take detailed messages if necessary.
   • If you choose to use a cell phone to be sure you get your messages, be cautious where you answer the phone. Don't pick up if you are in a loud bar or out of range to get clear reception.
4. E-mail
   • Include only if you check for messages regularly and if it looks professional. For example, don't include e-mail addresses such as sexymama@yahoo.com.
5. Education and training
   • Include only post-high school education and training unless pertinent to the position.
   • Be sure to include university name, city, degree, major, expected graduation date, college (i.e. CLA, IT, CSOM), GPA if above a 3.0
   • May also include academic honors, related coursework, study abroad
6. Skills and experience
   • This portion is where you elaborate on your paid and unpaid work experiences while in college and is key to making you stand out from other applicants
   • Be sure to include your job title, the name and location of where you worked, and the dates you were employed.
   • Each position should include 3-5 bullets which explain your accomplishments and skills developed at this work setting.
   • Describe each accomplishment in a simple, powerful, action statement which must include: a strong verb statement + details (who, what, where, why, how, quantities) + outcome/result.
   • Keep statements focused to the skills and experience necessary for the position and which will emphasize past results, accomplishments, and level of responsibility

1. Job objective
   • A job objective is a statement which specifically states the type of position you are trying to obtain, the type of organization you would like to work for and the skills you can bring to the position. Example: To obtain an entry-level marketing position in a large non-profit organization which will utilize my skills in public relations, promotions and fund raising.
   • Everything else that you select to place on your resume should support your job objective.
2. Summary of qualifications
   • A summary is placed near the top of your resume and includes 3-5 bullet points, which highlight your key qualifications for the position you are applying for.
   • It also may include important items which don't fit well anywhere else on a resume.
   • Using a summary ensures the employer sees your key selling points even if quickly scanning your resume.
   • Summaries should be brief and very focused; they will likely be changed for each position you apply for.
3. Volunteer experience
   • Volunteer experience can be elaborated on the same way as work experience, or you can simply list where you volunteered and the dates.
4. Outside interests
   • Resumes can include student organization memberships, participation in athletics, fraternity/sorority involvement, etc., but be sure to keep it professional.
   • These also can be elaborated on like work experience or simply listed including the organization, your position (if appropriate), and the dates of involvement.
5. Awards and honors
   • Name the award and date received. Can include academic/non-academic achievements.
6. Professional affiliations
   • Include any professional memberships, which relate to your job objective.