The following categories can be
used as guideline to assist you
in organizing a resume. In constructing
a rough draft, do not be concerned
with length. Remember that categories
may be omitted or added in later
revisions. There is no absolute
correct way to organize your resume.
Creativity is encouraged. The following
are descriptions of the basic categories
of the standard resume:
Name,
Address and Telephone:
Present yourself with the name you
use in your personal and business
life (nicknames should be avoided).
If you have a campus address that
does not apply during vacations
or after graduation, you should
present both a college and permanent
address. Also, always include phone
numbers with area codes. If you
have an e-mail address, you might
want to include that as well.
Objective
or Profile:
The objective is one of the most
important parts of a resume and
should not be overlooked. It informs
potential employers that you are
moving in a certain direction, relates
your work preference(s), and serves
as a focal point from which to review
and analyze your resume. It should
be brief, clearly stated, and consistent
with the accomplishments and demonstrated
skills as documented on your resume.
If you are considering more than
one professional goal, you should
consider developing more than one
resume, each presenting a different
objective.Example:
Position
teaching science and/or math at
the secondary school level.
Position within a financial institution
requiring strong analytical and
organizational skills.
The profile is an alternative to
an objective statement. It gives
you the opportunity to present your
strengths at the very beginning
of the resume.Example:
Profile
Marketing...Finance...Management
Eager to contribute to the growth
of a progressive company with quality
products or services.
Qualified by business education,
customer service and administrative
experience.
Professional appearance and advanced
interpersonal communication.
Highly motivated, strong work ethic;
available as needed for training,
travel, overtime, etc.
Financed 80% of college tuition
and expenses; additional 20% through
scholarships.
In Writing the major areas of your
resume, it is important to emphasize
your abilities and accomplishments
more than past duties. You may also
want to indicate how well you performed.
This will help infuse personal qualities
such as character and personality
into your resume.
Education:
This category is particularly important
if you have not had a great deal
of work experience. Remember, your
most recent educational experience
should be listed first.
Include your degree, major, institution(s)
attended, date of graduation, minors
or concentrations, and any special
workshops, seminars, related coursework
or senior projects
Work
Experience:
Many students have limited paid
work experience, but have been involved
in volunteer, internship, practicum
or student teaching work experiences.
The important point to the employer
is what your skills are and what
you can do on the job. Be sure to
include all significant work experience
in reverse chronological order.
Note to teacher candidates: be sure
to include your student teaching
experience on your resume.
You
should include: (1) the title of
your position, (2) name of organization,
(3) location of work (town, state),
and (4) dates (ex. Summer 1994;
1994-95 academic year)
You should describe your work responsibilities
with an emphasis on achievements
using action words to communicate
your skills. List the most important
and related responsibilities first.
Identify the most relevant work
experiences and describe them fully.
Be brief with the irrelevant experiences
or omit them. It is sometimes useful
to divide your work experience into
two categories: Relevant Experience
and Other Experience.
You may want to add that work was
performed to earn a certain percent
of college expenses. Example: Earned
75% of college expenses through
the following part-time jobs.
Additional Information
This category is useful for displaying
information that doesn't fit in
any other category. Although Interests,
Computer Knowledge, and Activities
can be separate categories, especially
if they are very strong, they can
be listed here as well. Languages
spoken, or any extra, relevant bit
of information can be placed here
as well.
Interests:
This is sometimes used to evaluate
your suitability to a geographic
area or to understand your "personality
type". Include this section
if you have available space. Include
social or civic activities, health
and fitness or sports activities,
or hobbies which indicate how you
spend your leisure time. ·
Computer Knowledge: If using computers
is a necessary skill for the job
you are seeking, be sure to highlight
your knowledge in this section.
Example:
* Software: Microsoft Word, Excel,
SAS, Real World Accounting
* Hardware: IBM 3090 Mainframe,
AT&T 586, IBM PC, MacintoshSoftware:
Microsoft Word, Excel, SAS, Real
WorldAccountingHardware: IBM 3090
Mainframe, AT&T 586, IBM PC,
Macintosh
Activities, Honors, and Leadership
are also important categories to
include. If the activities involved
work responsibility, note it in
some detail. The employer is interested
in the skills you have developed
whether through volunteer or paid
experiences. If you were elected
to offices or committees, mention
it. Recognition and demonstration
of leadership roles are valuable.
References:
Be sure to ask individuals if they
would be willing to be a reference
for you prior to mentioning their
names to prospective employers.
Names of individuals are not usually
listed on the resume (unless there
is space available at the end),
but you should prepare a typed list
of three references to provide at
the interview. This list should
include name, title, employer, address,
business and home telephone number.
You may also state at the bottom
of your resume "References
furnished upon request."