| Tips on Resume Writing |
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:: Resume Content Areas :: |
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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, 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: |
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:: Name, Address and Telephone :: |
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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. Use your parents' home address, a post office box, or someone
who will know where to contact you at all times. Also, always include
phone numbers with area codes. If you have an e-mail address, you
might want to include that as well. |
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:: Objective or Profile :: |
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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. |
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Examples: |
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Profile Marketing...Finance...Management. |
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Eager to contribute to the growth of a progressive company with
quality products or services. |
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Qualified by business education, customer service and administrative
experience. |
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Professional appearance and advanced interpersonal communication. |
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Highly motivated, strong work ethic; available as needed for training, travel, overtime, etc. |
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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. |
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:: Education :: |
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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. |
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:: Work Experience :: |
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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.
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You should include: |
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The title of your position, |
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Name of organization, |
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Location of work (town, state), and |
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Dates (1999-2000 academic year) you should describe your work responsibilities with an emphasis on achievements using action words to communicate your skills. |
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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. |
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:: Additional Information :: |
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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.
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Interests: |
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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: Lotus, Microsoft
Word, Excel, Tally 4.5-8.1, 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. |
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:: References :: |
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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." |
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