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:
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."
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