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REQUIRED COMPONENTS
There are several components that are important to include in
every resume, no matter the style. The following example reflects
the chronological format.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Your most current contact information should be included at the
top of the resume. It is important to provide accurate information
so that a potential employer can easily reach you. Use your full
name and (college and permanent) address with zip code, telephone
with area code and e-mail.
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT
The objective statement is a simple one-sentence summary of the
type of position you are seeking. Use the third-person, avoiding,
using personal pronouns such as "I" or "me".
SAMPLES:
Click here to see a list
of specific and general objectives.
EDUCATION
Academic credentials are very important to an employer,
particularly if you are relatively new to the world of work or if
you are pursuing a job that requires specific training. Only list
current institutions attended or those from which you have received
a degree. In general, avoid listing high school education.
- List study abroad experience in this section. Write out
institution name, city and state, full degree title and
graduation date
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher should be included in this section
EXPERIENCE
An employer will look over your resume to see what experiences
and skills you have gained so far and determine the relevancy to the
current position. Do not limit yourself to paid experiences. It is
very important for you to develop accomplishment statements that
emphasize the skills you have developed as well as any positive
outcomes.
- List professional experience in reverse chronological order
- Indicate the company name, city, state, dates of employment
(month and year), title of position held
- Begin every bullet point with an action verb and be sure to
use correct verb tense
- Develop bulleted accomplishment statements using the formula
below to highlight key responsibilities and skills
| WHAT I DID +
This part of the formula is basically your job
description. If you write this as an accomplishment
statement you are not really describing what you
accomplished. However, this is a starting point for your
statement.
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SKILLS I USED =
This is the MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE FORMULA. When you
pair the SKILLS you used along with what you did, you are
communicating much more information to the reader.
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RESULTS I GOT
When you can describe the types of results you achieved
through the skills you used, you will have written a
comprehensive accomplishment statement which will result in
a better resume.
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SAMPLES:
Created and implemented four data systems utilizing Microsoft
Access and Excel designed to improve the management of customer
contacts
Responsible for the team development and supervision of three
sales associates
Produced a county-wide marketing campaign for a local restaurant
which resulted in 23 percent increase in patronage
COMPUTER SKILLS
In the current work environment, all companies are interested in
the computer skills of their employees. Depending on the desired
position, this may range from a basic knowledge of computer
applications to programming abilities.
- Be specific with your skills
- List all relevant software and your competency level with
specific programs (Identifying Windows 98 versus Windows 2000 is
not necessary)
- Indicate internet research
SAMPLES:
Proficient in Microsoft Office, PageMaker, and Illustrator
Working knowledge of Access and Excel
Familiar with Word, PowerPoint and Access
OPTIONAL COMPONENTS
You may select from the following optional components to add to
your resume. Select the areas in which you are the strongest and
which help sell your skills and abilities to a particular employer.
HONORS
Employers are always impressed by accomplishments in the form of
honors and awards. Do not list dates, as they tend to appear
cluttered. Be sure to list: academic honors from the college or an
outside organization scholarships and honor societies.
ACTIVITIES/LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Companies often review resumes to determine how a candidate has
spent time outside of the classroom or professional arena. Do not
list dates and if you have significant experience in this area, use
format in bulleted experience section. Be sure to list:
activities in which you are/were involved either at college or
outside organizations (volunteer, community services, etc.); offices
held (i.e. board member, treasurer, or president).
LANGUAGES
In the global marketplace, many companies are looking to hire
students and professionals who are fluent in two or more languages.
(Do not list English - this is assumed) Be specific when listing the
competency you have in a language (fluent, proficient, working
knowledge)
RELEVANT/SIGNIFICANT COURSES
If you have little experience in a chosen career field, list any
relevant course work that indicates experience in the desired area.
Also, students who are just beginning their college career find it
useful to list relevant experience when trying to gain an
internship. Select upper level courses in a specialized area that
set you apart from other applicants.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
If you currently hold a license relevant to your field, it is
important for an employer to see this. Accountants, Financial
Planners and Teachers are some positions that require licensing.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION
Employers like to see how involved you are in your chosen field
through professional affiliations. Professional Affiliations are an
excellent way to network and learn about job opportunities before
they are publicly posted.
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