Preparing Resumes

• Consistency and clarity are key to formatting a resume.
• Keep it brief. A one-page resume should be plenty of room to discuss your experiences.
• Utilize action verbs to begin each of your bullet points, but vary your word choice.
• Tailor your resume to each position.
• Highlight your unique skills and how they would encourage success in the position for which you are applying.  
• Continually update your resume with each new experience, accomplishment or position.
• Have your resume reviewed by the Career Development Center, a friend or professor. A second set of eyes can find mistakes you miss.

Although every person has unique experiences as students and professionals, there are a few topics that everyone should be addressing on their resume.

Name and Contact Information

• List your name, current or permanent address, telephone number and personal email address.

Education

• List institutions you have attended including city and state in reverse chronological order.
• Include the degree you will receive/have been awarded.
• Optional Information: GPA (3.0 or above), course highlights, awards/honors, or study abroad.

Experience

• Describe work, internship, extracurricular, leadership and/or volunteer experiences.
• Include your title, name of the organization, location and employment dates.

Activities and Professional Affiliations

• Consider including optional sections that highlight your involvement outside of the classroom or place of employment.

Skills

• Consider including optional section that highlight skills not mentioned in other sections (examples: foreign language, computer skills)

Bullet points convey a concise yet complete description of experiences, transferable skills and accomplishments. Use the simple template below to create quality, informative and effective bullet points to add to your resume.

Additional Tips for Bullet Points

• Focus on your accomplishments, but make sure never to exaggerate your experience.
• Avoid using abbreviations. Assume the employer reading your resume is not familiar with the work you have previously done.
• Don’t state your previous salary or hours worked.
• Don’t use personal pronouns.
• Utilize compelling verbs to add interest to your resume.

Using action verbs makes your resume come alive. They keep the person reading your resume engaged and can help showcase your ability to be creative. Utilize the list below while crafting your resume to help showcase your talents and accomplishments.

Below are some sample resumes.

• General Sample Resume
• Sample Resume with Course Work
• Sample Resume Horizontal Format
• Sample Resume for Teaching
• Sample Resume for Internship Experience
• Sample Resume for Professional and Leadership Experience