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Resume Preparation
Hints for a Stronger Resume
- Define a career objective in a brief statement. Include such information as type of position desired, type of organization in
which you are interested, and/or examples of skills or background you wish to use. As one employer responded, "If utilized, the
objective should be clear, concise, and focused at the organization or industry to which the student is applying. It is acceptable not to
include an objective."
- Avoid jargon and clichés, such as "a challenging and responsible position that utilizes my education and experience."
- If the position requires it, list that you are willing to travel and relocate. However, remove irrelevant details (height, weight, age,
marital status, race, religion, health).
- If you are a first-time job seeker, you may want to list courses related to your career objective (six would be a reasonable
number).
- If your grade point average is competitive (a 3.0 or above for most; a 3.5 for graduate students), include it in the education section.
The GPA matters to employers. If more favorable to you, consider listing the GPA in your major or GPA for the last two years.
Accounting firms interviewing on campus request that accounting students list their GPA.
- Focus on performance-oriented
descriptions and achievements rather than "duties and responsibilities." Use action verbs, such "created," "developed," "taught," and
"researched."
- If yours is a chronological resume, align entries in reverse chronological order, showing the most recent experience first. (This
applies to the education section as well.)
- For a functional resume, select skills that are related to your career goals and then provide specific evidence reflecting each skill.
Avoid repeating the same information in more than one part of your resume.
- Provide an ample description of campus and community activities, showing leadership positions and accomplishments.
- If relevant, include sections describing special skills/knowledge, professional affiliations, certifications, academic honors, awards
and other pertinent items, such as computer and language skills.
- Mention if you financed all or part of your education.
- Consider enhancing your resume with any interesting and relevant life experiences, if there is room. For example, you can give
specifics of international travel, foreign language familiarities, or musical instruments mastered.
Recommended Resources:
- From College to Career
- Gallery of Resumes
- The New Perfect Resume
- Resumes That Will Get You the Job You Want
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