A resume is a “self-promotional” document designed to market
your skills, abilities and knowledge and experience to a
prospective employer so that they will want to know more in
an interview. The following are elements that may be used in
a resume. Each element is briefly discussed to provide a
better understanding of its role in the development of your
resume:
Heading – should be placed at the top of your resume and
includes your name, permanent and/or school address, mobile
and/or home telephone number and email address.
Objective – statement that helps an employer know your
career direction, so that they can determine whether your
goals are in line with the available position. The objective
is usually one (1) sentence and describes your employment
goals clearly.
Example #1 – Account executive in an Advertising or Public
Relations Agency
Example #2 – Obtain a challenging, entry-level position in
Broadcast Journalism, with a special interest in reporting,
anchoring and producing with a television station.
Example#3 – To obtain a position as an Elementary School
Teacher in which a strong dedication to the total
development of children and a high level of enthusiasm can
be fully utilized.
Example #4 – A responsible position in retail sales.
Example #5 – A management position with responsibilities
such as problem solving, planning, organizing, and managing
budgets.
Education – Your educational background is often a crucial
factor in an employer’s decision to hire you. If you are
looking for your first job, your education will be your
greatest asset. Include any degrees, certifications, honors
and grade point average if 3.0 or higher. List your most
recent schooling first.
Honors – List any awards, honors or memberships received.
They should be academic in nature or special achievements in
sports, clubs or other school activities. Be sure to include
name of organizations and the dates received (i.e., Dean’s
List, Spring 2002)
Work Experience – should be listed in reverse
chronological order. Instead of listing tasks and your job
description, focus on your accomplishments and learned
skills. Work statements should be written using the STAR
method. Quantify and qualify using statistics, percentages
and numbers whenever possible. Begin with strong action
verbs.
ST – Describe the situation or task A – Describe your actions and approach R – Describe the results
Example #1 – Consistently ranked as top sales producer for
new accounts Example #2 – Dramatically increased existing account base,
achieving new company record. Example #3 – Analyzed data and presented results to senior
management.
Skills/Computer Skills – Computer and technical skills are
a major part of the job search focus. Be sure to list all
types of computer hardware and software and programming
languages. This includes keyboarding words per minute. Also
list any languages, industry specific equipment and
knowledge here.
Activities/Memberships – Active in different
organizations, clubs and professional memberships during
your school years shows an employer evidence of involvement,
initiative and dedication. Make sure you include the dates
of involvement and any offices held within the organization.
References – should be listed on a separate piece of paper
and NOT included with the resume. Include the name, title,
relationship, phone number, address and email of all
references. GET PERMISSION TO USE YOUR REFERENCES NAME.
The resume is a “living” document. It is never complete.
Chronological – the most commonly used format. It represents
the individual’s experience in reverse chronological order,
beginning with the most current or recent position and
moving backward (see sample.)
Functional – Most effective when the individual is changing
jobs or “recareering.” It presents the individual’s areas of
expertise, accomplishments and work experience as the focus.
Specific job titles and employers are not emphasized.
Combination – this resume combines the best of both formats
by emphasizing specific skills within the context of the
chronological layout.
For additional information:
Visit Career Services Office – Student Union Bldg. Room
306
Always include a cover letter explaining your reason for
submitting the resume. It serves as an introduction,
highlights specific skills that match the job description
and exhibits written communication skills. Every resume
whether faxed, delivered or emailed should include a cover
letter. Do not create cookie-cutter cover letters, but
create it specifically for each position.

