Download Resume Writing Write a Winning Resume in Four Steps Your

Resume Writing
Write a Winning Resume in Four Steps
Your resume is the most important document you will use in your job search. It is often an
employer’s first introduction to you. Think of it as a marketing device, and follow these steps to
ensure a winning resume:
STEP 1: Analyze Your Skills, Knowledge and Accomplishments
Carry out a thorough inventory of your qualifications. Begin by making a list of your work
experiences (summer jobs/internships, co-op jobs, work-study, and volunteer positions), course
projects, research experience, and leadership activities. Next, analyze each item on the list for
skills acquired, knowledge gained, and key accomplishments.
STEP 2: Review Samples and Choose a Format that Appeals to You
College students are encouraged to use a “chronological” format or one that presents experience
in reverse chronological order. Or, a “combination” resume might suit you in which you specify
several broad skills headings, such as Computer, Leadership, and Design, in addition to your
chronological work experiences.
STEP 3: Prepare a Draft of Your Resume
Consider the following headings:
Objective - This is a brief statement of the type of position you are seeking. While your
statement should not be too broad, you might consider including two or three interest areas.
Education - List the colleges you attended and degrees you received/pursued. You are strongly
advised to include your GPA if it is at least a 3.0 or above.
Experience - Arrange your most significant experiences first, and keep in mind that all
experiences (paid positions, volunteer work, leadership, course projects) are important.
When preparing the statements to describe your experience, write clear, concise statements
beginning with action verbs. Do not use pronouns or phrases such as “responsible for” or “duties
included.” Consider the use of bullets to make the statements easier to read.
Skills - Include information related to your strongest skill sets or those most pertinent to the job
you are seeking. Popular skills to include are Computer, Leadership, Design, and Languages.
Other Information - There is no limit to the number of sections you may include on your
resume, but keep your resume to one page. You may wish to include additional section headings,
such as Activities, Leadership, Presentations, Interests, Hobbies, Honors, Awards, and
Community.
STEP 4: Have Your Resume Critiqued
The Career Center provides many opportunities for you to have your resume reviewed.
STEP 5: Prepare a Final “Visual” Version of Your Resume
The visual resume is simply the standard copy you will mail or hand to an employer.
Use high-quality bond paper in neutral color like cream or white.
Leave margins of 1/2” to 1” on all sides.
Be sure that the type on your resume is at least 12 point in size.
Be selective about what you choose to emphasize with bullets or bolding, etc. (If you
emphasize too much, nothing will stand out.)
Use a consistent format for each entry in a section, and organize each section in reverse
chronological order (most recent first, and so on).
Always proofread your resume carefully! It is your responsibility alone to be certain that
there are no typographical or grammatical errors in your resume.
Also, when mailing your resume, it should always be accompanied by a cover letter in a large
envelope. You should never fold your resume!