Resume Guide - Puget Sound

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Resume GuideThis guide is designed to help you write a quality resume.Once you have completed your resume, consider making an appointment with a career advisor,who can help you make a good resume great.Resume Key PointsGetting StartedThe purpose of a resume is to get an interview.Your interview should get you a job. If you’re ge nginterviews from your resume, mission accomplished!FormaƫngThere is one thing all good resumes have incommon—the key informa on is easy to find. Makingthings easy for employers is all about knowing how touse space wisely. You have a very brief amount of spaceto capture a reader’s a en on, and structuring yourinforma on in visually appealing ways can help draw theeye to the most per nent points.A resume is a markeƟng tool, not a history piece.Decide carefully what to include and leave out. It’s notyour life story; it’s your personal sales pitch.If possible, keep your resume to one page.Definitely use a clean, succinct style. Your resumemay be judged in 10-30 seconds. Only when you haveenough relevant content should you go to two pages.Target your resume to the job you are applying for.Read job descrip ons and requirements with care andbe specific and par cular in showing your suitability forthat par cular posi on. The resume is a snapshot ofyour experience and background and needs to tell thestory of how you developed the skills for the posi on.Pretend you’re the hiring manager.Ask yourself, “Can this person do the job?”Look objec vely—use only what is wri en to make yourdetermina on.Have your resume ready at all Ɵmes.It takes me to create a good resume and you’ll want torespond quickly when an opportunity comes your way.Don’t wait un l the last minute—create or update yourstoday!ContentYour content needs to tell the story of yourexperiences in a way that highlights the knowledge andskills that are applicable for the available posi on. Partof telling that story is deciding what the important partsare and minimizing or leaving out experiences that don’trelate.How you describe what you’ve done also makes adifference. Clear, concise phrases with descrip ve wordchoices tell a more powerful story.What You’ll Find in this GuideAnatomy of a ResumeForma ngContentResume MakeoverResume SamplesReferences23456-1213Resume Ac on Verbs by Func on14Career and Employment Services Howarth 101 ces@pugetsound.edu 253.879.3161 pugetsound.edu/ces

Anatomy of a ResumeWhile there is no single way to create a resume, there are some standard categories that most resumes will include.Employers need to spot qualifications quickly and prefer seeing the information in a clear and easy to read format.Identifying InformationIncludes name, address, phone number,and professional email addressObjective or GoalA brief statementthat providesfocus for yourresume. Optional.EducationList degree andmajor, institutionwith city and state,plus the year ofexpected graduation.ExperienceA role doesn’t have to bepaid to count asexperience. Jobs,internships, volunteerpositions, or studentleadership roles could allcount as experience.In most cases youwon’t need to listyour high school, butyou can includestudy abroad,relevant courses, oracademic honors.Early in your collegecareer, you may find highschool experiences arestill pertinent. Later on,typically after sophomoreyear, you will probablyfind recent roles havemore relevance.Other CategoriesWill vary, depending onyour goal. Commonexamples include:Activities, Skills, Honors,Awards, and/orVolunteer Service.There are a variety of resume styles shown in this guide, but there many more variations.A CES Advisor can help you develop a resume style and format that suits you.2

Formatting: Page Layout, Formats, and TemplatesPage LayoutEffective layout ensures you make good use of the white space available, which improves the readability of your resume.Margins: Keep the margins between 1” to 0.7” all the way around.Fonts: Choose font sizes between 10 and 12 and use classic, easy to read options.Examples: Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Helvetica, and Times New Roman.Spacing: Single-spaced is best in most cases.Tables: If you choose to use a table to create your resume, make sure you set the borders to “none” so the lines don’t show.If sending electronically, consider saving the document as a PDF so the employer won’t see the table.Types of FormatsReverse Chronological: Within each section the information is listed the most recent experience first. This is the mostcommon type used and many of the samples in this guide are variations of this format.Skills/Functional: While employers typically expect a reverse chronological resume, sometimes it is beneficial to demonstrateyour experience by grouping them into relevant skills that relate to the types of positions you’re applying for. This formatworks when a traditional reverse chronological resume isn’t the best representation of your background.See page 11 for an example.Combination: A hybrid version that combines elements of both formats. See page 12 for an example.Tips for Choosing a FormatStart by deciding what sections you want to include on your resume (Education and Experience are essential, but the positionwill drive what other categories you’ll create).DO look at multiple samples and the features of each. Choose the combination of features that will allow you to best representyour background.DON’T choose a resume style simply because a fictional student in a sample has the same major. Your major won’t dictate thestyle of your resume; use the style that best showcases your qualifications.If in doubt, DO start out with a reverse chronological format, get it reviewed, and revise as needed.TemplatesResume templates are usually recognizable to employers and you don’t want to blend into a crowd of similar resumes. In addition,the formatting can be challenging to adjust and it is often easier to create a resume from a basic Word document. Use templates asinspiration, but you’re better off designing your own format.Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)?The curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that details your academic and professional accomplishments in more depth than a typicalresume. Employers often say “submit a resume or CV,” but it’s not always clear which would be best. Here’s how they differ:Resume versusCV Standard in the U.S., though employers may usethe terms “resume” and “CV” interchangeably.Offers a tailored summary of related education andexperience—used as a marketing tool to quicklycommunicate skills and background.Space is at a premium; one to two pages in lengthis typical.Will be scanned quickly, so readability is crucial. In the U.S., the CV is used for roles in academia orresearch.Provides a summary of all educational andprofessional background, including a full list ofcourses taught, publications, and conferencepresentations.May be several pages in length and will be readthoroughly by search committees.If an employer asks for either a CV or resume and you’re still not sure what would be best, contact a CES career advisor for guidance.3

Content: Effective DescriptionsThe description of experience is just as important as the way it looks. No matter how well organized the resume, it can backfire if itdoesn’t communicate the necessary skills and experience effectively. Use statements to tell a story that make it clear what skillsand knowledge can be applied at the employer’s organization.Use strong action verbs in the past tense (present for current positions) and provide sufficient detail. Write in a concise style thatomits personal pronouns (I, my) and articles (a, the). Below are some example resume statements and ways to strengthen them:Example: Receptionist at a Physical Therapy ClinicPoor:Better:Providing customer serviceProvided customer service for physical therapy patientsConsider:What did the service entail?Were there policies and procedures?What were the results?Best:Scheduled appointments, processed payments, and resolved billing issues for a busy physical therapy clinicExample: Resident Assistant, University of Puget SoundPoor:Better:Responsible for planning programs and eventsDesigned programs and events for 50 residentsConsider:What kinds of programs?What was the purpose?What was the impact?/outcome?Best:Designed alcohol awareness programs and events for 50 first-year residents resulting in the lowestnumber of alcohol-related incidents among all of the hallsExample: Research Assistant, Psychology DepartmentPoor:Better:Duties included researchConducted research on homelessness rates in TacomaConsider:What was the purpose of your research?What methods did you use to collect information?How did you analyze the information?What did you do with the data you collected?Best:Collected quantitative data from county demographic sources and interviewed 25-30 residents of currentshelters to gather personal narratives.— Or—Researched homelessness rates in Tacoma and drafted summary documentation to support grant applicationfor funds to create new homeless shelter.Phrases to avoid:Responsible for.Assisted with .Helped with.Duties included.Why? Each of these common sentence openers are usually followed by a laundry list of duties performed. Often you’ll find the verbyou need directly following one of these phrases. For help identifying appropriate action verbs, see the list on page 14.4

Resume MakeoverWhen John came in to have his resume reviewed he admitted he wasn’t sure what he needed to include or even what the resumewas supposed to do for him. After a conversation about his goals and his background, we see a very different picture than the onehe originally presented on paper. Below are the before and after versions of his resume.BEFOREBiggest IssuesLack of focus: Based on the information shared, it wasn’t clearwhat kind of role he wanted. When asked, John said he waslooking for a camp counselor position at a foreign languagecamp he attended in high school, yet there was nothingshared to support that goal.Poor organization: John needed to reverse the order he usedfor both the experience and education and include the title ofhis degree.Lack of visual appeal: His dates of employment were filling upall the white space on the left side of the page. By movingthem to the right he could use the space more effectively.Unnecessary phrase: Employers assume that you will providereferences, so there’s no reason to include the statement“References Available upon Request”AFTERFocus Changes EverythingOnce John had a clear focus, he added information to everypart of his resume to support that goal. Since he was applyingto a program he had participated in, he included thatexperience under his education.Including relevant coursework helped demonstrate his level ofcommitment to language learning, and he selected somerelevant experiences he had that connected to the role.Lastly, he chose to include activities directly related to thetype of organization and demonstrated additional skills he hadto offer.In the end, the final version of John’s resume told a clear storyof someone with the knowledge, skills, and abilities toperform the role he wanted.5

Resume Sample: Reverse ChronologicalA broad objectivecan be appropriateat networking orrecruiting eventswhen multipleorganizations will belooking at yourresume.Be sure to highlightthe skills and/orexperience youoffer.Quantify youraccomplishmentsby using numberswhen possible.When listing skills,make sure they arerelevant or beneficialto the employer.6

Resume Sample: Reverse Chronological—Technical SkillsSkills gained in and outof the classroom can beincluded in a skillssection.In highly technical fieldsyou may choose to placethe skills section higherthan experience.7

Resume Sample: Reverse Chronological—Volunteer ExperienceHighlight any elementsof your education thatmight help connect yourdegree to the role ororganization.Volunteerexperience, eventhough unpaid, canbe worth includingwhen it directlyrelates to the workor demonstratesrelated skills.8

Resume Sample: Reverse Chronological—Research PapersShare your thesistopic when itconnects to theposition.Academic researchpapers and projectscan show deepknowledge ofa topic.9

Resume Sample: Reverse Chronological—Graduate StudentShare endorsementsor special qualificationsthat are a result ofyour degree.Additional experiencecan demonstrate ahistory in anothercareer and account forgaps in time.Description is optional.10

Resume Sample: Functional FormatWhy Functional?Occasionally , a candidate may want skills orcompetencies to take center stage. With a functionalresume, skills are highlighted rather than job titles andorganizations.To be Creative or Not?In some fields, especially creative ones, a resume maybe a way to highlight a particular skill relevant to theposition.In this example, the student demonstrated her graphicdesign skills by creating a visually appealing resumethat also showcases her background. Occasionally, acandidate may include a creative resume along with amore traditional format for the same position.Questions about using a creative resume? See a CESAdvisor.Photos: Yes or No?In the U.S. resumes do not typically have a photo,just as they also leave off marital status, gender,and age. In other countries* a photo is expected.In creative fields, however, a photo may add to thedesign elements and communicate the personalstyle a particular employer may be looking for.* See GoingGlobal in CES Exclusive Resources forguidance on international resumes/CVs.11

Resume Sample: Combination Format—Research SkillsSometimes you can showcase yourbackground more effectively bycombining elements of the reversechronological and functional formats.Relevant courseworkimplies a knowledgebase in specific topicareas. Only list theclasses that pertain!Break up yourexperience intocategories thatreflect specificskills.12

ReferencesChoosing Your Best ReferencesReferences are important resources for your job or internship search. Not only can they attest to the quality of your workperformance, habits and skills, but they also can help you identify possible new employers – especially if you are looking forleads in their field. References often take a personal interest in your search, keep them in the loop and send them a thank younote updating them of your progress.Whom should you ask?BELINDA K. THOMPSONSupervisors, faculty, and student organization advisors areprobably your best choices, followed by people you’veinteracted with in a professional capacity (this includesvolunteer work and roles in campus organizations). Anybodywho could speak to your skills and abilities related to theposition could be a potential reference.3810 North J Street, Tacoma, WA 98416 bkthompson@pugetsound.edu (253) 879-3333ReferencesDr. Joyce JonesProfessor of BiologyUniversity of Puget Sound1500 N. WarnerTacoma, WA 98416jjones@pugetsound.edu(253) 879-5555It is not a good idea to list friends or relatives, since mostemployers won’t expect them to be objective and are unlikelyto contact them.Get PermissionAsk for permission from your references before you includethem and ensure they are comfortable writing or speaking instrong support of your candidacy for the position. Ask them ifthey have any reservations about giving you a good reference.If someone is at all hesitant, you might decide not to includethem on your list.Dr. Wayne NelsonProfessor of BiologyUniversity of Puget Sound1500 N. WarnerTacoma, WA 98416wnelson@pugetsound.edu(253) 879-5555Keep in mind that some employers have policies about givingout personal references and not everyone you ask may be ableto provide one, even if they want to.Mary WilliamsScience TeacherGrant Middle School1018 N. ProspectTacoma, WA 98406Williams.m@k12.tacomaisd.grant.eduExplain What You NeedGive your references some details about the position for whichyou are applying. Provide them with a copy of the jobdescription and your resume and let them know what kind ofinformation you hope they’ll share.Consider including information on how you knowyour references as well, especially if they havemoved on to new roles since you worked together.If it has been a while since you worked with someone, givethat person a summary of what you have been doing, youraccomplishments, and your ambitions.Provide References On DemandA Thank You Goes a Long WayIn most cases employers will ask for references at the end ofan interview—it can be an indicator that things have gonewell! Typically you’ll want to provide the contact informationfor 3 to 5 references and candidates often use the sameheading as their resume for a consistent look to theirmaterials. The example to the right is one way you couldpresent the information.Whenever somebody helps you out with some aspect ofyour job search—particularly providing a reference—alwaysfollow up with a thank you.It takes very little time to craft a brief note of thanks,and you will never regret the effort.13

Action Verbs by Functional ghtTrainedTutoredVolunteeredTEACHING AND dContributedDemonstratedEducatedEncouragedCareer and Employment Services Howarth 101 ces@pugetsound.edu 253.879.3161 pugetsound.edu/ces14

Resume Key Points The purpose of a resume is to get an interview. Your interview should get you a job. If you’re ge « ng interviews from your resume, mission accomplished! A resume is a marke ng tool, not a hi

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