10. Never put references on a resumé. Also, never give them out unless someone asks for them. But you should have them typed up on matching stationery and ready in case someone does request them. (Be sure your references know that you are going to use them and that they may be contacted).

Where Do You Start?

 

If you have never written a resumé, you may feel overwhelmed at first. Once you get started, it really isn't as difficult as it seems. Just start writing about yourself. Don't worry about form, style, content, or even relevancy at this early stage. JUST WRITE!

Jot down all your accomplishments, hobbies, interests, education, special projects, relevant courses, special skills such as computer knowledge, language skills and fluency, travel, work experience (whether career-related or not), any promotions and/or recognitions for good job performance, any awards or scholarships. You may think the part-time jobs you've had aren't significant, but they very well may be. Plus, you want to show a work history. Did you ever get a raise or a promotion at a job? Why? A promotion at Stop & Shop from Bagger to Cashier may seem too trivial to put on a resumé but it isn't. Promotions show that you are a good worker, you get the job done. What great things did you do on past jobs to get the job done? Include things that show responsibility, leadership, “value added”.

Eventually you will sift through what you've written and reduce it all to one page, carefully selecting information that presents you to a potential employer as the person they want to hire, a problem solver, a person who can get their job done! Your resumé should represent your strengths and market those skills that employers want. Keep in mind that employers usually get many resumés for every job opening they have, and most resumés barely get glanced at. You want your resumé to stand out from the others and get you an interview.

Once you actually start to write your resumé and you aren't sure what format to use, follow the sample generic resumés following this article. The samples show a typical progression of developing and enhancing a resumé, from freshman year through senior year, starting with a “Beginner” resumé, then a more sophisticated resumé to use when applying for internships, co-ops, and other part-time positions, and finally a very professional “Senior” resumé to use when applying for full-time positions when you graduate. All three samples give a basic idea of the categories to consider when developing your resumé, how to enhance your resumé as you progress academically, and what to aspire to as you enter your senior year. Remember that the competition for good jobs is always tough, and you will need a very strong, and very professional resumé to be competitive. Once you start applying for jobs, whether part-time or full-time, your resumé should be “relevant” to that particular job and demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and background required for that job.

Let's Begin!

1. Your name - that's easy. Make it big and bold (not too big).

2. Address(es) - put both campus and home addresses and phone numbers. Include your cell phone and email address if applicable.

3. Objective - in one quick glance your objective should tell the reader what you are looking for and what you can do. Your objective will change over time as you progress from summer jobs, internships, co-ops, to full-time positions. Keep the objective simple, one or two lines. Don't go into how you're looking for career advancement, job security, etc. Tell employers what you can do for them, not what you want from them.

Examples: Seeking summer internship in Accounting

Seeking challenging position in Finance using demonstrated quantitative and analytical skills.

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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