CREATING AN EFFECTIVE RÉSUMÉ

WHAT IS A RÉSUMÉ?

It is important to remember that a résumé is a document designed to obtain an interview with an

employer. A résumé gives you the opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and market yourself as

a top candidate for a certain position.

 Avoid using résumé templates; they may not interface well with other platforms.

 Résumés should be one to two pages. Typically, college students and entry-level job seekers have

a one-page résumé.

 Use consistent indentation, capitalization, font style, spacing, margins and abbreviations.

 Do not use personal pronouns (I, me, you, etc.)

 Use the job description as a guide to organize and prioritize your thoughts.

 Review and revise your drafts. Ask Career Services staff, faculty, and other people in your

network to review your résumé.

FORMAT

Calibri

Be sure to bold the text in appropriate areas, such as your degree(s) and position(s) held. Consider

italicizing other areas of importance, such as awards, certificates, etc.

Header

First and foremost, employers need to know the name of the applicant. In this section, include your first

name, last name, email address, and phone number. Feel free to include your mailing address, but know

that it is not required. If you are applying to a local company, consider displaying your address so the

employer is aware of the geographical connection.

An objective statement details what you hope to accomplish during your job or internship search. Be as

detailed as possible with your objective statement, listing the specific position and organization to which

you are applying.

Education

Related Experience

List all experience in reverse chronological order. To attract recruiters, use the job description to

incorporate key words into your résumé. Focus on your transferable skills and how they relate to the

position. If you are currently working in a position, use present tense. If the position is in the past, use

network, and provide an opportunity to self-assess.

Additional Information

If there is room on your résumé, feel free to include this additional information.

 Language skills: Are you fluent in multiple languages? Which ones?

 Professional memberships and leadership positions: Have you attended any

conferences/workshops/seminars? What were they? Where were they located?

 Certificates or licenses: Are you certified in first aid, CPR, water safety, etc.?

 Computer or technical skills: Do you know how to use any software that pertains to the position?

DIVISION OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ

DIVISION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ

appropriate

succeed at Carthage during a yearly scholarship competition at the request of the Vice President

 Worked with families and prospective students who were interested in attending the college

 Train fellow ambassadors how best to relate with families and students

 Developed leadership programming to increase organizational involvement in governmental policies

 Maintained strong working relationships with the Carthage Board of Trustees and administration to

further understand the policies and procedures of higher education and become a reliable liaison for

the student body

 Redesigned committee structure to create greater growth and activity within Student Government

 “Mission and Motivation: Carthage Student Government Year in Review” May 2013, 2016

College Board of Trustees

 Most Enthusiastic Brother of the Year May 2016

Carthage Chapter, Delta Upsilon Fraternity

 Motivational Presentation February 2014, 2015

Lincoln Scholarship Competition