Writing an Effective Resume

General Guidelines

RESUME CONTENT

Contact Information

Put your name, address, phone number(s) with area code, and e-mail address at the top of the resume.

Objective

• Objectives are optional. Use an objective if your job goal is specific or you know the exact title of the position. Many objective statements tend to be too vague, so when in doubt, leave it out, and in any case, your objective will become clear in your cover letter.
• Use an objective with caution. It may cause you to be screened out for other possible jobs within a company or organization.

Summary of Qualifications

• A summary is generally preferred instead of an objective statement. A good summary highlights your accomplishments and qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Use words directly from the position description if they accurately describe skills and/or experience that you possess.
• Choose either style: a brief paragraph OR three to five bulleted statements. In either case, summarize your experiences, achievements, and skills in telegraphic phrases do not use complete sentences.
• Include computer skills; list individual software (i.e., Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; familiar with SAS).

Education

• If you are a current student, list your education including your proposed graduation date (for example, Master of Public Health candidate, anticipated graduation May 2004).
• If you are a recent graduate, (within one year) list "Education" before "Professional Experience". This highlights education as your selling point. After a year of experience, list "Professional Experience" before "Education".
• List relevant coursework if it relates to a specific position, or if you lack professional experience.

Professional Experience

• List paid and non-paid professional experience, including Graduate or Teaching Assistant positions, relevant to the position.
• Instead of simply listing responsibilities that you had, tell your reader what your accomplishments were, what the outcome was. Think in terms of answering the question, "So what?" The prospective employer wants to know that you know what your value was to the organization where you worked. Be as specific as possible.
• Use the "STAR" method: think of a Situation or Task you faced, the Action you took, and the Result: i.e., "Designed and implemented _________, reducing errors by 27%."

Awards / Honors

List any scholarships or other awards or honors that you have received.

Professional Affiliations

List professional organizations of which you are a member.

Community Involvement

Employers often seek candidates who demonstrate leadership qualities. List student leadership roles and/or other volunteer experience that relates to the position.

Note: be cautious about listing political or what might be perceived as controversial organizations, so as not to be eliminated on that basis.

Resume Websites

Quintessential Careers -- Clear and simple resume outlines, including samples for "new graduates" and others.

MonsterTrak -- General guideline to resume writing, as well as other job search information.

Rockport Institute -- How to write a masterpiece of a resume, and other information.

Career Onestop -- Resume guidelines and samples, plus a variety of other career planning information.