Résumé Writing 101

Purpose of a Résumé To obtain an interview This is a document used to provide a quick “snapshot” of your skills, abilities and accomplishments

Types of Resumes Chronological Functional Combination Most commonly used. Displayed from most recent position followed by other experiences in reverse chronological order. Mostly used for people who are making a career change to another industry. Allows you to present your experience in a way that reflects the needs of the employer. Highlights transferable skills at the top. Combination of both chronological and functional. First part: Your functional resume section and highlights your skills, achievements and qualifications. Second part: timeline of work experience in reverse chronological order.

Chronological

Functional

Combination

How To Get Started? Microsoft Word document (.doc) (Avoid using templates) One Page Consistent formatting/style One inch margin, Times New Roman , 10-12 pt. to start Bold key information (headings, position titles, GPA, etc..)

Common Headings/Sections Contact Information Objective (optional) Education Employment/Experience Activities and Achievements/Additional Headings

Additional/Optional Headings Technical (or Computer) Skills Key Training and Skills Languages Study Abroad/International Experience Military Experience

Contact Information First and last name (Big & Bold) Current address Current phone number Professional/appropriate e-mail address LinkedIn profile or any additional professional sites

Objective Short and simple way of communicating the type of position you are seeking Optional to include Leave off “Objective” section if: Employer has more than one position of interest Don’t know what position(s) employer has Need space on your résumé to describe more qualifications Examples: “Seeking an intern position as a Computer Engineer for Spring of 20XX” “To obtain the position of Staff Accountant with XYZ organization”

Objective Video http://www.careerspots.com/newplayer/default.aspx?key=UZaKnqWcjv3fSKArpAepsg2&pref=https://www.stcloudstate.edu/careerservices/media/careerspots.asp&src=IndividualVideo&

****NO High School information unless a first year student Education Degree or Intended Degree (Bold) Graduation date (Month, Year) University name and location (city and state) GPA (if 3.0 or higher) Minors Academic honors/awards Related certificates Scholarships International Experience Licensures Educational Honors Related Training and Skills Thesis or Senior Project ****NO High School information unless a first year student

Experience and Employment “Experiences” can include: Summer/Part-time Jobs Internships (credit and not for credit) Campus Involvement Self-Employment Volunteer Work Clinical work Practicum work Information to include: Job Title/Position (Bold) Employment Date(s) (Month, Year – Month, Year) Name of Employer/Organization Location (city and state) Skills/Duties/Accomplishments (Include 3-5 Bullet points!)

Activities and Achievements Awards Volunteer Training Completions Any Leadership Experience Memberships/Organizations Related Experience and Skills ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS Vice President, Husky Helpers, SCSU August 20XX-Present Coordinated and led Business Etiquette program attended by 100 students and 20 employers Volunteer, Catholic Charities, St. Cloud, MN August 20XX- May 20XX Recipient, Husky Leadership Award, SCSU January 20XX One of only 23 students on campus of 16,000 to receive award for outstanding leadership and service

Most Common Mistakes Résumé Mistakes

TASK/EXAMPLE/EXPERIENCE/RESULT/ACCOMPLISHMENT Bullet Points WHY? To STAND OUT! Show the employer….. HOW you performed your duties. WHY the task is important. IMPACT of the task within the organization. Highlight the SKILL you developed. Briefly state RESULTS or ACCOMPLISHIMENTS. KEY POINTS: These are phrases, not full sentences. Use action verbs when describing your experiences and skills developed. Use appropriate verb tense with past and present employment. FORMULA: STRONG ACTION VERB + SKILL TASK/EXAMPLE/EXPERIENCE/RESULT/ACCOMPLISHMENT

Making Bullet Points Stronger Ok: Enhanced interpersonal skills Better: Enhanced interpersonal skills by facilitating teens and community members Best: Enhanced interpersonal skills by facilitating cross-cultural conversations with 200 teens and community members  

Ok: Created real interest nursing tool Better: Created real interest nursing tool to show rate changes effects Best: Created real interest nursing tool to study the effect of rate changes on foreign exchange levels

References What to include: Format Who? Name of Reference Title Organization Mailing Address City, State, Zip Phone # Email Separate page. Paper, font size and style should match résumé. No need to state “References available upon request” on the bottom of your résumé. Heading from résumé should match heading on references. Generally 3-5 references. Give the correct document and amount. Current or previous employers College professors Always obtain permission first NOT family or friends

John Smith References 105 South Maple Saint Cloud, MN 56301 320-253-3333 smjo0601@stcloudstate.edu References Dr. Jane Doe Associate Professor Communication Studies Department 333 Wick Science Building St. Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN 56301 (320) 308-3333 jdoe@stcloudstate.edu Ms. Tracy Wilson Assistant Store Manager Herbergers Department Store 567 St. Germain Street (320) 255-5555 wilson@herbergers.com Nancy Johnson Director of Sales Holiday Inn 789 Parkwood Drive (320) 555-4444 njohnson@holidayinn.com

Final Reminders Follow up on all résumés you send out Print on good quality résumé paper Always have a cover letter and reference sheet ready Recruiters and Human Resources departments are impressed with three things: The right combination of skills, education and achievements The ability to relay that information quickly and concisely A clean, neat, easy-to-read format Set up an appointment with the Career Center to get your résumé reviewed OR stop by for a drop-in session!

THANK YOU! Career Center Centennial Hall 215 320-308-2151 www.stcloudstate.edu/careercenter www.scsucareers.com