Writing for Impact: Resumes Emily Fox Career Advisor Career Services Network Michigan State University

Myth: Your job search starts when you graduate. Reality Your actions as a freshman, sophomore and junior can prepare the way for a successful job search as a graduate. Helpful Hint Keep your resume up to date (unless you win the lottery)

The primary purpose of the resume…. …..is to get the interview!

Remember the Fundamentals Know your audience Target the employers needs Speak the language Demonstrate vs. tell

An Effective Resume Is clear, organized and accurate Speaks the language of the employer Focuses on accomplishments and skills Is brief and easy to read

Formats Chronological Functional Combination Curriculum vita (CV)

Resume Basics Name and contact information Webpage and email addresses Objective Education Experience Organizations and honors Skills

Lets Talk Objective To obtain a full time career-oriented position in a social services organization that rewards performance with opportunity for advancement. To obtain the Night Desk Supervisor position within Residence Life at Michigan State University.

Education Bachelor of Science in Family Community Services, May 2010 Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI GPA: 3.2/4.0 Major GPA: 3.7/4.0 Study Abroad in Intercultural Communications, Summer 2009 University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Experience Employers want to know what you can bring to their organization Link actions with results Use ACTION VERBS How will your past experiences help you succeed in the position?

Show Results Sales Associate, Professional Style, Inc., Chicago, IL. Summer 2002 Sold men’s and women’s professional clothing achieving top sales commission for June and July Arranged fittings and custom alterations Assisted in developing displays and training new employees

Show Your Passion and Initiative! Volunteer Coordinator, Family Independence Ctr., Lansing, MI. Summer 2008 Advanced from volunteer assistant to volunteer coordinator in six months Screened and trained 25 volunteers in conjunction with professional staff Assisted in family case management, parenting support and resource advocacy Prepared reports and assisted with annual review presentations

Organizations and Activities Family and Child Ecology Club, MSU, 2007 – present Child Life Organization for Spartan Students, MSU, 2007 - present Habitat for Humanity, Alternative Spring Break, New Orleans, LA, 2006 Fundraising Chairperson, Senior Class Council, 2004-05 Volunteer, New Horizons Soup Kitchen, Lansing, MI, 2003-05 Intramural softball and hockey, 2003-04 National Leadership Scholarship, 2003

Employers Want the Total Package Leadership Computer literacy Personal accountability Initiative Willingness to learn Context experience Teamwork Sound technical & disciplinary skills Critical thinking – trans-disciplinary perspective Communication Interpersonal skills Source: Gardner, Philip (2001) Recruiting Trends. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University.

Make Connections! Use your resources! (You’re already paying for them) Attend on campus presentations Attend on campus career fairs Become an ambassador! Explore on campus jobs Speak with Academic Advisors and Career Advisors

Your resume is just a piece of your job search strategy. How will you move the pieces to build your career?

Set up an appointment to meet with To schedule an appointment go to: Resume Critiques. . . Set up an appointment to meet with Career Advisor To schedule an appointment go to: careernetwork.msu.edu . . .lead to winning resumes!

Writing for Impact: Resumes Adapted from Linda Gross, Ph.D. and Gwen Pearson, Ph.D.