Resume Writing for Graduate Students St. Cloud State University Career Services Center

Agenda Purpose of a resume General tips and recommendations Standard sections of a resume What makes a graduate level resume different? The curriculum vitae References Final reminders

Purpose of the Resume To get you INTERVIEWS! The resume is a self-marketing tool – an important first impression Highlight your qualifications for a particular job The candidate whose resume most closely matches the qualifications sought by the employer is the one who will get the interview

Getting Started – The Basics Microsoft Word document Do NOT use a template 1-2 pages for graduate students Use consistent formatting/style One inch margins – “white space” Times New Roman, 10-12 pt font Use boldface for the key information Templates are difficult to edit and don’t upload well into companies online websites Exceptions to 1 page resume: education majors with teaching experience; masters students; students with a lot of relevant experience Use consistent indentation, capitalization, font size and style 10-12 point font, 11 is best; see how much space you have- don’t want more or less than a page Bold job titles and degree titles, maybe GPA

More General Guidelines Omit personal information Eliminate high school and any old, irrelevant college and work information Avoid using personal pronouns No abbreviations/acronyms/jargon unless the employer knows what they mean Use action verbs to describe experiences Do not use contractions Be clear and concise – avoid flowery language

Different Kinds of Resumes Chronological Most common or “traditional” – preferred by employers Organizes experience by date – good when you have stable history of experience, progressive responsibility in the same field Functional Focus on skills and qualifications – what you achieved versus where you achieved it Experience grouped into “skill areas” such as communication, administration, counseling, leadership, technical, financial, etc. Good when you a lot of experience in a variety of positions, don’t have a stable history or you are changing fields Combination Uses the structure of a chronological resume, but adds a “summary of qualifications” or “professional profile” to summarize key skills and experiences

Standard Resume Sections/Headings Contact Information Objective (optional) Education Employment/Experience Activities and Achievements You may or may not want to have an objective Employers want to know what positions you’ve held, even if they aren’t related If you have held non-paid relevant positions, call it experience instead Activities and acheivements can include awards, honors, and Extra-curriculars

Additional Headings for Graduate Students Research Experience Computer/IT Skills Additional Languages Professional Memberships Committees Summary of Qualifications Research/Publications (CV) Teaching Experience (CV)

Contact Information Name Current address Current phone # Email address Example: John Smith 105 South Maple Saint Cloud, MN 56301 320-255-3333 smjo1001@stcloudstate.edu Keep voicemail and email address appropriate and professional

Objective To let employer know what position(s) you seek Indicate exact job title if you know it Brief and concise Leave off “Objective” section if: Employer has more than one position of interest Don’t know what position(s) employer has Need space to describe more qualifications 25% of employers want to see an objective, so if you can match the objective up with what the employer is looking for, that can work to your advantage Circumstances where the objective can work against you: if there more than one, you don’t want to list just one position that you could be considered- send a separate resume for each job opening Job Fairs

Objective - Examples Seeking a position as a Public Relations Specialist To obtain a position as a Rehabilitation Counselor with Dextra Client Solutions Driven, results oriented emerging business professional seeking a position as a Sales Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Education Section Degree Graduation date Universities and locations GPA (if 3.0 or higher) Do NOT list high school Other optional items under education: Emphasis or area of concentration Academic honors or awards Any related certificates or licensures Program accreditation International experience Related training Thesis or final project More than 6 months out: use anticipated graduation date If you don’t know when you will be graduation, use start date- present or put a bullet “currently pursuing” under degree

Education - Example Master of Arts: Social Work May 2013 St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN GPA: 4.0 Bachelor of Science: Psychology May 2010 Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN Minor in Communication Studies Dean’s List – 3 semesters GPA: 3.7 Use this example

Experience Sections What is the difference between “related experience” and “employment?” Related – all experiences specifically related to the opportunity you are seeking; can be paid or unpaid Employment – experiences that are paid; may be related or not related; important to focus on transferable skills Experiences can include: Graduate Assistantships Internships (credit and not for credit) Employment Campus Involvement Volunteer work Research Class projects Practicum/field work

Employment/Experience Section Job Title/Position Name of Employer/Organization Location (city and state) Date(s) (month and year) Skills/Duties/Accomplishments Use bullet points! No complete sentences or personal pronouns Go back 3-4 years on your employment Bullets: What did I do, how did I make a difference, what skills did I demonstrate

Bullet Points Match verbs/skills words in bullet points to those used in job posting List specific results -- include the impact or contribution your involvement had Use phrases, not full sentences; 2-3 lines max Use action verbs when describing your experiences and skills developed (not “responsible for” or “duties included”) Use appropriate verb tense with past and present employment If employer wants customer service skills, say that in the bullet Employee of the month, promotions Avoid saying duties included or responsibilities are; start off with action verbs: organized, assisted, demonstrated, developed

Employment Example Graduate Assistant July 2012 -Present Career Services Center, SCSU, St. Cloud, MN Strengthen counseling skills by meeting with students for individual, one hour appointments regarding major or career decision Interpret career assessment instruments such as the MBTI, FOCUS, and Strong-Interest Inventory Demonstrate strong communication and public speaking skills by presenting on a variety of career related topics Assist in the coordination of job fairs on and off campus by communicating with employers in the St. Cloud region

Experience Example Research Assistant/Intern Summer 2011 Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Contributed to the development of nicotine research protocols as a member of a research team of clinical psychologists, physicians, and biostatisticians Participated in health psychology evaluations and formulated diagnostic impressions and treatment plans Independently contributed to the closure of a research project and successfully produced a manuscript for journal submission Notice it says “experience” instead of “employment”, but follows the same format

Activities and Achievements Use this section to provide additional examples of the initiative, motivation, leadership, related experience and skills, interest in profession, etc., sought by employers Could include student organizations, volunteering, community involvement, awards, scholarships, etc. Employers are looking for this Good way to build resume; get involved in clubs and organizations

Activities and Achievements Crisis Hotline Volunteer June 2012-present Crisis Center, St. Cloud, MN Completed 40 hour training in telephone crisis intervention Supervise seven undergraduate volunteer students and serve as a facilitator for debriefing discussions during the academic year Member, Graduate Student Organization August 2011-present Graduate Student Organization, SCSU Volunteer August 2010- May 2012 Catholic Charities, Saint Cloud, MN Award Recipient March 2012 Excellence in Leadership Award, SCSU One of only 23 students on campus of 16,000 to receive award for outstanding leadership and service

Curriculum Vitae – What is it? An expanded resume for individuals in academic professions Cumulative record of all academic activities – update regularly Higher education, specialized scientific research, government Allows for specialized, academic specific language No page limit Includes additional headings such as publications, teaching experience/courses taught, research, presentations/poster sessions, professional activities, conference participation, current research interests, grants, practicum/field work, specialized training, etc.

References Current or previous supervisors College professors or advisors NOT family or friends Always obtain permission first Do not write “References available upon request” on the bottom of your resume

References Separate page Paper, font size and style should match resume Heading from resume should match heading on references Generally 3-5 references Recommendation letters vs. references General Format: Name of Reference Title Organization Mailing Address City, State, Zip Phone # Email If employer asks for 3 references, give 3, NOT 10

Example Dr. Jane Doe Assistant Professor, Political Science St. Cloud State University 720 4th Ave South St. Cloud, MN 56301 jodoe@stcloudstate.edu 320-308-5555

Cover Letters Formal business letter that introduces your resume Allows you to expand and personalize your resume Connects your past experiences to the position you are applying for – highlighting strengths, accomplishments, and personality Should be tailored for the position and company Convince the reader of why you should be invited for an interview Good opportunity to explain any problems, gaps, etc. on your resume

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter Needs to be well written, detailed yet concise Don’t just repeat the resume – expand and incorporate your personality Give real life examples of how you have demonstrated skills/qualifications Don’t write in generalities – no kitchen sink statements Address to a specific person if possible (not “To Whom it May Concern”) No more than one page, typically 3-5 paragraphs Same style and formatting as your resume If mailing, sign in blue ink

Cover Letter Content Intro Body Closure Explain why you are writing – what position are you applying for? (be specific) How did you find out about the position? Brief intro statement of why you are qualified Express interest in the specific employer, company, etc. Body Explain why you are qualified for the position Expand on your resume – highlight most important qualifications, give examples Discuss your most relevant or distinguishing characteristics Closure Brief summary statement Indicate that your resume is enclosed Mention that you would like to meet for an interview Thank them for their time and consideration

Final Reminders Review for spelling and grammar errors! Print on good quality resume paper Do not print double sided Do not fold or staple If 2+ pages, include your name and page # on every page Convert to PDF or plain text before uploading to online systems (depending on the system) Always have a cover letter and reference sheet ready Keep track of positions you have applied for, follow up Bring it to Career Services! Errors will eliminate you right away As your creating your resume, go through the resume checklist to make sure it is ready to be brought into Career Services for a final critique The purpose of a resume critique is not to teach you how to write a resume, our goal is to help you highlight those qualifications that the employer is really looking for; make it look professional Resume samples on website

The University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center Thank You! For more information, please call or visit: St. Cloud State University Career Services Center Centennial Hall 215 320-308-2151 www.stcloudstate.edu/careerservices