Résumé Writing Getting a running start Office of Career Connections University of Louisiana at Monroe

It’s a rite of passage-- So, like going to get your driver’s license, it may be a little scary. First, realize that you probably have more to offer than you know.

Here are 7 tips to get you started. Start with the basics Include an objective and/or summary of skills Choose the right resume style Brainstorm your experience and skills List educational and volunteer experience Know the cardinal rules of resume writing Never, ever lie

1. The basics: heading Name Address (permanent; may also include school address) Telephone numbers address (make it professional)

2. Objective/Skills Summary Make it concise: What job do you want, at what company (or what kind of company)? In summarizing your skills, remember to concentrate on what the employer wants and needs in an employee—not what you want or need.

3. The right resume style Chronological (really reverse chronological) is always good. Functional is good if you need to emphasize skills instead of experience. Combination resumes are a good compromise.

4. Brainstorming: experience and skills You probably have more relevant skills than you realize. Think backward—from what the employer wants to what you have. Don’t sell yourself short. Little things can be BIG. (That babysitting job contributed management skills, creative skills, scheduling skills….)

5. Academic and volunteer experience Employers care about what you’ve learned—think about the content of those courses. Employers care about what you’ve done—whether you were paid or not. Employers like to see balance: work, school, other activities.

6. Cardinal rules Do not use sentences! Do not use the word “I”! Use powerful action verbs (avoid “to be” verbs: was, were, etc.) Use parallel structure in lists (begin each item with same part of speech) Make no mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. None! Proofread, proofread, proofread.

7. No lying Never, ever lie. Lies will come back to bite you!

8. Resume first, then cover letter The idea of a cover letter/application letter is to “interpret” the resume for the reader. So write the resume first.

Feel free to use our services. Sample resumes and cover letters are on our website: Look under “tips and resources.” Feel free to make an appointment with us to get one-on-one help ( ).