ELEMENTS OF A RESUME nThere is no single format that works equally well for everyone. nElements that do not relate to your objective or career may be omitted. nSection Titles should be written to describe your information most accurately.

HEADING nInclude name, permanent and local addresses, address, and phone number. nIf using two addresses, indicate dates you can be reached at each.

OBJECTIVE An objective on your resume can be helpful if it concisely describes your immediate employment goal, but it is not an essential component of a successful resume. You may prefer to incorporate an objective in a job-search letter instead, especially if you want to be considered for a range of positions.

An objective should specify the type of position you are seeking. Describe the skills you want to use or the functions you want to perform. The following are three examples of effective objectives: A position in financial services using well- developed research, analytical, and quantitative skills. A research position in health care combining interests in policy and medicine. A position as a process engineer in the chemical industry.

A second approach is a summary of qualifications. Describe your skills and experience in relation to your career interest. Qualification summaries give the opportunity to highlight your most important assets at the top of your resume. Summarize your most important accomplishments and skills in this way: n Researched and wrote detailed reports in city government position. n Addressed student concerns as elected Student Assembly representative. n Wrote honors thesis on relationship between state and federal government and trend towards devolution.

EDUCATION nList institutions attended and locations, study abroad experience; degrees and dates received. nInclude your GPA if it is at least 3.0.

HONORS AND AWARDS nDean's List, honor societies, and academic awards can be listed in a separate section if you have more than one or two entries; if not, incorporate them in the education section (above). nOnly include scholarships that are based on merit.

EXPERIENCE INCLUDE BOTH PAID AND UNPAID: Part-time work Full-time work Summer jobs Co-op experience Internships Volunteer experience Extracurricular activities

Include the position you held, name of the organization, city and state of its location, and month and year of your involvement. Summarize what you accomplished to support your job objective. Include only experiences that relate to the position you are pursuing. Use brief phrases beginning with action verbs, incorporating numbers where possible: Reorganized inventory procedures, shortening process from 3 days to 2 days. Designed and implemented marketing strategy that increased sales 25%. Trained and coordinated activities of 33 volunteers, whose efforts resulted in raising $5,000.

SKILLS List computer languages and programs, knowledge of foreign languages, laboratory and research skills, analytical skills, and management skills not mentioned elsewhere.

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS In order of importance, list student organizations, professional associations, committees and community involvement, indicating offices held. Include high school activities directly relevant to your objective. List interests such as music, sports, and art that pertain to your career interest. Avoid including religious activities or extreme political views.

REFERENCES In most cases, just write "available upon request." For Beowulf (or other epic heroes), list the hero’s family members, companions, and lords he has served.