1. Résumés to Win Scholarships Presented by Shirley Bliss and Joseph O’Hare Job Opportunity Coordinators Student Employment Services Montgomery College Shirley.bliss@montgomerycollege.edu Joseph.o’hare@montgomerycollege.edu

2. YOU WANT TO APPLY FOR A SCH0LARSHIP! Do you have a résumé ready? How do you write a résumé to get a scholarship? It’s time to start!

3. GOAL: TO GET A SCHOLARSHIP  You need a résumé to get considered and chosen.  Your résumé is a written picture of you.  You want to convince the committee that you are a most deserving candidate.  It’s all about information & communication.

4. KEY QUESTIONS THINK...  “What does the Scholars Committee want to know about me?”  What are they looking for when they choose and decide?

5. KEY FOCUS Similar to job search résumé but... more about “YOU” The Committee wants to know “THE REAL YOU”  Your GPA and academic achievements  Your interest and involvement in extracurricular activities  Your great potential for future achievements and contributions

6. WHAT ABOUT COMPETITION Be prepared—  It can be intense!  You want to exceed the competition.  Start early and be well prepared. Make the commitment of time and energy—  Do the necessary research about scholarships  Be sure you make a totally superior presentation in each part of the process.

7. HOW CAN YOU BECOME MORE COMPETITIVE?  Start early and plan ahead.  Gather information about yourself and your accomplishments.  Write and rewrite your résumé.  Proofread all written work carefully.

8. RESUME TIPS: The Basics Use quality bond paper:  Professional white, off white, beige, light gray Font:  Make it easy to read & follow  (11 or 12 font) Headings:  Use headings to make information quickly accessible  Bold or italicize  Make name slightly larger

9. RESUME TIPS (CON’T) Order of Information Name and Contact Information  Use appropriate e-mail Education  Major field of study  Date of anticipated graduation  GPA of above 3.0  Graduating with honors Honors and Awards  Awards placed early in résumé Experiences  Work, volunteer, internships, special programs References  Put on a separate sheet and not on your resume  Choose people who can speak to your character

10. Résumé Format Full Name Street Address City, State, Zip Code Telephone # E-mail Address Education List all schools attended starting with current school and years of attendance Extracurricular Activities School Activities List all of the school activities participated in while attending the institution Also list the years of participation and offices held Community Activities List all of the community activities participated in while attending the institution. Also list the years of participation and offices held. Honors and Awards List all honors & awards received while attending the institution. These awards & honors can be school and community based. Experiences List work experience, internships, study abroad programs, specialty camp programs, language immersions experiences, etc. After each listed activity, list dates of participation & your role/responsibility in this activity.

11. HOW IS THE FOCUS DIFFERENT?  An objective is not usually included on a résumé for a scholarship.  Your work experience is less important on this résumé unless it directly relates to scholarship concerns.  Honors, recognition, extracurricular, clubs and campus activities, community service, and leadership are important. Demonstrate your energy and your commitment to working with others.  Activities may give a fuller picture of who you are and what you are about.

12. WHAT ABOUT FORMATTING?  Be consistent  Most recent and relevant information first  Include dates when appropriate  Make leadership positions stand out  One page ideal  List references on a separate page  Provide accurate information  Proofread  Make your résumé error-free

13. SUMMARY Make your résumé a creative masterpiece! OUTSTANDING & PERFECT It needs to be Clear... Concise... Correct... Convincing  Your focus is to communicate the “real” you.  You want to convince the selection committee that by selecting you they will get the best...... one who has highly achieved and has great potential for future achievements for self, college, and community.