1. Résumé workshop Presented by: The Meredith Career Services Center
Heather Spielmaker, J.D. – Assistant Dean

2. Ground Rules Don’t use smaller than 11 font
Yes, we like to keep it to one page
If you have tons of relevant experience and are going two pages, be sure you FILL two pages, with GOOD STUFF
Don’t use acronyms or abbreviations, don’t use “etc”

3. Ground Rules (cont)
If you use bullet points in descriptions, either put periods at the end or don’t – consistently
Have enough white space and make sure it’s visually appealing and not too busy
Don’t have a big empty white space at the end
Don’t include your pic or cutesy stuff

4. Ground Rules (Cont)
If you use a résumé service, the pdf it generates will be tough to edit – and you will edit A LOT
Keep in mind what you’re applying for and tie the entries to that location or field
Proofread twice before sending to us for approval, and once after (we all make mistakes)

5. Headers Use the same header on résumé and cover letters
If you have a lot to include, use a 2-line header to save space - if you have a little, use a bigger header to take up space
Make sure your address sounds professional ( for example: NOT
If applying out-of-state, include local address if you have one

6. Education Start here, unless you have had a successful past career
It’s Juris Doctor, not Juris Doctorate
Don’t assume reader knows our lingo (not everyone calls them CALI awards…)
If you did great in some classes but not others, list those classes under WVU Law
Don’t go overboard listing undergrad activities and accomplishments

7. Experience Start here only if you have an impressive professional past
If you’ve had lots of jobs, call the section “Relevant Experience” or “Select Experience” and include the best ones
If listing non-legal experience, include transferrable skills: Met deadlines, resolved client concerns, increased efficiency…

8. Experience (cont)
Show RESULTS in job descriptions – “increased membership by 50%” “made location profitable for first time in history”
Include experiences that show political affiliation at your own risk
Present tense for current job descriptions, past tense for past jobs

9. Experience (cont) If using bullet lists for job descriptions
(my preference), be consistent; try for 3-4
bullets for each job description; never
have ONE bullet point (see how dumb
this slide looks?)

10. “other”
Bi-lingual skills, certifications, accreditations, and licensures should always be included – Call the section “Additional Information” or “Additional Skills” if there’s more than one type
Don’t add mission statements or professional summary sections – Ask me why!

11. Things to know
Résumés must be approved before used to apply via Symplicity
Therefore, don’t wait til the last minute and expect us to get it done in 15 minutes so you can meet a deadline (though we’d try)
You will likely have several versions of your résumé, if you’re doing it right!

12. To have your résumé reviewed:
Upload in Symplicity, or send to:
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