1. Writing a Successful Resume
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Developed For:
Kennesaw State University
College of Science and Mathematics

2. Our Services Cover Letter Help Resume Assistance Practice Interviews
Workshops
Career Fairs
Career library
Online Career Portfolio
Graduate & Professional school
Handshake (Online Job Portal)
Experiential Education (Internship/Co-Op)
Career Planning & Development – College of Science & Mathematics
Steven Vosika
Career and Internship Advisor
(470)

3. Resume Critique
What's wrong with this resume?

4. Why do you need a resume?
DESIGNED to get you an interview.
Provides potential employers with a snapshot of you.
It's your first impression.

5. What makes a good resume?
Think of it as a research paper...about you.
Highlight skills, strengths, and accomplishments.
It should be designed to get you an interview, but it could rule you out if poorly written.
C.O.D.E. your resume
Clear – information is concise and easy to read
Organized – layout has a smooth flow of information
Dynamic – action verbs and descriptive statements
Error free – illustrates the quality of your work

6. Getting Started
Gather your information
Conduct a self assessment
Determine your objective
Be prepared to draft...then re-draft...then re-draft again!
Create a "database" of experiences.
Remember, employers like results!

7. Formatting Basics Functional vs. Chronological? Font and font size
Margins
Style choices: bold, italics, and s p a c i n g

8. Resume Content
Contact Information
Objective Statements of Qualifications
Education & Relevant Coursework
Projects
Skills
Experience/Employment
Volunteer Experience
Honors/Activities
Include what’s relevant – in jobs, in classes, in volunteering, memberships, independent projects, study abroad experiences.
Use section headings that work for YOUR skill set.
Include anything that enhances your marketability: willingness to relocate or travel, ability to speak other languages, etc.

9. Resume Heading
Contact Information: name, address, phone number, and .
Be sure your voic message sounds professional
Be sure your address sounds professional
Use KSU or create an for job searching
Some resources say, due to the increase of identity theft, it is acceptable to only list an address and phone number
You can also add a link to your LinkedIn profile in your heading.

10. Objective Statements Be realistic
Be employer-centered – focus to the statement to that employer
Be concise, but not too broad
Components:
The position – what do you want to do?
The field/company – where do you want to do it? Why? (10 year plans/mission statements)
Your skills – why are you the person to do this sort of work?

11. Education Be sure to include it, and list it correctly
List colleges/universities in reverse chronological order
Put expected date of graduation on resume
Use appropriate designation for your major and spell it out (Bachelor of Science)
Put GPA on resume if above 3.0, otherwise don’t include
Include relevant courses you have taken

12. High School Education Don’t put high school education on your resume
Don’t include SAT scores
General rule: high school information for freshman level college students who have limited work experience can list outstanding achievements to demonstrate potential
However, every effort should be made to gain relevant skills through collegiate experiences

13. Skills
Include specific technology when relevant – database experience, industry-specific programs, etc.
Languages – always put on resume if you have a second language
Computer skills
List the skills you have: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SPSS, Quick Books, etc.
Presentation skills
“Soft” skills (leadership, communication, problem solving, teamwork)

14. Projects Pick your top 3 - 5 projects to list on your resume
These can be academic required project or independent projects
They do not need to be completed or launched either

15. Shadowing Include any relevant shadowing experience
Doctors/Practice Name
Type/Specialty/Location
Number of Hours

16. Work Experience
Think results (saved the company $1,000, supervised 18 people, etc.)
Go no further back than 10 years for work experience
Don’t just say “responsible for…” Use action words (active voice, not passive)
Use present tense for current employment
Use past tense for past employment

17. Transferable Skills What experiences are relevant?
Which experiences could be relevant?
How can you translate seemingly irrelevant experience into statements that show potential?
Think about:
…skills necessary for the job you are seeking…
…what experience you have from past positions that utilizes those skills…
…how to describe your experiences in the language of your new career field…

18. Resume Do’s Use ACTIVE voice
Limit to 1 or 2 pages (one page is preferred for recent graduates but two is reasonable if you have extensive work history)
Design for skimmers eyes (“30 second” glance quality)
Put most important/relevant information first (both on the page and within sections)
Keep reader in mind when preparing the resume
Remember that appearances matter – no errors
Use action verbs and industry buzz words
Focus on relevant details only
Be truthful
Include your name and page number on the second page

19. Resume Don’ts Write before doing a self-assessment
Refer to self as “I”
Include personal information
Include references
Use premade templates or tables
Use colloquial language
Use abbreviations without first explaining them
Include a photo of yourself
Use flimsy or colored paper

20. What NOT to Include on Your Resume
Marital status
Age
Health
Hobbies
Race/Culture
Salary
Religion/Political Affiliations

21. References Should be on a separate sheet (not part of resume)
Not necessary to say “references available upon request” on resume
Should have 3-5 individuals related to academic or business (NOT relatives or personal friends)
Should have a heading with your name
Include:
Name
Title
Company/organization or affiliation
Address and telephone number
Should obtain permission before putting people on this list
Provide references with a copy of your resume and provide updates on your job search

22. Setup an Appointment Cover letter help Resume assistance
Practice interviews
Workshops
Career Fairs
Career library
Online Career Portfolio
Graduate school
Handshake (Online Job Portal)
Experiential Education (Internship/Co-Op)
Career Planning & Development – College of Science & Mathematics
Steven Vosika
Career and Internship Advisor
(470)