1. Writing for Impact: Resumes
Emily Fox
Career Advisor
Career Services Network
Michigan State University

2. Myth: Your job search starts when you graduate.
Reality
Your actions as a freshman, sophomore and junior can prepare the way for a successful job search as a graduate.
Helpful Hint
Keep your resume up to date (unless you win the lottery)

3. The primary purpose of the resume….
…..is to get the
interview!

4. Remember the Fundamentals
Know your audience
Target the employers needs
Speak the language
Demonstrate vs. tell

5. An Effective Resume Is clear, organized and accurate
Speaks the language of the employer
Focuses on accomplishments and skills
Is brief and easy to read

6. Formats
Chronological
Functional
Combination
Curriculum vita (CV)

7. Resume Basics
Name and contact information
Webpage and addresses
Objective
Education
Experience
Organizations and honors
Skills

8. Lets Talk Objective
To obtain a full time career-oriented position in a social services organization that rewards performance with opportunity for advancement.
To obtain the Night Desk Supervisor position within Residence Life at Michigan State University.

9. Education Bachelor of Science in Family Community Services, May 2010
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
GPA: 3.2/ Major GPA: 3.7/4.0
Study Abroad in Intercultural Communications, Summer 2009
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

10. Experience
Employers want to know what you can bring to their organization
Link actions with results
Use ACTION VERBS
How will your past experiences help you succeed in the position?

11. Show Results
Sales Associate, Professional Style, Inc., Chicago, IL. Summer 2002
Sold men’s and women’s professional clothing achieving top sales commission for June and July
Arranged fittings and custom alterations
Assisted in developing displays and training new employees

12. Show Your Passion and Initiative!
Volunteer Coordinator, Family Independence Ctr., Lansing, MI. Summer 2008
Advanced from volunteer assistant to volunteer coordinator in six months
Screened and trained 25 volunteers in conjunction with professional staff
Assisted in family case management, parenting support and resource advocacy
Prepared reports and assisted with annual review presentations

13. Organizations and Activities
Family and Child Ecology Club, MSU, 2007 – present
Child Life Organization for Spartan Students, MSU, present
Habitat for Humanity, Alternative Spring Break, New Orleans, LA, 2006
Fundraising Chairperson, Senior Class Council,
Volunteer, New Horizons Soup Kitchen, Lansing, MI,
Intramural softball and hockey,
National Leadership Scholarship, 2003

14. Employers Want the Total Package
Leadership
Computer literacy
Personal accountability
Initiative
Willingness to learn
Context experience
Teamwork
Sound technical & disciplinary skills
Critical thinking – trans-disciplinary perspective
Communication
Interpersonal skills
Source: Gardner, Philip (2001) Recruiting Trends. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University.

15. Make Connections! Use your resources! (You’re already paying for them)
Attend on campus presentations
Attend on campus career fairs
Become an ambassador!
Explore on campus jobs
Speak with Academic Advisors and Career Advisors

16. Your resume is just a piece of your job search strategy.
How will you move the
pieces to build your career?

17. Set up an appointment to meet with To schedule an appointment go to:
Resume Critiques. . .
Set up an appointment to meet with
Career Advisor
To schedule an appointment go to:
careernetwork.msu.edu
. . .lead to winning resumes!

18. Writing for Impact: Resumes
Adapted from
Linda Gross, Ph.D. and Gwen Pearson, Ph.D.