1. Cassidy Lawson, M,Ed. Career & Academic Advisor
Resumes
SOWK 287
Cassidy Lawson, M,Ed.
Career & Academic Advisor

2. What We Will Cover Today:
What is CAP?
Resume
Content
Format
Suggestions
Q&A Time

3. What is Career & Academic Planning?
Located in 3rd Floor of SSC
Phone:
Hours: M-F 8am-5pm
*We engage students with opportunities and resources, leading to informed decisions for academic and career success at JMU and beyond!
We can help with ALL things related to the job search! You can make an appointment or go to our website at

4. Why is Your Resume so Important?
The only thing an employer has to go off of sometimes
A document that is summarizing all your accomplishments
A good indicator of how seriously you take your job search

5. Contact Information
What is Needed?
Name (Full name-if you have nickname, put in parentheses)
Address (professional addresses only)
Phone Number (cell phone)
Permanent and/or Local Address
*Can put link to a portfolio in this section if you wish

7. Education What Is Needed?
Name of University (James Madison University)
Location of School (Harrisonburg, VA)
Degree Received (Bachelor of Science in Dietetics)
Graduation Date (May 2018)
*Special Honors/Study Abroad Can Go Here-No High School

9. The “Experience” Section
What experiences should I include?
You can separate this out depending on your preference (Relevant, Work, Employment, etc.)
Just because it isn’t paid, doesn’t mean it’s not a good experience
Can focus on related experience/experience with transferable skills

10. Formatting the “ Experience” Section
What is Needed:
Employer/Organization (Sentara Healthcare/Big Brothers, Big Sisters)
Title (Intern, Volunteer, etc.)
Location (Richmond, VA)
Dates Of The Experience (May 2016-August 2016)

11. Formatting the “ Experience” Section
Descriptive Phrases:
ALWAYS begin with an action verb (pay attention to tenses)
Quantify wherever possible-i.e. Put things into numbers
Include outcomes wherever possible-what happened as a result?
Include info about type of population you worked with…
In other words, BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE!!!

12. Sample Bullet Phrase:

14. Other Headings Besides “ Experience”
Work/Employment History
Professional Involvements/ Presentations
Special Activities/Awards
Volunteer Experience
Skills (Language/Computer)
Licensure/Certification

16. Additional Information:
One page is the standard format so stick to one page for right now!
Triple check for spelling and grammar errors
Be consistent with headings/fonts/margins
Fonts: No smaller than 10 points
Margins: No less than .5 inches
If printing, use quality resume paper
If submitting electronically, save as PDF
Be honest and come to CAP for a resume review!
No templates-use Word!

17. Final Thoughts on Resumes:
Talk to your faculty/supervisors/advisors about your resume
Target your resume when you apply for jobs!
Example: If job description wants someone who speaks Spanish, place Spanish experience in “Relevant Coursework” section and “Skills” section
Everyone is going to give their own opinion, but at the end of the day, your resume is designed to highlight YOU!
Any questions?

19. Questions? If you need help, come to CAP! Cassidy Lawson, M.Ed.
Career & Academic Advisor
Student Success Center, Room 3210