1. Resume Writing for Graduate Students
St. Cloud State University
Career Services Center

2. Agenda Purpose of a resume General tips and recommendations
Standard sections of a resume
What makes a graduate level resume different?
The curriculum vitae
References
Final reminders

3. Purpose of the Resume To get you INTERVIEWS!
The resume is a self-marketing tool – an important first impression
Highlight your qualifications for a particular job
The candidate whose resume most closely matches the qualifications sought by the employer is the one who will get the interview

4. Getting Started – The Basics
Microsoft Word document
Do NOT use a template
1-2 pages for graduate students
Use consistent formatting/style
One inch margins – “white space”
Times New Roman, pt font
Use boldface for the key information
Templates are difficult to edit and don’t upload well into companies online websites
Exceptions to 1 page resume: education majors with teaching experience; masters students; students with a lot of relevant experience
Use consistent indentation, capitalization, font size and style
10-12 point font, 11 is best; see how much space you have- don’t want more or less than a page
Bold job titles and degree titles, maybe GPA

5. More General Guidelines
Omit personal information
Eliminate high school and any old, irrelevant college and work information
Avoid using personal pronouns
No abbreviations/acronyms/jargon unless the employer knows what they mean
Use action verbs to describe experiences
Do not use contractions
Be clear and concise – avoid flowery language

6. Different Kinds of Resumes
Chronological
Most common or “traditional” – preferred by employers
Organizes experience by date – good when you have stable history of experience, progressive responsibility in the same field
Functional
Focus on skills and qualifications – what you achieved versus where you achieved it
Experience grouped into “skill areas” such as communication, administration, counseling, leadership, technical, financial, etc.
Good when you a lot of experience in a variety of positions, don’t have a stable history or you are changing fields
Combination
Uses the structure of a chronological resume, but adds a “summary of qualifications” or “professional profile” to summarize key skills and experiences

7. Standard Resume Sections/Headings
Contact Information
Objective (optional)
Education
Employment/Experience
Activities and Achievements
You may or may not want to have an objective
Employers want to know what positions you’ve held, even if they aren’t related
If you have held non-paid relevant positions, call it experience instead
Activities and acheivements can include awards, honors, and Extra-curriculars

8. Additional Headings for Graduate Students
Research Experience
Computer/IT Skills
Additional Languages
Professional Memberships
Committees
Summary of Qualifications
Research/Publications (CV)
Teaching Experience (CV)

9. Contact Information
Name
Current address
Current phone #
address
Example:
John Smith
105 South Maple
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
Keep voic and address appropriate and professional

10. Objective To let employer know what position(s) you seek
Indicate exact job title if you know it
Brief and concise
Leave off “Objective” section if:
Employer has more than one position of interest
Don’t know what position(s) employer has
Need space to describe more qualifications
25% of employers want to see an objective, so if you can match the objective up with what the employer is looking for, that can work to your advantage
Circumstances where the objective can work against you: if there more than one, you don’t want to list just one position that you could be considered- send a separate resume for each job opening
Job Fairs

11. Objective - Examples
Seeking a position as a Public Relations Specialist
To obtain a position as a Rehabilitation Counselor with Dextra Client Solutions
Driven, results oriented emerging business professional seeking a position as a Sales Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-a-Car

12. Education Section Degree Graduation date Universities and locations
GPA (if 3.0 or higher)
Do NOT list high school
Other optional items under education:
Emphasis or area of concentration
Academic honors or awards
Any related certificates or licensures
Program accreditation
International experience
Related training
Thesis or final project
More than 6 months out: use anticipated graduation date
If you don’t know when you will be graduation, use start date- present or put a bullet “currently pursuing” under degree

13. Education - Example Master of Arts: Social Work May 2013
St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
GPA: 4.0
Bachelor of Science: Psychology May 2010
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN
Minor in Communication Studies
Dean’s List – 3 semesters
GPA: 3.7
Use this example

14. Experience Sections
What is the difference between “related experience” and “employment?”
Related – all experiences specifically related to the opportunity you are seeking; can be paid or unpaid
Employment – experiences that are paid; may be related or not related; important to focus on transferable skills
Experiences can include:
Graduate Assistantships
Internships (credit and not for credit)
Employment
Campus Involvement
Volunteer work
Research
Class projects
Practicum/field work

15. Employment/Experience Section
Job Title/Position
Name of Employer/Organization
Location (city and state)
Date(s) (month and year)
Skills/Duties/Accomplishments
Use bullet points!
No complete sentences or personal pronouns
Go back 3-4 years on your employment
Bullets: What did I do, how did I make a difference, what skills did I demonstrate

16. Bullet Points
Match verbs/skills words in bullet points to those used in job posting
List specific results -- include the impact or contribution your involvement had
Use phrases, not full sentences; 2-3 lines max
Use action verbs when describing your experiences and skills developed (not “responsible for” or “duties included”)
Use appropriate verb tense with past and present employment
If employer wants customer service skills, say that in the bullet
Employee of the month, promotions
Avoid saying duties included or responsibilities are; start off with action verbs: organized, assisted, demonstrated, developed

17. Employment Example Graduate Assistant July 2012 -Present
Career Services Center, SCSU, St. Cloud, MN
Strengthen counseling skills by meeting with students for individual, one hour appointments regarding major or career decision
Interpret career assessment instruments such as the MBTI, FOCUS, and Strong-Interest Inventory
Demonstrate strong communication and public speaking skills by presenting on a variety of career related topics
Assist in the coordination of job fairs on and off campus by communicating with employers in the St. Cloud region

18. Experience Example Research Assistant/Intern Summer 2011
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Contributed to the development of nicotine research protocols as a member of a research team of clinical psychologists, physicians, and biostatisticians
Participated in health psychology evaluations and formulated diagnostic impressions and treatment plans
Independently contributed to the closure of a research project and successfully produced a manuscript for journal submission
Notice it says “experience” instead of “employment”, but follows the same format

19. Activities and Achievements
Use this section to provide additional examples of the initiative, motivation, leadership, related experience and skills, interest in profession, etc., sought by employers
Could include student organizations, volunteering, community involvement, awards, scholarships, etc.
Employers are looking for this
Good way to build resume; get involved in clubs and organizations

20. Activities and Achievements
Crisis Hotline Volunteer June 2012-present
Crisis Center, St. Cloud, MN
Completed 40 hour training in telephone crisis intervention
Supervise seven undergraduate volunteer students and serve as a facilitator for debriefing discussions during the academic year
Member, Graduate Student Organization August 2011-present
Graduate Student Organization, SCSU
Volunteer August May 2012
Catholic Charities, Saint Cloud, MN
Award Recipient March 2012
Excellence in Leadership Award, SCSU
One of only 23 students on campus of 16,000 to receive award for outstanding leadership and service

21. Curriculum Vitae – What is it?
An expanded resume for individuals in academic professions
Cumulative record of all academic activities – update regularly
Higher education, specialized scientific research, government
Allows for specialized, academic specific language
No page limit
Includes additional headings such as publications, teaching experience/courses taught, research, presentations/poster sessions, professional activities, conference participation, current research interests, grants, practicum/field work, specialized training, etc.

22. References Current or previous supervisors
College professors or advisors
NOT family or friends
Always obtain permission first
Do not write “References available upon request” on the bottom of your resume

23. References Separate page
Paper, font size and style should match resume
Heading from resume should match heading on references
Generally 3-5 references
Recommendation letters vs. references
General Format:
Name of Reference
Title
Organization
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip
Phone #
If employer asks for 3 references, give 3, NOT 10

24. Example
Dr. Jane Doe Assistant Professor, Political Science St. Cloud State University 720 4th Ave South St. Cloud, MN

25. Cover Letters Formal business letter that introduces your resume
Allows you to expand and personalize your resume
Connects your past experiences to the position you are applying for – highlighting strengths, accomplishments, and personality
Should be tailored for the position and company
Convince the reader of why you should be invited for an interview
Good opportunity to explain any problems, gaps, etc. on your resume

26. Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
Needs to be well written, detailed yet concise
Don’t just repeat the resume – expand and incorporate your personality
Give real life examples of how you have demonstrated skills/qualifications
Don’t write in generalities – no kitchen sink statements
Address to a specific person if possible (not “To Whom it May Concern”)
No more than one page, typically 3-5 paragraphs
Same style and formatting as your resume
If mailing, sign in blue ink

27. Cover Letter Content Intro Body Closure
Explain why you are writing – what position are you applying for? (be specific)
How did you find out about the position?
Brief intro statement of why you are qualified
Express interest in the specific employer, company, etc.
Body
Explain why you are qualified for the position
Expand on your resume – highlight most important qualifications, give examples
Discuss your most relevant or distinguishing characteristics
Closure
Brief summary statement
Indicate that your resume is enclosed
Mention that you would like to meet for an interview
Thank them for their time and consideration

28. Final Reminders Review for spelling and grammar errors!
Print on good quality resume paper
Do not print double sided
Do not fold or staple
If 2+ pages, include your name and page # on every page
Convert to PDF or plain text before uploading to online systems (depending on the system)
Always have a cover letter and reference sheet ready
Keep track of positions you have applied for, follow up
Bring it to Career Services!
Errors will eliminate you right away
As your creating your resume, go through the resume checklist to make sure it is ready to be brought into Career Services for a final critique
The purpose of a resume critique is not to teach you how to write a resume, our goal is to help you highlight those qualifications that the employer is really looking for; make it look professional
Resume samples on website

29. The University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center
Thank You!
For more information, please call or visit:
St. Cloud State University
Career Services Center
Centennial Hall 215