Resume Help

What is a résumé and how do I write one?

Ré su•mé (rā´zū•mā´) 1. A summary of your relevant experience and education. 2. An advertisement which highlights your unique strengths and accomplishments.

There are many different résumé styles, the most well recognized of which are the functional and chronological. No matter which format you choose, your résumé should always reflect your personality while incorporating the standard elements which employers and internship sites look for.

Résumé Writing Tips

• Keep your résumé to one page.
• Design your résumé for easy skimming. Emphasize by boldfacing, capitalizing and italicizing.
• Center and balance the text on the page, leaving a one inch margin as a border.
• Target your résumé to the particular field or type of position you are seeking. If you have more than one career interest, create additional résumés. Include experience most relevant to the employer's needs.
• Stress your abilities, accomplishments and skills. Aim to show how your background is unique.
• Be concise with language. Use different action verbs (PDF) to begin sentences or bullet points. Avoid using "I".
• Proofread carefully for spelling, grammar, punctuation and typos. Better yet, bring your draft copy to the Office of Center for Career Development for review.
• Print your résumé on high quality bond paper and mail in a matching envelope with a cover letter. Résumés that are emailed or scanner friendly (PDF) should be formatted accordingly.

Standard Résumé Elements

Identification - At the top of the page, show your name, address, telephone number and email. Include both your school and permanent addresses, with area and zip codes.
Objective Statement - This is optional but recommended for entry-level positions. State your area of interest clearly and succinctly. This should be specific and relevant to the job to which you are applying.

Education - In reverse chronological order, list college(s) attended, location, degree, and anticipated month and year of graduation. If your GPA is 3.0 or above include it, along with any academic honors. You may also include any courses related to your objective.

Experience - List relevant experience in reverse chronological order. These include paid work, significant volunteerism and internships. Include the name of the employer, city and state, job title and dates. Use action verbs to emphasize accomplishments and major responsibilities. Think about what you did that was creative, original or significant. Support your objective statement.

Activities - List any student organizations and campus activities (including athletics) with the name of the organization and your title. Note any key assignments, accomplishments or awards.

Skills - Refers to computer (both software and hardware) and language knowledge. With languages, be clear and honest about your degree of proficiency.

Interests - This section can act as a conversation starter in an interview. List any significant hobbies or interests. If you include travel, be prepared to talk about a recent trip.

References - It is assumed, and not necessary, to say "References available upon request".

Resume with Internship Experience (PDF)
Recent Graduate Resume Sample (PDF)
Five Years Out of School Resume Sample (PDF)
Undergraduate Nursing Sample (PDF)

The Center for Career Development is here to assist you through the resume process. Email us your resume at careerdevelopment@curry.edu and we'll have it reviewed for you within 24 hours, or make an appointment for an individual counseling session.

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