Resumes

Resumes often go hand-in-hand with cover letters. Go to cover letter information.

The purpose of the resume is to summarize for employers the key elements of your background. Keep in mind that a good resume alone won't get you a job; however, it can help you get an interview and influence an employer's perception of your skills and potential for a particular kind of work.

Resume Samples

Arts & Sciences

• Job Search resumes
• Intern resumes

Engineering

• Job Search resumes
• Intern resumes

General Resume Resources

• Resume 101
• The Parts of a Resume
• Sample Resume Headers
• Action Verbs List
• How to Describe Basic Jobs
• Top 10 Pitfalls in Resume Writing
• Sample Reference Sheet

Additional Resume Tips for...

• Engineers
• Athletes
• Resident Assistants (RA)
• Student Leaders

Some basic tips for creating your resume:

• Survive the scan. Since resumes often get less than one minute of an employer's time, use bulleted items or short sentences rather than long paragraphs.

• Do not include personal data such as height, weight, age, marital status, or your photograph.

• Typically, the length should be one page.

• Use good quality paper. A white, off-white or buff-colored paper is desirable.

• Check for typos, spelling errors, and grammar usage. (Of surveyed college recruiters, 95%  thought that poor grammar or more than one spelling error would definitely lessen interest in a candidate.)

• Include a well-written cover letter. Remember, the cover letter will act as an example of your communication skills.

Preparing your References

The phrase “References available upon request” is not necessary on your resume. Instead, a separate reference sheet provides the names and contact information for your references.

• Always ask permission from individuals before you list them as references. Provide them with a copy of your resume so they can speak about you with familiarity. Make sure they know the positions you’re pursuing and which qualities/experiences would most effectively support your candidacy.
• If you use a reference who is not clearly related to the jobs and education listed on your resume, identify that individual with a short phrase.
• Use no more than four references, with at least two employment-related. If using faculty, select a professor who knows you well.
• To create your reference sheet, use quality bond paper that matches your resume.
• Put your name at the top of the page in case the reference sheet gets separated from your resume.
• For many jobs, references will give a verbal recommendation in a telephone call. Written recommendations will be asked for as “letters of recommendation.”