Introduction to
Resume Writing
Host:
Career and Student Services Coordinator
Ms. Sarah-Lynn Brunner
bsarahlynn@itu.edu
408.331.1026 Ext:220
Overview of Student Success
Center
• Individual Career
Counseling
• Drop-ins
• Workshops
• Career Assessment
Tools
• Mock Interviews
• Career Resource Library
• Career Fairs
• ITU Recruiting
Job Listings
Resume Match
On-campus
Interviews
Agenda
• Purpose of a resume
• Resume formats
• Sections of a resume
• What not to include in a resume
• References
Purpose of a Resume
• Introduction to employer
• Personal advertisement
• Get you an interview
Basic Formats for Resumes
• Chronological
• Reverse Date Order
• Functional
• Grouped by Skill Category
Components of a Resume
Necessary Information:
• Contact information
• Education
• Experience (tasks, skills
learned)
Optional Information:
• Objective
• Course highlights
• Projects/research
• Computer skills
• Foreign languages
• Honors/awards
• Volunteer work /
community service
• Activities/Interests
Many more…
Contact Information
• Name
• Address: Campus/Permanent
• Telephone number
• Email address
Objective
•
•
•
•
Convey a match between you and the position
Communicate what you have to offer
Identify skills that will benefit the organization/industry
Tailor your objective to the job/field
Example:
“Seeking an internship with XYZ Corporation in which
I can utilize my proven leadership abilities and
recognized customer service skills.”
Education
List formal education with the highest degree first
• Include:
–
–
–
–
–
Institution
City, State
Degree
Major title
Graduation date
• Optional Information:
– Minor/Concentrati
on
– Dean’s List
– Grade Point
Average
– Exchange
programs*
– Dissertation or
Thesis*
– Honors, awards,
scholarships*
Experience
•
•
•
•
Full-time, part-time, volunteer, or internship
List in reverse chronological order
May use “Related Experience” section
Need to include:
Name of employer
City, State, and dates of employment/participation
Position titles
Position description
Position Description
• Demonstrate achievements, knowledge, skills, highlights,
and responsibilities related to the position
• Use action verbs: use past and present tense consistently
and accurately
• Break up large blocks of texts with bullets
Accomplishment Statements
Two parts:
• The results or benefits that came as a result of your
work. These results/benefits should be stated in terms
of the value added, and in as tangible and quantified a
manner as possible.
• The action you took to achieve those
benefits/results. (What steps you took or what
techniques you used)
Accomplishment Statements
• Benefits
• Much better awareness of the skills and abilities that
will be the foundation for your job search.
• Concrete credibility for everything you claim in the
way of qualifications and abilities. You will have
simple documentation of the value you can bring to an
employer.
• Greater confidence in presenting yourself to potential
employers. You will understand better that you are not
"asking for a job," but rather you are offering a
contribution to an employer.
Accomplishment Statements
-
Increased profits
Reduced errors
Reduced losses
Improved teamwork
Made things easier
Sped things up
Foresaw a problem
Found an easier solution
-Received an award
-Found a new opportunity
-Accomplished more with
the same
- Prevented a problem
- Provided new resources
- Developed a new
procedure
- Overcame obstacles
Examples
• "Saved $60 a year in service charges by proposing and
acquiring a checking account at a new bank for College
Council."
• " Instituted residence hall tutoring program that increased
average overall GPA from a 2.9 to a 3.3."
• " Increased membership in ABC student club by 50%
through creative advertising."
• "Presented training for new campus-wide email system to
approximately 30% of the student body."
Special Categories
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Course highlights
Projects/research
Research awards
Certifications
Computer skills
Foreign language proficiency
Special skills
Volunteering / community involvement
Leadership activities
Honors, scholarships, awards
Activities, interests
Interests and Activities
• Association memberships
• Academic/social clubs
• Athletic teams
• Hobbies
• Include offices elected to and contributions made to the
organization
• Select your interests and activities carefully
What NOT to Include
• Salary requirements or previous salaries
• Name or contact information of supervisors
• Personal information (e.g. birth date, marital status, health
status, picture, etc.)
• References - place them on a separate sheet
Note: if applying for jobs outside of the US, these may not
necessarily apply – do your research!
Points to Remember
•
•
•
•
•
•
Use vocabulary of your field or industry
Use concise phrases
Use numbers to quantify achievements
Avoid long paragraphs
Omit personal pronouns (I, we, he, she, you)
Action verbs
Points to Remember (cont.)
• Use bolding, italics, and underlining to highlight
or separate sections
• Margins should be ½ inch to 1 inch
• One page length is standard
• Use only one side of the paper
• Laser print on quality paper
References
• Have at least three references
• Ask before using someone as a reference
• Give resumes to your references and keep them
informed of your progress
• Things to include on reference sheet:
• Your contact information (same format as on resume is
recommended)
• Name of reference, company or organization, address,
phone number, and email address
A Strong Cover Letter
• A Strong Cover Letter are targeted to employers
and specific jobs
• Promotes your abilities
• Looks organized and professional
• Enthusiastic and conveys interest
• Clear and concise articulation of skills
• Error-free
Components of a Cover Letter
•
•
•
•
•
•
Your contact information
Date
Employers’ contact information
Salutation
Introductory paragraph
Body of letter: one or more paragraphs connecting your
skills to employer needs
• Conclusion
• Closing
• Signature, if in paper format
Opening Paragraph
• Why are you writing?
• What position are you applying for?
• How did you hear of the opening or organization?
Example: Dr. Anderson in the Anthropology Department at
International Technological University recommended that
I contact you. I would like to apply for the archaeology
internship available in your office.
Middle Paragraph(s)
• Explain interest in working for this employer and reasons
for desiring this position
• Do NOT iterate entire resume; rather expand on one or
two areas that reflect relevant skills learned
• Emphasize skills or abilities that relate to the job
• Express confidence and enthusiasm
Final Paragraph
• Persistent, businesslike closing statement
• Indicate desire for a personal interview
• Example: I will call you on [date] to discuss this career
opportunity with [name of organization].
• “Thank you” for consideration
Closing:
Sincerely,
Sign name
Type name
Enclosure
Cover Letter Tips
•
•
•
•
•
Address letter to a specific person if possible
One page only
Use industry “buzz words”
Follow through with employer
Let them know you have done your homework
• Say something flattering about the organization
(e.g.: “Energy Plus has an excellent reputation locally for
customer satisfaction, and I would like to become part of
your customer service team.”)
Good Luck!
Let us know how else we can help you!
Student Success Center
Host: Sarah-Lynn Brunner
bsarahlynn@itu.edu
http://csc.itu.edu/