Writing Résumés:
A Guide for Undergraduate Students
What is a Résumé?
A résumé is a snapshot of the education, experience, and skills you have that are valuable to the
employer. Its main purpose is to convince a potential employer to invite you for an interview – to make
them want to learn more about you. Résumés are used to screen applicants and determine which candidates have the
background which most closely matches employers’ needs. It answers the questions “have you,” “can you” and “will you do the
job?”
Before Writing a Résumé, You Should
• Do your research on the industry, field, company/organization, and the job itself so you fully understand what the
employer is seeking. Talk with a Career Advancement counselor to learn more about how to do this.
• Learn to speak the employer’s language. While doing your research, pay attention to the vocabulary that is particular
to the industry.
• Learn about trends that are developing within the industry.
• Identify the core skills required in the job, so as to highlight and emphasize your relevant prior experiences and skills.
To Craft a Successful Résumé, You Should
• Quickly and succinctly capture an employer’s attention and interest. Most employers spend only 30 seconds reviewing
a résumé.
• Emphasize and quantify accomplishments rather than just listing responsibilities. Be specific whenever possible. For
example: “Designed and delivered 20 math tutoring lessons to a group of seven fifth and sixth graders.”
• Incorporate transferable skills, i.e. skills you acquired in one context or situation that are valuable in another. Examples
of transferrable skills include: communication, teamwork, organizational, etc.
Résumé Dos
• Be specific and quantify whenever possible
• Proofread multiple times for proper grammar, spelling, etc. (and don’t rely just on Spell Check)
• Be consistent with formatting
• Organize the information in your résumé in reverse chronological order
• Pay close attention to verb tenses in your bullets
• Keep your résumé to one page
• Be truthful about your accomplishments without undervaluing your experiences
Résumé Don’ts
• Use résumé templates from word processing programs, such as MSWord
• Use phrases like “Responsible for” and “Was in charge of”
• Say what you were supposed to do; say what you did
• Begin bullets with “I” or use complete sentences
• Include personal information such as your social security number, age, or nation of origin
• List unrelated, minor duties such as “opened mail” or ‘filed documents”
• Limit yourself by including only paid experiences
• Lie or exaggerate on your résumé
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School Address:
5412 S. University Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637 (773) 555-7864
Sally Smith
smith@uchicago.edu
Permanent Address:
123 Main Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 456-2222
EDUCATION
Once you determine your major, state
“BA in ____” and DROP the High School
The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
listing unless it will help your job search.
Bachelor of Arts, expected June 2018
Enrolled in core liberal arts courses with plans to pursue pre-med curriculum. GPA: 3.45/4.00
It is best to include a
GPA if it is a 3.00 or
higher.
SPASH High School, Stevens Point, WI
Diploma, June 2014
Honors Included: President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Special Corporate National Merit
Scholarship sponsored by Pfizer, Inc., and National Council of Teachers of English Nomination for Excellence in Writing
EXPERIENCE
Joseph Regenstein Library, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Serials Assistant, October 2014 – present
• Guide patrons through the newly-implemented online cataloging system
• Locate and check out books, audio-visual equipment, and microfiche for patrons
• Shelve returned books accurately and efficiently
Volunteer and student activities can be
just as impressive to an employer as
work experience.
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Assistant Chair, Model United Nations at the University of Chicago, October 2014 – present
• Research and write 10-page papers on political and economic problems such as vaccine financing and urban health
• Collaborate with team to plan two-day conference for more than 1,500 high school students
President, Students against Destructive Decisions, SPASH High School, 2013 – 2014
• Led executive board members in coordinating four large campaigns and raising more than $3000
• Increased active membership by 30% through innovative membership drive efforts
• Served as spokesperson to local community, raising awareness of violence and injury prevention strategies
Vice President, Student Council, SPASH High School, 2013 – 2014
• Planned and facilitated weekly student council meetings
• Represented 1500 students in meetings with administrators; lobbied for and implemented spirit week
Captain, Varsity Tennis Team, SPASH High School, 2013 – 2014
• Managed time required for 20-hour/week of tennis plus activities and rigorous academic courses
• Placed 3rd in doubles at Wisconsin State Tennis Tournament
• Varsity Team member 3 years, Junior Varsity 1 year
Member, Spanish Club, SPASH High School, 2012 – 2014
SKILLS
Computer: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as HyperStudio and Adobe Photoshop; Basic
knowledge of HTML
Your interests aren’t qualifications for
Language: Proficient in reading and writing Spanish
a job necessarily, but they provide
Certifications: Adult and Infant CPR
employers with topics about which
INTERESTS
Digital photography, skydiving, and sports medicine
they can inquire at the beginning of an
interview. This often helps you relax and
leads to a better interview but can easily
be dropped if space is an issue.