www.svsu.edu/careers
Career Services
Career Services
Creating your
Resume
Pages 9-13
www.svsu.edu/careers
What is the purpose of a resume?
www.svsu.edu/careers
Value Proposition
 What
will you bring to the
campus?
 Do you have the skills necessary
to do the work?
 Do you have the experience that
the hiring department desires?
www.svsu.edu/careers
Layout Primer

Eyes tracing

Down







From left to right
Use of bold
Use of italics
White space
Clear headings
No large text blocks
Use of bullets
www.svsu.edu/careers
436
Business Communication Quarterly 76(4)
Bold Name
356 CyprusAvenue,AnyCity,AC 03200 999-888-7777
boldname@email.com
The most important information that potential
employers should remember about you should go
in the F-zone—the gray areas of this page.
Figure 1. The “F”-pattern reading area for resume design is based on eye-tracking research
(Nielsen 2006; see also Shrestha & Lenz, 2007; Shrestha et al., 2008).
Note. The most important information should appear within or near the gray areas that compose a
resume’s “F-zone.”
prepare one résumé and not worry about whether it will be read on a screen or on
paper, diminishing the need for a separate “scannable” résumé. The following updated
best practices rely on this research as well as research about employers’ preferred
résumé structures, as described earlier.
www.svsu.edu/careers
Diaz
437
JENNIFERJACOBSON
123 Main Street, Old Town, ME 04468
(999) 123-4567
EDUCATION
University of Maine
Major: English
Concentration: Professional and
Technical Writing
jennifer.jacobson@email.com
Orono, ME
Graduation: May 2012
GPA: 3.4
EXPERIENCE
Oregg, Ltd. ,
Lowell, MA
Intern for Information Development
June 2012-present
•
programs
••Prepare documents for different audiences, including users, administrators, and
developers
••Design and provide programming examples, graphics, developer-intro talks (Java, Eclipse,
PowerPoint)
Repair.com
Virtual
Writer
August-December 2011
••Designed and wrote a repair manual for small electronic device
••Used small tools to replace battery, screen, and keypad
••Worked collaboratively with team of writers and designers
Freelance Graphic Designer
Orono, ME
“How to be One Cool Kid”
Spring 2011
••Designed and created an instructional infographic using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
••Inspired children’s audience through colorful comic-book style instructions
Records Technician
Orono, ME
University Admissions Office
Fall 2011-Spring 2012
••Adapt to change and manage projects on a daily basis
••Use extensive knowledge of University databases to help potential
students on phone and through email
••Answered telephone and responded to email messages from parents
and potential students
Student Assistant
University Admissions Office
••Answered telephone and routed phone calls appropriately
••Made changes to documents using InDesign and PowerPoint
Orono, ME
Fall 2010-Spring 2011
SKILLS
Microsoft Word and Excel
Adobe Acrobat Editing tools
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Technical Editing
Proposals and Reports
Grants Preparation
Business &Technical Writing
Persuasive Writing
Document Design
Figure 2. A paper-based resume designed to be read on-screen or on paper.
Note. Johnson uses the F-zone to highlight her professional writing education, courses, and internship.
www.svsu.edu/careers
So remember…
www.svsu.edu/careers
Standard Resume Headers
Name and Contact Information
Making custom
 Objective
headers is appropriate
and sometimes a great
 Education
thing to do!
 Relevant (Fieldwork) Experience
Student Affairs
 Work Experience
Resumes will look for
specific items
 Community Involvement &
demonstrating
campus involvement.
Accomplishments
The order of your
 Computer/Technical Skills
headers may change
based on
 References
RELEVANCE

www.svsu.edu/careers
Name and Contact Information
Coop Cardinal
7400 Bay Road
University Center, MI 48710
(989) 222-2222 (Cell)
(989) 555-5555 (Home)
coopcardinal@svsu.edu
*cell only is appropriate
www.svsu.edu/careers
Be aware of any “ring
back” tones that callers
may hear before you
answer.
Many jobs are lost because
“cool” ring back tones are
not set properly.
Don’t “Rick Roll” away a
chance your dream job!
www.svsu.edu/careers
Objective/Personal Summary

Be sure that it is customized specifically for
each job that you are applying for


“To apply my exceptional interpersonal,
creative and teamwork skills in a student affairs
position.”  Really?
Study the Job Description to see what
qualities they are looking for and
accentuate those aspects of your
professional capabilities
www.svsu.edu/careers
Objective/Personal Summary
“To apply my exceptional leadership,
interpersonal, and teamwork skills as an
assistant director of student life where I will
guide BGSU’s Greek Organizations and their
student leaders to levels of national
prominence.”
 Being very specific in an objective statement is
helpful when resumes go into a CENTRALIZED
HR office with DECENTRALIZED hiring
managers

www.svsu.edu/careers
Objective
It’s not always required.
 If you use one, make it count.

www.svsu.edu/careers
Education
What is most important? Which degree are
you?
 Standard format

Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Anticipated: May 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI
Minor: Political Science
President’s List: Eight semesters
Deans’ List: Fall 2013, Winter 2014
GPA: 3.55
www.svsu.edu/careers
Education
Standard format for double majors
 Multiple degrees earned (from other schools)

Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Second Major: Marketing
Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI
Minor: Political Science
Anticipated: May 2017
Associate in Arts, General Studies
Mott Community College, Flint, MI
May 2013
www.svsu.edu/careers
Education

Highlight significant accreditations for SVSU’s
programs of academic distinction
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Anticipated: May 2017
(AACSB Accredited)
Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI
Minor: Communication
www.svsu.edu/careers
Importance of Effective Bullet Statements
(Page 10)
 “A picture is worth 1,000 words”
 Paint a picture in the employer’s mind
 Statements should be clear, concise and
detailed
 “Presented to a group of students” vs.
“Presented to a group of 35 college
freshmen”
www.svsu.edu/careers
If this is what you have on your resume,
you have work to do!
Fry Cook
McDonald’s Restaurant

Helped customers

Stocked shelves

Used cash register

Cleaned store

Dealt with complaints



These are known as:
“Level ONE” and
should never be used
on your resume
Not very impressive
Tasks implied by the title
Add no value to resume
www.svsu.edu/careers
This is a little better, but still not great Crew Member
McDonald’s Restaurant
 Assisted customers in a warm and friendly manner
 Stocked shelves during down times to ensure a
professional environment
 Processed financial transactions through the cash
register in a fast and efficient manner
 Cleaned store to maintain an appealing atmosphere
to enhance customer satisfaction
These are known as:
“Level TWO” and should be used occasionally
on your resume
Don’t rely on these to earn you an interview
www.svsu.edu/careers
“Say More with Less”
 Describe accomplishments and achievements
 Increase something good or decrease something
bad?
 Employers want individuals who will make a
difference
Crew Member
McDonald’s Restaurant
 Earned Crew Member of the Month in June 2012
for consistently providing outstanding service
These are called “Level THREE” and
should be used as often as possible!
www.svsu.edu/careers
Writing Level Three Bullet Statements
 How are the things you have done been measured?
 What were the outcomes of projects?
 Think cause & effect
 Use words like “increased” and “decreased”:
Any Position
Any Location, City, MI
 Created _______ that led to ________ over a
_____ period of time
 Oversaw the development of _________ that
resulted in ___________
 Managed a team of ____ co-workers that _______
 Processed over $___ worth of transactions over a
___ hour shift with a 100% accuracy rate
www.svsu.edu/careers
Other Activities
HONORS / AWARDS / ACTIVITIES
Volunteer, SVSU Alternative Breaks
Member, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity
Recipient, SVSU Award for Excellence Scholarship
Marketing Project, Saginaw Valley State Tennis
March 2015
Sept. 2012 – Present
Aug. 2011 – May 2012
Jan. 2011 – May 2012
www.svsu.edu/careers
Volunteer, SVSU Alternative Breaks
May 2006 – Present
* Traveled to Marietta, GA to assist 45 homeless youths for a week at an
inner city shelter with a group of 12 students
* Coordinated fundraising activities that generated $5,354 in donations
Member, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity
Sept. 2012 – Present
* Served as treasurer for a co-ed on-campus organization of over 50
business majors and $10,000 in resources
Recipient, SVSU Award for Excellence Scholarship Aug. 2011 – May 2012
Marketing Project, Saginaw Valley State Tennis
Jan. 2011 – May 2012
Marketing 331 Course, Saginaw Valley State University
* Created a brochure using Adobe InDesign to advertise a series of summer
tennis fundraising tournaments generating a total ROI of more than $2,000
* Organized a bowling-event fundraiser that generated over $600 in revenue
www.svsu.edu/careers
Custom Headings are
Appropriate:
Intercollegiate Varsity Athletic Experience
 On Campus Leadership Experience
 Volunteer Activities
 Study Abroad Experience
 Research and Publications
 Independent Study
 Field Work Observations

www.svsu.edu/careers
It is important to note:




Do not need to have all the headings provided in
a resume template
You can be creative to get your resume to a full
page
Custom headings highlight extra-curricular
activities
Student Affairs resumes need RELEVANT
EXPERIENCE
 Want to be a RD someday? You should have
a documented record of success as a RA!
www.svsu.edu/careers
INTERCOLLEGIATE VARSITY ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE
Men’s Varsity Basketball Team
2012-Present
Saginaw Valley State University
• Devoted 20 hours per week to athletics while carrying full course
load of 30 credits per year
• Earned all-conference defensive team honors
• NCAA Academic All-American
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Recruitment Chair, Delta Sigma Pi
2012-Present
Mu Phi Chapter, Saginaw Valley State University
• Led four recruitment activities that increased membership from 25 to
40 members for a co-ed, professional business fraternity
• Coordinated the Relay For Life booth and organized 15 volunteers
for 24 continuous hours, raising $6,954 for charity
www.svsu.edu/careers
Additional examples for a RSO






Participant in a national service fraternity in which I perform over ##
hours of community service per year
Mentored new members on the culture and traditions of an
organization with a rich history dating back to YEAR
Served as volunteer coordinator and successfully arranged over ##
service hours in support of over ## events
Hosted team building exercises for ## members that fostered a
closer bond among fraternity members
Completed leadership courses that covered topics including effective
problem solving, conflict negotiation, ethics/moral implications and
project management strategies
Many more examples possible based on YOUR experiences!
www.svsu.edu/careers
Computer / Technical Skills
Depending on your skillset, this section may be one of the
HIGHEST priorities, above “Work Experience”
COMPUTER / TECHNICAL SKILLS

Multimedia Applications: Camtasia, Final Cut Pro
Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop,
Illustrator, Fireworks)
Programming Languages: C++, Java, C, ASP.NET, SQL
Applications: MS Visual Studio, Eclipse
Accounting: Microsoft Excel Certified Professional
Database Systems: SQL Server, MySQL
Statistical Analysis: SPSS
www.svsu.edu/careers
References



Ask permission!!
Choose wisely
Keep your references informed of your job
search
Dr. Someone Who-knowsyouwell, Professor
Department of Accounting
Saginaw Valley State University
308 Curtiss Hall
7400 Bay Road
University Center, MI 48710
(989) 964-4000 (Office)
swhoknou@svsu.edu
www.svsu.edu/careers
Common Resume Errors
DASH INCONSISTENCIES / DATES NOT LINING UP / SPELLING OUT
SOME MONTHS BUT NOT ALL
Volunteer, Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Midland
May 2006-Present
Member, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity
Sept. 2012 – Present
Recipient, SVSU Award for Excellence Scholarship Aug. 2011 - May 2012
Marketing Project, Saginaw Valley State Tennis
Jan. 2011 –May 2012
Volunteer, Sparky Stec Charities
Jan. 2011 to December 2012
PERIODS USED WITH SOME (BUT NOT ALL BULLETS) /
DIFFERENT FONT STYLE / COLOR / SIZES ON RESUMES
Men’s Varsity Basketball Team
2012 thru Present
Saginaw Valley State University
•Devoted 20 hours per week to athletics while carrying full course load of 30
credits per year.
•Earned all-conference defensive team honors
www.svsu.edu/careers
More Common Errors



Not listing an actual SVSU major/degree
Not listing anticipated graduation date
Putting SVSU in “Saginaw”
Bachelor of History
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw, MI
Minor: Political Science
President’s List: Eight semesters
Deans’ List: Fall 2013, Winter 2014
GPA: 3.55
2011 – Present
www.svsu.edu/careers
Resources available from Career Services


Resume and cover letter building and critiques
Online Tutorials








Resume, Cover Letter, Interviewing, Job Search Strategies
Mock interviews and interview coaching
Network development
Career fairs on campus exclusively for SVSU students to
network with potential employers
Internship/Co-op advising
Job search strategies
Developing personal brand
On-campus student employment
www.svsu.edu/careers
Career Services
Career Services
Cardinal Career
Network
Page 3
www.svsu.edu/careers
Career Services
Cardinal Career Network Activity Summary (JULY 1, 2014 – JUNE 30, 2015)
Total Employers
5,609 (+16%)
New Employers*
791
Total Contacts
9,764 (+21%)
New Contacts*
1,690
Total External Jobs Posted*
8,034
Unique Student/Alumni Logins*
6,491
Total External Job Views*
www.svsu.edu/careers
245,658
As of
9/9/15 we
have 5,762
employers
Career Services
www.svsu.edu/careers
Cardinal Career Network Tips
Login at http://www.svsu.edu/careers
 Cardinal Job Postings



Recruited / posted exclusively for SVSU
NACElink Extended Job Search

National Association of Colleges & Employers
Create Job Search Agents
 Personalize resumes/cover letters for
positions that accept them in CCN

www.svsu.edu/careers
Additional Resources for
Positions in Higher Education
www.higheredjobs.com
 careers.insidehighered.com/
 main.hercjobs.org/jobs
 academic360.com (state-by-state search feature)
 Don’t forget Graduate School opportunities

Graduate Assistant
 Teaching Assistant
 Research Assistant

www.svsu.edu/careers
Career Services
Career Services
Internships &
Co-Op Program
Page 7
www.svsu.edu/careers
Internships through Career Services

Opportunities for all majors are posted for
students the Cardinal Career Network


Over 650 paid co-op/internship opportunities
each year


www.svsu.edu/careers
Pay ranges from minimum wage to over $20/hour
Students interested in apply for coops/internships through Career Services must
register with the office

http://www.svsu.edu/careerservices/forstudentsalumni/coop&internship/
www.svsu.edu/careers
Source: 2013 NACE Salary Survey
www.svsu.edu/careers
The Value of Internships

Overall first-job offer to new college
graduates with NO internship experience:


$37,621
Overall first-job offer to new college
graduates with an internship experience:

$41,580

Difference of $3,959
Source: 2013 NACE Salary Survey
www.svsu.edu/careers
Career Services
SVSU Employment Fairs

Career Services hosts eight
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•


Part-Time Job Fair (August)
Accounting & Finance (September)
Fall University-Wide (October)
Health & Human Services (November)
Summer Job & Internship (January)
Manufacturing / IT (February)
Spring University-Wide (March)
Education Fair (June)
2014/2015 Academic year
• 7 on-campus fairs
• 414 employers
• 1,563 students/alumni
National Best Practice:
• 1:8 = 2,720 attendees
Increased employer registration by 22% in 2014/2015 compared
to 2013/2014
If SVSU students gain a reputation for coming to employment fairs,
MORE employers will come!
What do employers report as #1 lacking skill? Interpersonal skills!
www.svsu.edu/careers
THANK YOU
mmajor@svsu.edu
Wickes Hall 270
989.964.4954
www.svsu.edu/careers
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