assignment on resume writing

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

Your resume is arguably the most valuable piece of paper for your career. But this document can be daunting for many. Maybe you’re not sure how to fit in all your information onto one page. Maybe you’re not sure about the right way to format and write your resume. Maybe you don’t even know what the heck a resume is!

Whatever your concern, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the perfect resume, from scratch.

What Is a Resume?

What are employers looking for in a resume.

• Pick Your Format
• Start With Your Basic Information
• Add in Your Work Experience
• Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience
• Don’t Forget Your Education
• Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests
• Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)
• Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)
• Edit and Refine It

What Are Some Examples of a Good Resume?

A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at around one page in length (two only under specific circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.

For all the work you may put into writing one, hiring managers actually spend very little time—mere seconds in many cases—looking at your resume. But despite this sad fact, it’s safe to say that creating a great resume (rather than hastily throwing one together) still matters.

“If you miss the mark, your resume may never be read. Even worse, you might be removed from the applicant pool by a computer before a human even knows you exist,” says Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine. So you want to get it right because, as she explains, isn’t the goal to “spend less time looking for a job and more time in a role you love?”

You might be wondering if you can lean on your LinkedIn profile instead of writing a resume. The answer, sadly, is no. Most hiring managers still expect you to submit a resume, even if they also look at your LinkedIn. Even if you don’t need a resume for a job you’re applying for now, you’re going to need one at some point in your career—they’re not anywhere close to going out of style. So it’s best to always have one at the ready should an opportunity pop up.

And although LinkedIn has plenty of benefits, a resume has one clear advantage: While your LinkedIn is usually a broader picture of your career trajectory, your resume gives you the opportunity to tailor your career story to a specific role or company (more on that later).

Oh, and you’ve probably heard of something called a CV? It’s slightly different from a resume , and usually more common with academics and job seekers outside the U.S.

Hiring managers look for three things on your resume, “What did you do? Why did you do it? And what was the result?” says Muse career coach Martin McGovern , owner of Career Therapy. “If you can answer all three of these questions in...your resume bullet points, you’re going to be on the right track.”

Clear, easy-to-understand language is key. “The truth is that most resumes make no sense. They are stuffed with jargon, they are too technical, and they are filled with redundancies. Try to read a resume that isn’t yours and you will quickly realize that it feels like an alien wrote it,” McGovern adds. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who has no idea how your role works—how can you make your resume accessible to them?

The hiring manager also cares about more than just you and you alone—they care about you in relation to them. “Hiring managers want to see if a candidate matches the requirements” of the role they’re hiring for, Yurovsky explains. “Your resume should paint this picture so the hiring manager not only knows what day-to-day responsibilities you can handle, but why you, above other[s], bring value to their organization.”

How Do You Write a Resume?

Whether you’re someone who’s never written a resume in your life, or you need a nice, thorough refresher on the process of creating one, follow these steps to go from a blank page to a complete—and dare I say beautiful—document.

Related: This Free Worksheet Makes It Easy to Create (or Update) Your Resume

1. Pick Your Format

Before you start typing one single thing, you have to decide what you want the overall resume to look like.

Resume builders can be helpful for this step—they’ll take all your basic information and organize it for you, eliminating some of the legwork. You can also use a pre-made outline, such as one of these free Google Docs templates .

But it’s often safest to start with a clean slate all on your own and eventually upgrade to a more advanced layout. (If you'd still like a place to write all the relevant information before you get started, check out our resume outline .) This allows you to course correct, edit and re-edit, and choose a resume format that best fits your particular situation (after all, not everyone has a career trajectory that’s easy to compartmentalize).

In general, you’re most likely to cover and/or include sections on the following:

• Your work experience
• Your non-work experience, including professional organizations, community involvement, or side projects
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills (specifically hard skills) and interests

So how do you format and organize all of that information?

By far the most common (and safest, if you’re not sure which route to take) option is reverse chronological order . This means you organize your experiences from most recent to least recent. So your work experiences would go above your education, and your current role would go above previous roles you’ve held. This of course has its exceptions—maybe you went back to grad school between jobs, or your most recent role is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. So the whole page may not be exactly in reverse chronological order depending on your situation. It’s just a guideline.

There’s also something called a functional or skills-based resume . This is used pretty rarely, mainly with career changers and those with limited or complicated work histories. It gets its name because it’s primarily about listing your skills rather than experiences, and showcases them above your work history and education.

You can also opt for a combination resume , which is a mix between a reverse chronological resume and skills-based resume. It highlights your skills at the top, but allows just as much room below to cover your job and school experience.

Use caution when choosing these two formats: “Combo and skills-based [resumes] can be hard to follow, because [they force] the reader to hunt for connections between your skills and experience, and [don’t] provide the full context of your work,” says Muse Career Coach Angela Smith , founder of Loft Consulting. “I’ve also heard a lot of recruiters say that they automatically discount skill-based resumes because they feel the candidate is trying to hide something. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I think it’s important for job-seekers to know that perception is out there.”

2. Start With Your Basic Information

Your contact information should always go at the top of your resume. In this header you’ll want to include anything that could be helpful for a recruiter to get in touch with you. Usually, this means adding in:

• Your full name (preferably the name you use across the web)
• Your phone number
• Your personal email address

You might also choose to include other basic information, such as your LinkedIn or personal website URL, your GitHub (for technical roles), your social media profiles (if relevant to the job), or your address. If you’re looking to move for a job, you may choose to leave out your address or write “open to relocating” to better your chances of getting an interview.

The key is to make this part as clear as possible. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, there’s no point in perfecting the rest of your resume.

3. Add in Your Work Experience

This section will most likely be the bulk of your resume. Even if you’re changing careers, employers still want to see where you’ve worked, what you’ve done, and the impact of that work to get a sense of your background and expertise.

Your “Work Experience” might be one entire category, or you might choose to break it up into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” to highlight the jobs that are most important for hiring managers to focus on. Either way, you’ll almost always want to have your most recent experience at the top and your older experience down below.

Within your work experience, you’ll want to include each official job title, the company (and possibly its location), and the years you worked there. Below that, you’ll add in two to four bullet points explaining what you did in that job, the skills you built and exercised, the tools you used, and the results of what you did. If you accomplished a lot during your time there, focus on the responsibilities that made the most impact or you’re the most proud of, as well as the ones that best align you with the job you’re applying for (more on that in the following sections). It’s key here to list, if relevant, quantitative as well as qualitative accomplishments.

For example, you might write:

Associate Accountant, Finances and Co., Ann Arbor, MI September 2017 – Present

• Manage billing and invoicing for more than 50 clients, ensuring the deadlines and needs of our enterprise partners, including Big Company and Super Star Org, are met
• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and project management teams on project setup, maintenance, and invoice management
• Assist in the streamlining of invoicing guidelines and procedures through documentation and the implementation of new software, resulting in an average two-week decrease in total time spent per client

Your resume bullets should be in past tense if you’re referring to past jobs and present tense if you’re talking about your current roles. In addition, your bullets should always start with a strong action verb that best describes what you did. And if you have examples of your work, consider hyperlinking them here as well.

If you have a ton of experience and this category is starting to run long (read: over one page), consider kicking out your oldest jobs unless they’re super relevant to the job you’re applying for, or extra impressive for your field.

Not sure where to start? “It’s helpful to do a brain dump and create a document that has everything and anything you consider as experience or an achievement,” says Yurovsky. From there, she explains, you can start to whittle down what is and isn’t important. And you can refer to this document later if you ever decide to update your resume for a specific role.

Need more specific advice on listing your work experience on your resume? Check out these additional resources:

• When you’ve held multiple jobs at the same company: 2 Jobs, 1 Company: How to Show Multiple Positions on Your Resume
• When you’re not sure what your accomplishments are or how to explain them: Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments
• When you want to spruce up a boring or insignificant job: How to Make Your Most Boring Jobs Sound More Interesting on Your Resume
• When you’re considering fudging a job title: The Answer to “Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume to Make It More Accurate?”
• When you’ve had a bunch of short-term gigs: How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume

4. Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience

Anything you’ve done that’s not work experience—your side gig, volunteer work, special projects—can be hosted under clearly-labeled sections (“Volunteer Experience” or “Activities,” for example). Depending on how robust your work experience is, these things may be worth including, particularly if they’ve helped you level up your skill set or better align you with your dream job. Plus, they make you look that much more well-rounded, passionate, and hardworking.

If you’re a recent grad, you might also build out a section for on-campus activities, such as clubs, organizations, or leadership experience. This can be a great supplement if you’re lacking in the jobs department. You can frame these just as you would professional jobs—including your title, the organization’s name, and bullets describing what your role was and what you accomplished.

Read More: This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

5. Don’t Forget Your Education

If you’re still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree. Brand-new grads might also write in their GPA, honors and awards, study abroad, thesis, or other notable achievements. But keep this section super simple, as you don’t want it to take up too much space over your work experience.

It’s possible you have unique education experience, such as taking an online course or certification. If you did this specifically as a way to boost yourself within your industry, definitely include it. Again, list everything more or less reverse chronologically—so a grad school degree would go above an undergrad degree, and a more recent relevant online course would go above that.

Learn more about the ins and outs of listing your education on your resume:

• How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
• How to List Online Courses on Your Resume the Right Way (Because Yes, There Is a Wrong Way)

6. Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests

The skills section of a resume gets a bad rap, but it’s just as important as the rest of the stuff you include. It’s a quick list a recruiter can scan to see if your skill set aligns with what they’re hiring for. And it’s super ATS-friendly (ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” the robot that in some cases reads your resume before a human does) because it allows you to add in keywords the machine is scanning for.

Usually this section goes at the bottom of your resume, but in special cases—such as a skills-based resume or when someone’s switching fields—you may place it further up.

What exactly do you throw in here? You’ll want to list any hard skills and applications you’re familiar with (Photoshop, SEO, JavaScript, to name a few examples), and, if relevant, your level of expertise. Avoid including soft skills here, like time management or public speaking—save those for your bullet points instead.

Be strategic when filling in your skills. Don’t list things you actually couldn’t do at a high competence level (I’m looking at those of you who say you’re “great” at Excel), and maybe nix skills that are completely irrelevant to the job you want. For example, you may not even need to include Excel if you’re applying for say, a design position, unless it’s listed as a job requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m a really good volleyball player, but that’s not a “skill,” right? No, it’s not, but it is a hobby. Adding in a hobby section at the bottom of your resume is underrated, and frequently a smart choice. It can be a great conversation starter with a hiring manager, and it can show that you’re a good culture fit—or a culture add—for the company. Also, it’s just a nice way to add in some of your personality. So tack on a bullet point listing out some of your interests, such as hiking, rowing, or crafting (no more than five to seven work-appropriate verbs), and you’re all set here.

7. Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)

You may have heard of a resume summary statement . They’re not super common, but they can be useful to include near the top of your resume if you’re looking to add clarity or context to your resume. If you’re a career changer, you might find a summary statement helpful in explaining your leap and tying your experience to your new path. Or if you’re a more experienced professional, you can use a summary statement to highlight a theme that brings your career trajectory together.

Overall, you probably won’t need a summary statement if your career is pretty linear and your bullet points do a great job of emphasizing what you have to offer in terms of skills and experience. But if you think it makes sense to include one, “Take the time to think about what the person reading your summary wants to know before you write it,” says McGovern. “Good summaries explain why you do what you do and how it can help. For instance: Merging a background in ABC, I help companies improve XYZ through 123. Summaries shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.”

So, taking McGovern’s example, you might say:

Merging a background in social media marketing and PR with seven years in the consumer tech space, I help companies improve their internal and external communication and brand awareness through data-driven, quality content and strategies that align with the modern trends of the space.

Yurovsky adds that “you don’t want your summary statement to be a dense paragraph with too much information. You want it to be easy to read, concise, and memorable. Almost like a tagline.”

Read More: 3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

8. Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)

Once you have your resume written out—you’ve broken down your work experience, tagged on some activities and additional experiences, and listed out your skills—it’s important to go back to the job description (or multiple job descriptions, if you’re applying to several similar jobs) and make sure that what your resume says matches up with the kind of candidate the employers are looking for. In other words, tailor it .

Let’s explain further. You’ll want to begin by tackling the ATS . This means combing the job description to see if individual words and phrases line up. What skills are they asking for, and have you listed them (so long as you actually have them)? What words are they using to describe their ideal hire, and do you use similar language in your resume?

Next, take a bird’s-eye view. If you were the hiring manager for the role, where on your resume would your eyes be drawn to? And what would you be looking for? Whatever you think will be most important for the recruiter, make sure it’s near the top of your resume, or otherwise emphasized.

Finally, dig into the role and responsibilities of the job. Does your resume reflect similar experience? If not, is there a way you can spin it so that it’s clear you’re capable of doing the job (and doing it well)?

These articles can help you if the word “tailoring” makes you start to sweat:

• What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”
• Your Guide to Making Unrelated Experience Look Relevant on Your Resume
• A Cool Trick: How to Spin 1 Resume Bullet 5 Different Ways

9. Edit and Refine It

Please, please don’t just write your resume and shoot it out without giving it a second glance. Hiring managers may not spend hours browsing it, but if there’s one thing that sticks out more than anything else it’s a glaring typo.

The best approach? Write a rough draft, then leave and come back to it later with fresh eyes to give it an edit.

Cover the basics: Is your contact information correct and updated? Are you using the right verb tenses? Does everything look consistent and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar?

Then do some cutting if your resume’s quite long. It’s no longer a hard-and-fast rule that all resumes must be only one page—but consider it a smart guideline for most applicants, especially if you've got less than 10 years work experience. The exception is if you’re very senior or very established in your career; in this scenario, a two-page resume isn’t completely out of the question. Everyone else, read this article for advice on how to cut your resume down.

Formatting-wise, it’s key to consider a couple things. First, what font are you using , and is it legible (for a human and a robot)? When in doubt, go with one of these simple, but sleek, options: Arial, Arial Narrow, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Helvetica.

Second, are you going to save it as a Word document or PDF ? Neither option is wrong, although a PDF helps ensure that your formatting is maintained, no matter what type of computer the hiring manager uses to open the document.

Third, is your resume formatted in a way that it’s skimmable? If it’s feeling crowded or overrun with words, read this: 12 Tiny Changes That Make Your Resume Easy for Recruiters to Skim .

Once you’ve given it a few good looks, it may be worth sending it to a friend or colleague (or even a career coach ) to get a second opinion. Don’t just have them edit it for spelling and grammar—they should dig into your bullets and offer feedback on whether or not your resume is showing you in the best possible light (it’s smart to also send them the job description for something to compare it to).

Here’s the thing: Your resume won’t ever look exactly like someone else’s, nor should it. How you choose to format it, organize your information, and talk about specific experiences depends not just on your career path, but on your field, the job you’re applying for, the company that job is at, and more.

So there isn’t a universal way to do a resume. But there are common themes. To give you some context as to how yours might turn out, here are three examples of different kinds of resumes.

The Most Popular: A Reverse Chronological Resume

As previously mentioned, a reverse chronological resume is preferred by many coaches and HR experts, mainly because it’s super readable. When everything’s in a clear order, it’s easy to skim and even easier to draw lines between experiences.

Who it’s good for: Just about everyone—from students applying to internships all the way up to senior-level executives (with an optional resume summary statement)

Download an Example Chronological Resume for a Software Engineer

The Unorthodox Route: A Functional or Skills-Based Resume

Rather than listing out your experience in reverse chronological order, a functional or skills-based resume has bullet points that reflect how each of your skills is demonstrated by the work you’ve done over the course of your career. At the bottom, you’ll include everything else, such as your education, job history, professional achievements, community involvement, and other technical skills. This is a good option if you have a somewhat all-over-the-place work history and want to tie everything together neatly.

Who it’s good for: Career changers whose work experiences may not appear to be relevant and people with an abundance of temporary jobs or gaps in their work histories.

Download an Example Functional Resume for a Project Manager

The Creative Angle: An Infographic Resume or Resume Website

This resume type is characterized by how it’s formatted visually. You may choose a reverse chronological order or skills-based style to organize your information, but also use graphics, colors, unique fonts, and even multimedia elements to help that information pop. Keep in mind that any creative resume is still likely subject to an ATS—and certain elements may be unreadable by a robot. So consider going this route only if you know a human will be reading your resume (and that said human might enjoy it).

Who it’s good for: People applying to creative roles (designers, editors, writers, marketers, video producers, for example), startups, or fun companies, or to jobs where a creative resume is encouraged, if not required.

Download an Example Infographic Resume for a Designer

Not a designer but want your resume to look just as pretty as this example? Check out these articles:

• 5 Sites to Create an Awesome Infographic Resume (Even if You’re the Least Creative Person Ever)
• How to Build a Resume Website That Will Impress Every Hiring Manager Who Sees It
• 5 Digital Tools That Will Make Your Resume Infinitely More Beautiful

Your resume is a living, breathing document. So while you won’t go through this whole process every time you apply for a job, you should be thinking about all these things as you go to update your resume for your next career step. You might decide later on to switch up the order, or remove or add things, or even get creative and try out a whole new format. If you’re not getting the calls back you expect, you may decide to scrap it and start over —and that’s totally OK.

Regardless of where this piece of paper goes and how it grows, when you give it the care and attention it deserves, you set yourself up for success. And you’ll make it that much more likely that you’ll land an interview and get the chance to prove to the hiring manager—over the phone or in person—what you’ve got to offer.

Resume Writing Tips

The least you need to know about writing a resume.

This page is designed for undergraduate students from all kinds of majors and provides introductory advice on how to write a resume. The word “resume” comes from the French for “to summarize,” which is the purpose of a resume: to summarize your education and experience for your potential employer in a way that positions you as a good candidate for the job.

Prospective employers may receive hundreds of resumes for any one job, and their time is limited. Therefore, you want to make sure that your resume will help you stand out among all the other applicants as a good fit for the position by tailoring the information you include to your audience and to the position description. Your integrity is important, so make sure that anything you include on your resume is accurate and will stand up to questioning in an interview.

Everyone wonders about how long a resume should be. The usual advice is that, for a current undergraduate student or someone just finishing an undergraduate degree, usually one page is enough. As you accumulate more experience your resume will get longer. We recommend asking a career advisor, professor, or professional in your field about the appropriate resume length.

In fact, you should consult with faculty and career advisors in your field no matter what, but here are some basic principles designed to help you get started. Click on the links below to be taken directly to a certain section of the page, or scroll down to read about all of our tips.

Types of resumes

There are three different kinds of resumes: chronological, skills-based, and a combination of the two. Each type serves its own purpose as explained below.

Chronological

The chronological resume lists past and present experiences in reverse chronological order. Present experience is usually listed first, using present tense verbs, then all other experience is listed in reverse chronological order using past tense verbs. This is by far the most common type of resume.

Skills-based

Skills-based resumes base resume sections around specific skills related to the job. For instance, if you are applying for a teaching job and you have relevant teaching experience, plus other work experience unrelated to teaching that would make you a good fit for the job, you might include a section on “Teaching Experience” and a section on “Other Work Experience.” This method helps clearly highlight relevant experience using section titles in addition to job descriptions, and is a great way to pull out keywords.

Skills-based resumes can also allow you to combine related work and other experience through the skills-based headings. In the above example involving a resume for teaching, you might list your extracurricular tutoring experience in the “Teaching Experience” section instead of in the “Other Experience” section of a skills-based resume.

Skills-based resumes prioritize experience description order based on relevance to the job, rather than chronology. Use a skills-based resume if your previous job experience does not necessarily fit with the job you are applying for. The sections labeled with skills will help show your employer how your past experience is relevant to the job.

The combination resume is the type of resume we most commonly see in the Writing Center. Combination resumes might include some skills-based headings, but list experience in each section in reverse chronological order. Combination resumes allow you to show your audience your recent relevant experience, while also taking advantage of keywords, which is good for online resumes that might be found via search engines.

Sections to include

Your resume should be divided into clearly labeled sections that allow your prospective employer to skim through and learn about your relevant experience. The tables below explain the required and possible sections you can have in your resume. These are just some of the possible sections. There may be others specific to your field, or others that reflect your strengths and that are relevant for a particular job, so make sure to get advice from advisors, faculty and professionals about what sections to include.

Required Sections

Optional Sections

Aim for breadth, not depth

You want to demonstrate to your prospective employer within the limited space you have that you have a variety of skills. So, if you have had similar jobs, choose different skills to highlight under each job heading. For example, if you have two food service jobs on your resume and are applying to a non-food related customer service job, instead of casting your job as

“Managed orders from 15-20 tables”

under each heading, you could highlight your managing under one job and highlight a different aspect of food service—say, collaborating with other staff members—under the other job heading. Make your choice based on which job involved more managing (perhaps you managed only 10 tables at your other food service job) and which involved more collaboration.

An exception to this rule is if you are applying for a field-specific job in which you have much experience. Then, you use the repetition of the field-specific verb to emphasize the amount of experience you have in that field.

Use active verbs

Use active verbs in a telegraphic (verb first) style to describe the responsibilities you had in a particular job. It’s important that you never exaggerate or overclaim your role, but you want to describe the work you’ve done in a way that demonstrates that you have taken responsibility and been a leader in the past. So, when you can, try to use an active verb that shows you taking an action.

For example, “helped” and “assisted” are both active verbs, but they frequently fail to portray the applicant as an actor.

Instead of “Helped my advisor research…” consider “Researched…” or “Collaborated with my advisor to research…”

The revised verbs “researched” and “collaborated” portray you as an actor.

However, make your active verb choices based on the skills required for your job or keywords in the job description. If the word assist has a specific technical meaning in your field, then you would want to use that verb on your resume.

Use keywords drawn from the job description

One important strategy for attracting the interest of an employer is to try to include in your resume, whenever possible, some of the keywords from the job description you are applying for. Many employers use search engines to find candidates with resumes containing certain keywords. Even if you submit a resume directly to a prospective employer, your audience will likely glance over the document, scanning it for certain keywords from the job description.

When you are tailoring your resume to fit a specific job, make sure you spend some time identifying the keywords in the job description, which include specific skills or tasks the job requires. We also recommend consulting with someone in your field about keywords in your specific area. Then, when possible, make sure to include those keywords in your resume.

Quantify, when appropriate

It’s common advice to include quantitative measures or information on resumes, but, as with all other information included on your resume, you have to make a choice based on whether quantifying will help you stand out as a better candidate for the job than you would have seemed had you not quantified. If you had leadership or management responsibilities, how many employees or volunteers did you supervise? If you handled investments, how many assets did you manage?

For example, if you are applying to work as a lab assistant and managed a cash register at the local movie theatre, you don’t need to include that the cash register contained $200, because your job at the movie theatre would not have changed depending on the amount of money in the cash register, and you likely won’t be managing money as a lab assistant.

However, if you are applying for a teaching job, you want to include the number of students in each class you have taught in the past, because teaching three students is very different from teaching twenty students. While the amount of money in the cash drawer at the movies doesn’t emphasize your skill at the job, the number of students in your class highlights your teaching ability.

With a resume, formatting is part of what makes it easy for a potential employer to scan the document. Therefore, ensure your formatting makes your resume easy to read, rather than trying to make it stand out by calling attention to the formatting. Here are some good rules of thumb for resume formatting:

• Include 2-3 descriptions of relevant experience in single line bullet points after each job title using your active verbs and keywords . The more concisely you state your experience, the more impact that experience will have on your audience. Limiting yourself to two or three single line (or at most two line) bullet points under each job also makes it easy for your audience to scan down the bullets to see what you’ve done in the past.
• Choose an easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Arial, rather than a font with odd flourishes. You want your resume to stand out because of its content, not because of you’ve chosen a strange font.
• Font size should be at least 11 and no larger than 12. Any smaller, and your audience will have a difficult time reading the text.
• Use space wisely. If you have a lot of experience relevant to the job you are applying for, do what you can to fit it in. Consider decreasing the font size in the white spaces between sections or thinning some other sections of your resume. No matter what, do not try to jam too much onto a page by using smaller margins.If you don’t have much work experience yet, rather than increasing the size of the font or including more white space, consider adding an additional section on non-work experience or skills that might be relevant to the job, such as your experience leading an extracurricular club or a section on your technical skills. See our advice on sections to include for more information on optional sections.
• Standard margins are 1 inch all around . Make sure there is enough white space and that you don’t fill the page so fully that your document becomes difficult to read or unappealing.

Get feedback

As with all writing, a resume will benefit from revision based on feedback from multiple audiences. If you are a UW-Madison student, you have many great resources available to you. Letters and Sciences students have the L&S Career Center , Engineers have Engineering Career Services , Nursing students have the School of Nursing Career Services , students in Education have EPCS, Pharmacy students have Career Development Services , and Business students have access to the Business Career Center . For individual feedback on a draft resume, these offices are a great resource, but we also recommend you consult with professors who know your field.

Additionally, if you are a student at UW-Madison, the Writing Center would be happy to give you a writing teacher’s feedback on a resume draft. We see many resumes from all kinds of students in the Writing Center, and our instructors will help you fit your resume to your particular audience based on the job description you provide. To make an appointment, call 6082631992 or create an appointment via WCOnline and hear from an instructor either via Written Feedback or over a Virtual Meeting.

Sample resumes

Click on the examples below to view sample resumes in PDF format.

• Sample Resume 1 (PDF) (Economics major applying for a job at a medical software company)
• Sample Resume 2 (PDF) (Kineseology major applying for a graduate assistantship in the field)
• Sample Resume 3 (PDF) (Engineering major applying for an internship in nuclear engineering)

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• Exploration
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• 01 Overview

03 Pick an activity

04 cool down, how to build a standout resume lesson.

3 Activities

Low threshold, high ceiling

Common Core Standards

Lesson approved by India Miles

You'll need

If you’re here, it means you’re looking for ways to teach your high school students professional skills. This 60-minute lesson plan has everything you need to teach your students resume-writing skills so they can write resumes that grab employers’ attention and, most importantly, lead to interviews. It includes materials, learning objectives and standards, activities and instructions, and student handouts. We also recommend tech tools that you can use to make the learning experience fun and interactive for your students.

Learning objectives.

• Students will learn about the importance of tailoring their resume to their audience.
• Students will draft a resume for a fictional student in response to a sample job posting.
• Students will write accomplishment statements they can use on their resumes.
• Students will learn about three common resume formats, and how to choose which format is best for them.
• Students will draft a complete resume they can continue to refine and tailor.
• Students will gain confidence and feel more comfortable about drafting and tailoring resumes for future job applications.

Downloadable resources

• Complete resume writing lesson plan Document download
• Resume writing lesson powerpoint slides Document download
• Resume writing self-assessment handout Document download
• Download all Download

Get students warmed up and ready to tackle the next activity with a quick Do Now and Debrief, and Framing to help them understand the importance of resume building.

When students enter the classroom or sign into class online, project the slide that asks the following questions. You can also use a collaborative tool like Padlet and post the question there:

What is a resume anyway? How are they used and why do they matter?

Debrief Do Now

Invite students to share out. If you use Padlet, give students the opportunity to read each other’s responses before they share. If you’re teaching in person, you can cold call or ask for volunteers. Online, you can ask students to type in the chat box. As students are sharing, note patterns that come up in their responses.

Once several students share, emphasize that a resume is a document that helps potential employers understand who you are when applying for a job:

“You might think that your resume’s goal is to win you a great job. That’s true in the long-run. But in the hiring process, a resume’s greatest impact comes when you first apply for the job. That’s when a company decides whether you’ll be one of a very few applicants who are invited to a job interview.”

Framing: Why do we need to learn this?

It’s important to format your resume in a way that allows recruiters and hiring managers to easily scan and identify your qualifications as they pertain to a specific job opportunity. They’re looking for one thing: how precisely your resume matches the requirements of the job they want to fill.

Recruiters spend an average of about six seconds reviewing a resume before making a decision to: a) continue reading, b) maybe save for later, or c) abandon and move on. And in some companies, the “person” measuring how well you match up isn’t a human at all! It’s a computer program on the lookout for key words and phrases.

Your resume needs to make a great first impression and fast. How can you write a resume that will help you get in the door? How do you get started?

Optional: You may want to show this video clip (5:54).

Pick an activity

Pick one activity to do in a single class period or do all three across multiple classes. each is around 30 minutes and designed to stand on its own—but they also work well together.

Understanding your audience jigsaw

Students will work together to prepare a resume based on a fictional profile.

Developing your resume content glow and grow

Students will practice writing Accomplishment Statements.

Build your resume

Students will build their own resume based on common resume formats.

Whether you did one activity or all three, give students the opportunity to reflect and set goals afterwards. These self-assessments will also help you figure out what you need to do next to help them meet the learning objectives/grow stronger resume skills.

Here are some suggestions:.

No matter which activity you did, give students the opportunity to reflect and set a goal for their next steps. These self-assessments will also help you figure out what you need to do next to help them meet the learning objectives and grow stronger in resume-writing skills. Here are some suggestions:

You can use a tool like Mentimeter or Poll Everywhere to do a pulse check. Ask students on a scale of 1-5 (1 not confident, 5 ready to tailor their resume now), how prepared they feel to draft and tailor their resumes for potential employers. This information is also helpful for you, as you can use their responses to think about how much more guidance they need and whether or not you want to dig deeper into this skill.

Create a Google Form that gives students a place to reflect and set a goal. Here are some questions you might include:   

• How prepared do you feel to draft and tailor resumes for potential employers?
• What aspect of the resume-writing process do you feel most confident about?
• What part of your resume do you want to work on next?
• What do you need more help with?

Encourage students to continually assess their resumes, and adapt them as their goals change and as they gain experience. Remind them to consider format and content. Here are some questions they can ask themselves:

• Will my resume stand out in a pile?
• Have I considered the employer’s perspective?
• Have I shown the employer I can do the job?
• Do the headings I use and their order reflect what is most important to the position?
• Do my bullet points include details about the quality and impact of my past work—the “So what?”
• Can I say the same thing with fewer words?
• Is it free of spelling and grammar errors?
• Have I asked someone to proofread it and offer feedback?
• Is my name and key contact information up-to-date and clearly visible on every page?
• Is the text (font and size) easy to read?
• Is there enough white space?
• Is my formatting consistent?

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Résumé Writing Assignment

Welcome, Students! As part of your FYE, LC, or Honors UNIV course, you will be completing the two-part Center for Career Development Résumé Writing Assignment. For more information about this assignment and the steps you will need to complete, check out the videos below.

Building your College Résumé

Use the materials below to help create or revise your résumé! Use the College Résumé Sample to build your résumé. You may also use the College Résumé Writing Information Sheet to ensure you have the basics components and correct formatting and to find some tips and strategies for crafting your résumé! Remember to bring a printed copy of your first-draft résumé to your in-class presentation.

College Résumé Sample

Résumé Information Sheet

Sign up for Part II: Small Group Résumé Workshop

Schedule an Appointment

Office Hours: 8AM – 5PM Career Coaching Hours: 8AM – 5PM * Evening appointments vary by semester. * If you require an accommodation to utilize any resource or to participate in any event, please contact our office.

(860) 486-3013 career@uconn.edu

Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills Wilbur Cross Building, Rm 202 233 Glenbrook Road U-4051 Storrs, CT 06269

Resume Writing Basics

The purpose of the resume is to convince employers of what you have to offer, and how your skills match the skills he/she is seeking for the opening.

2. How To Start

Brainstorm by making a list of qualifications with the following headings: Education, Special Skills (such as foreign languages, computer programming skills, etc.), Experience, Activities, and Awards. At this point, don’t worry about format just focus on putting the information down on paper.

3. Contents

Your resume should include five basic blocks of information.

• Identification: Include your name, address (both campus and permanent, if you are not from the area), phone number, and e-mail. Since you will be leaving campus after graduation, you might want to say until what date you will be at the campus address. For example: Campus Address (until x/xx/xx)
• Objective: Some recruiters like to see an objective and some don’t care about them, but you will never hurt yourself by having a good, targeted objective that makes a resume look more focused. This statement should be concise, specific, include the name of the company (and position, if appropriate) and should focus on what you have to offer an employer.
• position-oriented: ex: A video journalist or related position at ____ (company name).
• field/skill-oriented: ex: A sales or related position at ____ (company name) which would allow me to use my communication skills and marketing experience.
• Education: Here is where you state: your degree (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Business Administration); name of school; city; state; your major(s); and date of graduation. Include your GPA if it is a 3.0 or better, using the format of GPA: 3.2/4.0, or GPA 3.43/4.00. If you attended another college or university for a significant length of time, skip a line and list the name of your other school(s), city and state, and dates you attended. If you participated in a study abroad, skip a line after your university information and list it in the format of: Study Abroad: Name of University, city, country, dates
• Experience: Employers prefer the reverse chronological format. List the most recent job first, the next most recent and so on. It is easy to read and identifies your work experience clearly. Include summer, part-time, full-time, in-depth volunteer, and campus work as well as co-ops, internships, and extensive externships. Include only the jobs you had while you were in college unless they are particularly relevant to the job you are seeking. You need to include all the important information: Job title, name of employer, city, state, and dates of employment. Highlight achievements/accomplishments and skills developed. Use the Action Verbs and Transferrable Skills sheets included in this handout to restate tasks with action verbs and powerful, concise statements.
• References: If you have room, you may state that they are available upon request. Always make a separate reference page. Three to five references are appropriate. Include names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers. ASK PERMISSION BEFORE USING INDIVIDUALS AS REFERENCES. See sample reference sheet included in this handout.
• Activities: List any campus or community activities you've been involved with while in college. List the name of the organization and positions held (if any).
• Special skills: List any relevant skills for the position to which you are applying (i.e. computer or foreign language skills)
• Honors/Awards/Scholarships: Focus on any special achievements or recognitions. If listing scholarships, describe their nature (i.e. academic, leadership based, etc.)

4. Final Notes

• Proofread! (in other words, edit very carefully!).
• Keep it to one page if at all possible.
• Use the same style of font throughout your resume, references, and cover letter; use the same size font throughout as well, with the exception of your name, which should be larger.
• Use italics and bold to emphasize and highlight, but don't over do it.
• You must have different resumes for each type of position you are seeking.
• Use good quality resume paper. White or ivory are the most acceptable colors. You can print on the resume paper or print on plain paper and have it copied (professionally) onto resume paper.
• Unless told to send a resume only, always send a cover letter with your resume if you are mailing it in or dropping it off. A formal e-mail or cover letter can be used when e-mailing.
• Review and revise your resume as needed.
• A resume may be folded neatly and mailed in a regular-sized business envelope, but it looks even better to not fold it and mail it in a larger envelope.
• Remember to plan for a one-page resume if at all possible.
• Use concise, positive phrases beginning with action verbs.
• Use indented and "bulleted" statements.
• Use quantities, amounts, and dollar values where they enhance your job description.
• Edit, proofread, and spell-check for possible errors.
• Don't use resume(s) with job objectives different from the position for which you have applied.
• Don't list sex, weight, health, or other personal irrelevancies.
• Don't include pictures.
• Don't put resume in fancy binder.
• Don't include street address of former employer.
• Don’t include information from high school, unless it clearly demonstrates you’ve been interested in and involved in the field you are pursuing since that time.
• Don't explain unrelated information in detail. No one is hired from a resume or application, so save your explanations for the interview.
• Don't state race, religion, marital status, or political affiliation.
• Don't use words such as "I," "me," or "my" in your resume, except in the objective.
• Don't use personal evaluations (such as "learned a great deal through this experience")

Management Skills

administered

consolidated

coordinated

prioritized

recommended

strengthened

Communication Skills

corresponded

interpreted

Research Skills

interviewed

investigated

Technical Skills

Teaching Skills

communicated

facilitated

Financial Skills

Creative Skills

conceptualized

established

illustrated

revitalized

Helping Skills

demonstrated

familiarized

rehabilitated

represented

Clerical or Detail Skills

implemented

Information Management Skills:

• sort data and objects
• compile and rank information
• apply information creatively to specific problems or tasks
• synthesize facts, concepts and principles
• understand and use organizing principles
• evaluate information against appropriate standards

Design and Planning Skills:

• identify alternative courses of action
• set realistic goals
• follow through with a plan or decision
• manage time effectively
• predict future trends and patterns
• accommodate multiple demands for commitment of time, energy and resources
• assess needs
• make and keep a schedule
• set priorities

Research and Investigation Skills:

• use a variety of sources of information
• apply a variety of methods to test the validity of data
• identify problems and needs
• design an experiment plan or model that systematically defines a problem
• identify information sources appropriate to special needs or problems
• formulate questions relevant to clarifying a particular problem, topic or issue

Communication Skills:

• listen with objectivity and paraphrase the content of a message
• use various forms and styles of written communication
• speak effectively to individuals or groups
• use media formats to present ideas imaginatively
• express one's needs, wants, opinions and preferences without offending the sensitivities of others
• identify and communicate value judgments effectively
• describe objects or events with a minimum of factual errors
• convey a positive self-image to others

Human Relations and Interpersonal Skills:

• keep a group "on track" and moving toward the achievement of a goal
• maintain group cooperation and support
• delegate tasks and responsibilities
• interact effectively with peers, superiors, and subordinates
• express one's feelings appropriately
• understand the feelings of others
• use argumentation techniques to persuade others
• make commitments to people
• be willing to take risks
• teach a skill, concept or principle to others
• analyze behavior of self and others in group situations
• demonstrate effective social behavior in a variety of settings and under different circumstances
• work under time and environmental pressures

Critical Thinking Skills:

• identify quickly and accurately the critical issues when making a decision or solving a problem
• identify a general principle that explains interrelated experiences or factual data
• define the parameters of a problem
• identify reasonable criteria for assessing the value or appropriateness of an action or behavior
• adapt one's concepts and behavior to changing conventions and norms
• apply appropriate criteria to strategies and action plans
• take given premises and reason to their conclusion
• create innovative solutions to complex problems
• analyze the interrelationships of events and ideas from several perspectives

Management and Administration Skills:

• analyze tasks
• identify people who can contribute to the solution of a problem or task
• identify resource materials useful in the solution of a problem
• delegate responsibility of completion of a task
• motivate and lead people
• organize people and tasks to achieve specific goals

Valuing Skills:

• assess a course of action in terms of its long-range effects on the general human welfare
• make decisions that will maximize both individual and collective good
• appreciate the contributions of art, literature, science and technology to contemporary society
• identify one's own values
• assess one's values in relation to important life decisions

Personal/Career Development Skills:

• analyze and learn from life experiences - both one's own and others'
• relate the skills developed in one environment (e.g., school) to the requirements of another environment (e.g., work)
• match knowledge about one's own characteristics and abilities to information about job or career opportunities
• identify, describe and assess the relative importance of one's needs, values, interests, strengths and weaknesses
• develop personal growth goals that are motivating
• identify and describe skills acquired through formal education and general life experiences
• identify one's own strengths and weaknesses
• accept and learn from negative criticism
• persist with a project when faced with failure unless it is clear that the project cannot be carried out or is not worth the time or effort required to complete it
• generate trust and confidence in others
• accept the consequences of one's actions
• "market" oneself to prospective employers

Help Wanted: Writing Professional Resumes

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

In this series of seven class sessions, students will work through the process of creating a professional resume. With a special emphasis on helping students learn about resumes as professional documents, this lesson will discuss why writers create resumes, why they must consider the rhetorical situation of the resume, and why both content and presentation are so important in this type of writing. Students will analyze and critique existing resumes, create their own resume and tailor it to a real job posting, peer review resumes for content and presentation, and then present their resumes as professional documents to the class.

Featured Resources

ReadWriteThink NoteTaker : Students can use this online tool to take notes and organize them into an outline format.

From Theory to Practice

Creating a resume is one of the first steps students take to prepare them for their future roles as professionals who know how to communicate in multiple contexts. The process of creating a resume asks students to begin envisioning themselves as professionals and calls upon them to understand a new audience for their writing: employers and other business professionals (see Dean 55-61). In her book Genre Theory: Teaching, Writing, Being , NCTE author and consultant Deborah Dean notes the need for educators to help students "understand the need to adapt writing to situations," and the complex tasks involved in responding to a job posting with a professional resume provide such a teaching and learning opportunity (5). As they learn about the dimensions of resumes, including their purpose, format, and language, students gain greater insight into the social dimensions of writing and have the opportunity to explore the "implications of choosing to follow or resist the expectations associated with [various] situations" (7). Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 9. Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• Suggested Online Student Resume Resources
• Resume Writing Resources  
• Resume Action Words  
• Resume Peer Review Guide  
• Using ReadWriteThink Notetaker to Draft Resumes  
• Analyzing Your Writing Process Assignment  
• Professional Resume Rubric

Preparation

• Collect resumes and resume resources for students to explore and critique. (See Resources section .) Collect both effective and ineffective examples and prepare several to be shown on an overhead, LCD projector, or document camera.  
• Collect back issues of classified ads/job postings prior to Session Four to ensure that all students have a job listing from which to work.  
• Make sure students have access to computer labs for Sessions One through Six .  
• Bookmark the Suggested Online Student Resume Resources .  
• Prepare copies of all handouts for distribution in class.  
• Test the Venn Diagram tool and the ReadWriteThink NoteTaker on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tools.  
• Bookmark the ReadWriteThink NoteTaker for student use in Session Three .

Student Objectives

Students will

• analyze professional resumes to learn what makes them effective or ineffective for an audience.  
• analyze and describe the audience for a resume, noting its purpose and how the audience responds to the document.  
• create a professional resume of their own using document and audience analysis, drafting, peer response, and revision.  
• reflect on their writing process, noting how this assignment will be useful to them in their future writing responsibilities.

Session One

• Ask students to engage in a Think-Pair-Share activity by spending five minutes freewriting about resumes. They may write about their experiences with resumes and their perceptions of resumes, including resumes they have written, friends'/family members' resumes they have seen, what they know about them, why they are important, how they look, and what they say about the writer.  
• Ask students to get into small groups to share their freewriting. Select a recorder for each group to take notes about what the group discusses to share with the whole class.  
• Bring students together as a class and ask them to share each group's notes about resumes. The teacher or a class volunteer should make a list on the overhead or board for use later in the lesson process, especially as students are writing their reflective essays in Session Six .  
• Project for students two or three sample effective resumes. Discuss the main parts of each. Explain that while each resume meets generally accepted criteria that suggest it is "effective," the effectiveness of any resume is situated within the context of the job posting and the demands of the given job or career. You will discuss this issue in more detail in sessions to come.  
• Why do we need resumes?  
• Do all jobs require a resume?  
• Why do some jobs ask for a resume and others do not?  
• What does a resume say about a person?
• Ask students to shift to their own search for guidance on resume writing by looking at available resources on the Internet. Direct students to the Suggested Online Student Resume Resources and give each student a copy of the Resume Writing Resources handout and go over its requirements. Students should review each site or resource by taking note of the kinds of help offered for beginning resume writers and keeping track of specific information they think will be important as they create their own resumes.  
• For the next session, ask each student to find one additional resume help resource and bring it to class. Students should add this resource to their Resume Writing Resources handout. They may find this by going online to a search engine such as Google or Ask.com , by going to a career center and getting a pamphlet or booklet, or by going to a library and finding a book or article on resume writing.

Session Two

• Build from the work of the previous session by showing students a few more effective sample resumes as well as some samples that are clearly problematic. Lead a brief discussion about the strengths and weaknesses students perceive in the various samples.  
• Elicit from students the basic required sections of a resume: Objective, Education, and Work Experience. Ask students to brainstorm other sections that may also be important to include on a resume (Volunteer Experience, Special Skills, Awards Received, Certifications or Licenses, Involvement in Clubs or Societies, etc.).  
• Ask students to consider the extent to which having the expected headings and format is enough to make a resume effective. While projecting an accepted "effective" resume, have half of the students quickwrite a job listing for which the resume is well-suited; the other half should compose a job listing for which the resume is ill-suited.  
• Have students share these divergent job descriptions and facilitate a brief discussion on the central importance of the job listing in assessing a resume's overall effectiveness.  
• Inform students that they will now be forming professional writing groups of three or four students. Tell students they will work with these groups for the duration of the lesson, serving as professional reviewers and helping each other with writing and reviewing their resumes. (Teachers may choose to divide students into groups based on their career interests.)  
• Ask students to go to their groups and, with reference to the sample resumes from this session and last, produce a list what makes a resume different from other types of writing they have seen or used in the past. Ask them to consider abstract issues such as audience and purpose as well as concrete issues such as content and form.  
• Ask students to share their lists with the class. Discuss how resumes are a genre of writing known as professional writing. Make a list on the board or overhead listing the differences between professional writing (including resumes) and other types of writing. You may wish to use the Venn Diagram tool to facilitate this process. Share with students that these are elements they will need to know when creating their own resumes.  
• Now ask students to get out their new resume help resources and Resume Writing Resources handout they were assigned to bring. Ask them to compare their resources, noting what each source says that is similar to or different from the other sources. Ask groups to create a list of their own resume-writing tips and share these with the class.  
• Collect the Resume Writing Resources handout and tell students that for Session Four , they need to search newspapers, local career sites, Monster.com , or Careerbuilder.com for job listings that interest them. They need to bring three potential job listings to class with them for the that session.

Session Three

• Inform students that during this session they will begin drafting the outline of their own professional resume. While the specifics of the resume will be tailored to the job posting (see Session Four), students will create the basis for the more specific resume in this session.  
• Remind students of the typical sections of a resume from the previous session and share with them the importance of descriptive action words in these sections of a resume. Give them the Resume Action Words handout and ask them to add to it as they review various resume resources.
• Use the  Resume Action Words handout as a segue to the overall requirements for the resume assignment. Distribute the sample Professional Resume Rubric and discuss the requirements for a strong resume. For now, focus on the elements that the group has already discussed, but assure students that other elements will be covered in the rest of the process.  
• Direct students to the ReadWriteThink NoteTaker where they can begin typing the sections of their resume, including bulleted lists of the tasks/actions they did while in the jobs they have had. Show students the Using ReadWriteThink Notetaker to Draft Resumes handout and ask them to refer to their  Resume Action Words handout as they draft. Stress to students that they cannot save their work in this interactive tool.  
• Using ReadWriteThink NoteTaker , they should include all major section headers and then list information within these. Emphasize to students that the resumes they create may have fewer items in the Work Experience section at this time because they are new to the job search. Instead of focusing on what experience they do not yet have, students should try to think about all the special skills or volunteer experiences they have had and include those.  
• At the end of class, have students print their progress so far, as work cannot be saved with the ReadWriteThink NoteTaker .  
• Students should continue drafting their resume sections at home, adding notes to the printout from the ReadWriteThink NoteTaker .  
• Remind students that for the next session, they need to search newspapers, local career sites, Monster.com , or Careerbuilder.com for job listings that interest them. They need to bring three potential job listings to class with them for the next session.

Session Four

• Ask students to get into their professional writing groups and share the job postings they brought to class. Have back issues of job listings on hand for students who do not come prepared; forgetful students can also engage through the additional listings group members brought.  
• Students should describe their posting and share why they chose those job listings, what qualifications the jobs require, and for which they are most qualified at this time.  
• Remind students of the importance of the job posting by referring to the activity from Session Two. Project a sample job listing that might appeal to the students in your classroom. Walk students through the parts of the posting, including the ways in which it describes the company or organization, the position, and the qualifications a person needs to have.  
• Share with students the importance of addressing these items in their resumes as much as possible and provide examples of how students can do this based on the sample job listing you post.  
• Remind students about the importance of audience in writing a resume and that the job posting essentially tells the writer what the audience/potential employer wants to see in the resume. Their task is to match their experiences to the listing, using language precisely and honestly.  
• Place students back into their professional writing groups and ask them to review their job postings carefully, highlighting information that will be important for them to include. Ask students to find and highlight key words and ideas that their job postings state are important (for example, themes such as good communication skills, working as a team, good organization skills, etc.).  
• At this point, ask students to choose the job posting that is best suited to their current experiences and most closely matches their interests and goals.  
• Students should return to the printed resume drafts they created using ReadWriteThink NoteTaker and look for ways to blend the employer-desired skills with their own experiences. Encourage them to add action words and specific phrasing from the job posting and/or to include a section on special skills or activities they have that reflect what the employer wants. This will help them tailor their resumes to that audience. (Students may need additional help from the instructor in order to see how their experiences can be made to accommodate an employer's wording.)  
• For the next session, students should have all major sections of their resume completed (including bulleted action items) using the draft from ReadWriteThink NoteTaker . They should bring them to class along with their printed job description.

Session Five

• Students should get out their printed sections of their resume and bulleted action lists as created in ReadWriteThink NoteTaker . In their professional writing groups, students will exchange their resume draft notes and their job posting with the others. Students will review each group member's resume draft notes, asking questions that will help their classmate revise. Use the Resume Peer Review Guide to facilitate this process.  
• Give students time on the computers to work with their resume notes in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word. Students may choose to use a resume template available on Word, or they may choose to create their own format for their resumes. Teachers may need to spend time showing students how to use templates or help them create a resume format without a template.  
• As students revise and organize this draft of their resumes, the teacher should move around the room, conferring with them individually about the changes they are making and asking them to describe how their resume is tailored to their professional audience.  
• For the next session, students should complete typing their resumes and bring a printed copy to class for a visual analysis day.

Session Six

• Begin the class by asking students to freewrite for five minutes, reflecting on their experience so far drafting their resumes, finding a job posting, and tailoring their resume to that job.  
• Following that, ask them to find a partner who is not from their professional writing group and share with that student the experiences they wrote about. Each student should ask their partner at least two questions about their experiences. Students should write these questions down on their freewriting note pages and then respond to them in writing. These notes will be used by students when they draft their Analyzing Your Writing Process Assignment to accompany their final resume.  
• Bring the class back together and begin a discussion about the visual design aspect of resumes. Reconnect with students' earlier comments about how resumes are different from other types of writing. It may be helpful to refer to the list students made in Session One .  
• Discuss the importance of the visual layout of resumes and how the look of a resume works in conjunction with its purpose, to provide employers a quick impression of the author and his/her ability to perform the duties and succeed in the job. Also discuss how students can make their own resumes stand out while still working within traditional resume format guidelines.  
• Ask students to return to various resume resources, including books, articles, or online sites and find two additional resume writing sites and gather ideas about the visual presentation of resumes. Refer them to the Suggested Online Student Resume Resources if necessary. After reviewing this information, students should return to their professional writing groups with at least three ideas for how to design the layout of their own resumes.  
• Bring the class back together and ask students to share what they learned about the visual design of resumes. Ask other students to act as recorders for the class.  
• Give students time to return to the computers and work on the design of their resumes using what they learned from the class discussion.  
• At the end of the session, introduce the Analyzing Your Writing Process Assignment , telling students that in addition to submitting their finished professional resumes and job postings, they will also write a reflective essay documenting their writing process and explain what they learned about creating a professional resume . See the Analyzing Your Writing Process Assignment . This assignment should be completed after the presentation.  
• For the next session, students should bring their completed resumes to class.

Session Seven

• Students should take out their finished resumes. Allow students about 5 minutes to review their resume so that the information is fresh in their minds for their presentation to the class.  
• Each student will come to the front of the class and share his/her resume, describing his/her process for creating it, what job it is tailored for and how it is tailored for that job, what he/she likes about the resume, and how he/she might continue to revise it. (The student should be able to show the resume to the class using a computer [for an electronic version], a document camera [paper version], or an overhead projector [transparency version]. If only an overhead is available, the teacher may need to allow extra time for preparing resumes as overheads to show the class.)  
• Following each student's presentation, the class will be allowed time to ask the presenter any questions and present their suggestions for revision. The number of days devoted to presentations will depend on the size of the class.  
• Remind students to complete the Analyzing Your Writing Process Assignment for submission at the next class meeting.
• This lesson can be extended and enhanced by inviting local business owners or human resource representatives to the classroom to discuss their experiences in writing job listings and reading/reviewing resumes.
• Partner with other teachers or departments in your school and arrange a job fair in your gymnasium or auditorium. Invite local businesses to send representatives to serve as resume reviewers and mock interviewers.
• This lesson can be extended to include more time spent on resume design, including designing scannable resumes.
• Some entry-level jobs require the completion of an application but not the submission of a resume. Acquire applications for jobs in your area and share these with students, noting how having their resume makes for easy completion of most applications. Further stress how the resume writing process prepares students for interviews by getting them to think about their experiences, skills, and strengths.  
• Students can visit these Web resources to learn more about writing a resume: Writing Your First Resume , General Technical Writing Guidelines , Monster.com Student Resume Tips , and Resumes—What Not to Do .

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Make sure that students are making adequate progress on the project by checking work completed at the end of each session and offering additional guidance or support when necessary.
• Use the sample Professional Resume Rubric to assess finished resumes and reflections.
• Calendar Activities
• Professional Library
• Student Interactives

Students examine the different ways that they write and think about the role writing plays in life.

Useful for a wide variety of reading and writing activities, this outlining tool allows students to organize up to five levels of information.

This tool guides students through the creation of a resume that can be saved and edited. Written and audio tips provide extra support.

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• Career Blog

Student Resume Writing Tips and Examples for 2024

As a student, you may be wondering why having a resume is important. After all, you’re not applying for a job yet, right? Wrong! Your student resume is an essential tool that can help you stand out from other applicants, showcasing your achievements, skills, and potential to potential employers, scholarship committees, and college admission officers. In this article, we will explore the purpose and goals of writing a student resume and provide you with valuable tips and examples to help you craft a compelling and effective document.

Importance of a Student Resume

A student resume can be a powerful tool that highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, community involvement, and other key factors that demonstrate your potential as a candidate. Not only can it help you land internships, part-time jobs, and other opportunities while you’re still in school, but it can also help you stand out when applying to colleges, scholarships, and future job opportunities after graduation.

Furthermore, writing a student resume can help you identify your strengths, set goals, and gain clarity on your career aspirations. By reflecting on your experiences, accomplishments, and values, you can develop a narrative that shows your unique personality, passion, and potential.

Purpose and Goals of the Article

The purpose of this article is to provide you with practical tips and examples to help you create a well-crafted student resume that effectively communicates your qualifications and potential. Specifically, our goals are to:

• Explain the key elements of a successful student resume
• Provide guidance on how to structure your resume and format it for clarity and readability
• Offer tips on how to highlight your strengths and accomplishments, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and community service
• Share insights on how to tailor your resume for different audiences, such as employers, colleges, and scholarship committees
• Offer real-life examples of successful student resumes to inspire and guide you as you create your own document

By following the advice and examples provided in this article, you will be better equipped to craft a powerful and effective student resume that showcases your potential, sets you apart from other candidates, and opens doors to new opportunities.

Understanding the basics of a Resume

Definition and structure of a resume.

A resume is a document that summarizes an individual’s work experience, education, skills, and achievements. It is usually a one or two-page document that is used by job seekers to showcase their qualifications to potential employers.

The key components of a standard resume include:

• Contact information (name, phone number, email address, and location)
• Professional summary or objective
• Work experience (chronological or functional)
• Education (degrees, certifications, and coursework)
• Skills (technical, soft, and language)
• Awards and extracurricular activities (relevant and recent)

The structure of a resume should be clear, concise, and easy to follow. The font type and size, formatting, and spacing should be consistent throughout the document.

Difference between CV and Resume

Although CV (curriculum vitae) and resume are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings and purposes.

A CV is a comprehensive document that lists a person’s academic and professional qualifications, publications, research projects, and teaching experience. It is typically a longer document than a resume and used mainly in academic, medical, or scientific fields.

On the other hand, a resume is a brief summary of a person’s relevant qualifications and work experience, tailored to a specific job opportunity. It is designed to highlight a candidate’s achievements and skills that are most relevant to the particular job.

While a CV provides an exhaustive record of your academic and professional history, a resume is a marketing tool that communicates your relevant skills and experience to potential employers. When applying for job opportunities, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and use each appropriately. ** Preparing for Resume Writing

Before sitting down to write your resume, it’s important to take the time to properly prepare. This involves a few key steps, starting with a self-assessment of your skills and experience.

Self-assessment and skill identification

To start, make a list of all the skills you possess, including hard skills like knowledge of software programs or technical abilities, as well as soft skills like communication and teamwork. Be specific and include examples of how you’ve demonstrated each skill in the past.

Next, consider your experience. List all relevant jobs and internships, along with the duties and responsibilities you had in each role. Also include any volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or leadership positions you’ve held.

By conducting this self-assessment, you’ll not only be better prepared to write your resume, but you’ll also have a better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses as a candidate.

Researching the Job and the Company

Once you have a clear picture of your own skills and experience, you can begin researching the job and the company you’re applying to. Look at the job description and make note of the key qualifications and responsibilities. Consider how your own experience and skills match up with what the employer is looking for.

You should also research the company itself to gain a better understanding of their values, culture, and overall mission. This information can help you tailor your resume to better align with the company’s goals and objectives.

Tailoring the Resume to the job description

Finally, it’s crucial to tailor your resume to the specific job and company you’re applying to. This involves carefully reviewing the job description and making sure your resume highlights the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.

This may involve rearranging the order of your resume content, adding new bullet points or details that highlight specific skills, or even creating a new resume entirely. By tailoring your resume to the job description, you’ll increase your chances of standing out as a qualified candidate.

Taking the time to prepare for resume writing involves a self-assessment of your skills and experience, researching the job and company, and tailoring your resume to the specific position. By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to create a strong, effective resume that showcases your qualifications as a candidate.

Resume Content Guidelines

Crafting a well-written and comprehensive student resume can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right tips and examples, you can easily make your resume stand out from the crowd.

To help you get started, here are some essential content guidelines that you should include in your student resume.

Contact Information Your contact information should always be at the very top of your resume. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and physical address (optional). Make sure that your email address is professional, and avoid using unprofessional usernames such as “crazyhorse1234.”

Personal Summary Statement Your personal summary statement is a brief paragraph (about 2-3 sentences) that shows your potential employer what you can bring to the table. Here, you can outline your strengths, achievements, and goals. Make sure to keep it concise and to the point.

Education Your education should be highlighted in a clear and concise format. This includes the name of the institution, the degree or certification obtained, and the date of graduation (or expected graduation). Don’t forget to mention your GPA if it’s above 3.0.

Work Experience When listing your work experience, be sure to include your job title, the name of the company, and the dates of employment. It’s also important to include a brief description of your role and duties. Use bullet points to make the information easier to read.

Internship and Volunteer Experience Even if you haven’t had a traditional job, including experience from internships or volunteer work can be incredibly beneficial. List the name of the organization, dates of service, and your role and responsibilities.

Leadership and Extracurricular Activities Employers want to see that you’re well-rounded and have a variety of skills. Highlighting leadership positions and extracurricular activities shows that you’re not only dedicated to your studies but also active in your community.

Skills and Certifications Whether you’re proficient in a particular software program or have a certification in a particular field, including this information demonstrates that you have the skills required for the job.

Professional References Finally, make sure to list the name and contact information of at least one professional reference. This can be a former supervisor, professor, or mentor who can attest to your skills and work ethic.

By following these content guidelines and using proper formatting, you can create a standout student resume that showcases your skills and experience to potential employers.

Formatting and Style

When it comes to creating your student resume, you want to be sure that it looks polished and professional. The formatting and style of your resume can make all the difference in how it’s received by potential employers. Here are some tips on how to ensure that your resume is top-notch:

Choosing the Right Resume Format

There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your experience and career goals. For example, if you have a lot of relevant work experience, a chronological format might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out in your career or have gaps in your employment history, a functional format might be more effective.

Fonts, Spacing, and Margins

When it comes to fonts, stick to something basic and easy to read, like Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid using fonts that are too fancy or difficult to read, as this will only detract from the content of your resume. The spacing and margins of your resume should also be consistent and easy on the eyes. Stick to a standard margin (around 1 inch), and use a line spacing of 1.15 to 1.5.

Using Action Words and Quantifiable Results

One of the most important things you can do on your resume is to use action words and show quantifiable results wherever possible. For example, instead of saying that you “assisted customers,” say that you “provided exemplary customer service to over 100 customers per day.” This not only sounds more impressive, but it also shows potential employers that you can back up your claims with real-world results.

Proofreading and Editing Your Resume

Finally, be sure to proofread and edit your resume carefully. This means checking for typos and grammatical errors, as well as making sure that your formatting and style are consistent throughout. It can be helpful to have someone else read over your resume as well, as they may be able to catch mistakes or provide feedback that you might have missed.

Formatting and style are crucial elements of any effective resume. By choosing the right format, using easy-to-read fonts and consistent spacing, highlighting your achievements with action words and quantifiable results, and carefully proofreading and editing your work, you can help ensure that your student resume stands out from the competition.

Tips for Writing a Winning Resume

When crafting a resume, it’s important to focus on showcasing your accomplishments, avoiding common mistakes, adhering to professional ethics, staying professional and honest, and customizing the document for specific roles and industries. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

Highlighting Accomplishments

One of the most critical elements of a student resume is highlighting your accomplishments. Instead of merely listing your responsibilities or duties, focus on describing how you have made a difference in your previous roles. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements as much as possible. For example, instead of saying “Assisted with marketing campaigns,” say “Developed and executed a successful social media campaign that resulted in a 25% increase in website traffic.” Highlighting your accomplishments will demonstrate your value and make you stand out to potential employers.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

There are many common mistakes that students can make when putting together their resumes. These include typos and grammatical errors, using flashy or unprofessional fonts, including irrelevant information or listing hobbies/interests that aren’t impressive or relevant to the position. Additionally, it is important to ensure consistency in formatting, use white space effectively, and use bullet points to break down information in a clear and concise manner.

Adhering to Professional Ethics

When creating your resume, it is important to adhere to professional ethics. This means being honest and truthful in your statements, avoiding exaggeration or lies, respecting confidential information, and presenting yourself in a professional manner. Remember that your resume is a representation of you and your work ethics, and potential employers will be evaluating you based on its content and format.

Staying Professional and Honest

Professionalism and honesty go hand in hand when writing a resume. Avoid using informal language or slang, and do not use first-person pronouns. Write in complete sentences and use proper grammar and punctuation. You should also avoid exaggerating your skills or experiences, as this can come back to haunt you later on. It’s always better to under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around.

Customizing the Resume for Specific Roles and Industries

Finally, it is important to customize your resume for specific roles and industries. Use relevant keywords and industry-specific terminology to help your resume get past the automated screening systems. Highlight your experience and skills that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for, and consider tailoring your resume to each job application. This will help you stand out as a candidate who understands the needs of the company and the requirements of the role.

By following these tips, you can create a winning resume that showcases your skills, accomplishments, and value as a potential employee. Keep in mind that your resume is a reflection of you and your work ethics, so make sure you put in the time and effort required to make it stand out from the hundreds of others in the pile. Good luck!

Resume Examples for Students

Writing a resume can be daunting, especially for students who may not have much experience. However, with the right guidance and a few examples, crafting a standout resume is more manageable than it may seem. Here are some resume examples for different student scenarios:

Samples for High School and College Students

High school and college students typically have limited work experience, but that doesn’t mean they are incapable of creating a strong resume. Here are some tips for writing a resume as a student:

• Highlight relevant coursework or projects
• Detail relevant extracurricular activities, such as leadership roles in clubs or volunteer work
• Emphasize any internships or part-time jobs

A student resume sample might include the following sections:

• Contact information
• Relevant coursework or projects
• Extracurricular activities
• Work experience (if applicable)

Resumes for Internship and Summer Jobs

Applying for internships or summer jobs is an excellent way for students to gain experience and build their resumes. Here are some tips for writing a resume for these positions:

• Highlight any relevant internships or coursework related to the position
• Detail relevant skills and experience that make you the right fit for the job
• Emphasize any volunteer or extracurricular work that demonstrates your work ethic and skills

Resume Example 1: Marketing Internship

Sarah Davis 123 Main Street, City, State 12345 (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Bachelor of Business Administration XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation: May 2024

• Proficient in social media platforms and digital marketing tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Team player with the ability to collaborate effectively

Marketing Intern, ABC Company City, State Summer 2022

• Assisted in developing and executing social media campaigns
• Created engaging content for various digital platforms
• Conducted market research and competitor analysis
• Assisted with event planning and coordination

Digital Marketing Campaign

• Developed and managed a digital marketing campaign for a local event
• Created content for social media platforms and analyzed campaign performance
• Collaborated with team members to optimize campaign strategies

Leadership and Involvement

• Member, Marketing Club, XYZ University (2020-Present)
• Volunteer, Local Charity Organization (2020-2021)

Certifications

• Google Ads Certification (2022)
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification (2022)

A resume example for an internship or summer job might include:

• Objective or summary statement
• Relevant skills and experience
• Relevant extracurricular or volunteer work

Resume Example 2: Summer Job – Retail Sales Associate

Michael Johnson 456 Oak Street, City, State 12345 (234) 567-8901 [email protected]

High School Diploma XYZ High School, City, State Graduation Date: May 2023

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Strong communication and active listening abilities
• Attention to detail and accuracy in cash handling
• Knowledge of product inventory and merchandising
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment

Retail Sales Associate, XYZ Store City, State Summer 2022

• Assisted customers with product inquiries and provided recommendations
• Operated cash register and processed transactions accurately
• Restocked merchandise and maintained store cleanliness
• Assisted in visual merchandising and product displays

Achievements

• Received “Employee of the Month” award for outstanding customer service (2022)

Volunteer Experience

• Volunteer, Local Community Center (2020-2021)

Extracurricular Activities

• Member, High School Debate Team (2019-2023)
• Captain, Varsity Soccer Team (2019-2023)

Resumes for Recent Graduates and Entry-Level Positions

Recent graduates and those seeking entry-level positions may have limited experience, but they likely have transferable skills and relevant coursework that can make them strong candidates.

Resume Example 3: Recent Graduate

John Smith 123 Main Street, City, State 12345 (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration XYZ University, City, State Graduation Date: May 2023

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

Work Experience

Intern, ABC Company City, State Summer 2022

• Assisted with data analysis and report generation
• Supported team in project management tasks
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams on various initiatives

Business Strategy Project

• Developed a comprehensive business strategy proposal for a local startup
• Presented findings and recommendations to company stakeholders
• President, Business Club, XYZ University (2021-2023)
• Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity (2020-2021)

Honors and Awards

• Dean’s List, XYZ University (2019-2023)

Resume Example 4: Entry-Level Marketing Assistant

Emily Johnson 456 Oak Street, City, State 12345 (234) 567-8901 [email protected]

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing XYZ University, City, State Graduation Date: May 2023

• Strong copywriting and content creation skills
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities
• Data analysis and market research skills
• Creative problem-solving and strategic thinking

Marketing Intern, XYZ Company City, State Summer 2022

• Assisted in developing and implementing social media campaigns

Marketing Campaign for Local Nonprofit

• Developed and executed a marketing campaign to raise awareness and funds for a local nonprofit organization
• Managed social media accounts and created engaging content
• Collaborated with team members to create promotional materials
• Secretary, Marketing Association, XYZ University (2021-2023)
• Volunteer, Local Food Bank (2020-2021)
• Marketing Student of the Year, XYZ University (2022)

Remember to customize these examples based on your own education, skills, experiences, and career goals.

Cover Letter Writing Tips

A cover letter is a complementary document to your resume, intended to introduce yourself and highlight your qualifications to a potential employer. The goal of a cover letter is to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the position, and to encourage them to review your resume and invite you for an interview.

Purpose and Content of Cover Letter

The content of the cover letter will depend on the job you are applying for and your experience. However, the typical cover letter should include the following elements:

• An opening sentence that explains why you are writing
• A brief introduction that highlights your most relevant qualifications and achievements
• A description of your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job
• An explanation of why you are interested in the company and the position
• A closing paragraph that thanks the employer for considering your application and reiterates your interest in the position

The purpose of the cover letter is to convey your enthusiasm and interest in the position, as well as your qualifications and experience.

Format and Structure of Cover Letter

The format of a cover letter is typically in three to four paragraphs, and it should be no longer than one page. A well-structured and properly formatted cover letter will help to make a good first impression. Here is a basic structure to follow:

Header: Start with your contact details, followed by the date and the employer’s contact details.

Salutation: Begin with the recipient’s name if possible, if you cannot find their name, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Opening Paragraph: Start strong with a hook or anecdote that catches the reader’s attention and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job.

Body Paragraphs: The meat of the cover letter, where you highlight your skills and experience. Make sure to relate this to the specific job you are seeking.

Closing Paragraph: End on a strong note by thanking the employer for considering your application and asking for an interview

Tips for Writing a Memorable Cover Letter

Here are some tips to help you write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd:

• Customize your cover letter for each job application instead of using a generic one for every job.
• Start with a strong opening sentence, such as a personal story or anecdote, to capture the reader’s attention.
• Highlight your most relevant accomplishments and experiences to the job you are applying for.
• Show your enthusiasm for the job and the company by explaining why you are interested in the position and the organization.
• Use bullet points to make it easy for the employer to scan over your cover letter.
• Proofread your cover letter and edit it carefully, looking for any grammatical errors or typos.

A cover letter is an important tool in securing a job interview, and it should be written with care and attention to detail.

Follow-up Strategies

After submitting your resume, it’s essential to have a post-resume submission strategy. This section will cover some tips for following up after submitting your resume, handling rejection and accepting an offer, and additional steps you can take to boost your resume and career growth.

Post-Resume Submission Strategies

Following up after submitting your resume can make a big difference in whether or not you hear back from the company. Here are a few post-resume submission strategies to consider:

• Send a follow-up email. If you don’t hear back within two weeks, send a polite follow-up email to ask about the status of your application. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your professionalism.
• Make a phone call. If you haven’t heard back after a few weeks, consider making a phone call. This can help you have a more personal conversation and potentially stand out from other applicants.
• Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn. If you can find the hiring manager’s information, try to connect with them on LinkedIn. This can help you build a relationship and possibly get more information about the role.

Handling Rejection and Accepting an Offer

Not every job application will result in an offer, and that’s okay. If you receive a rejection, take the following steps:

• Thank the employer for considering your application. A gracious email or note can help leave a positive impression and keep you in the employer’s mind if future roles come up.
• Ask for feedback. If you receive a rejection, ask if the employer can provide feedback on why you weren’t selected. This can help you improve for future applications.
• Keep a positive attitude. Rejection is difficult, but try to learn from it and move on to the next opportunity.

If you do receive an offer, congratulations! Here are a few tips for accepting an offer:

• Review the offer carefully. Make sure you fully understand the terms of the employment before accepting.
• Thank the employer for the offer. Show your appreciation for the opportunity.
• Follow up with any necessary paperwork. Make sure you fill out any paperwork or provide any necessary information promptly.

Additional Steps to Boost Resume and Career Growth

To continue growing your career, here are a few additional steps you can take:

• Network. Connect with professionals in your field to learn from them and potentially find new opportunities.
• Consider further education. If there is a specific area you want to improve on, consider taking classes or pursuing a certification.
• Volunteer or take on a side project. This can help you gain new skills and show your dedication to your field.
• Keep updating your resume. Even once you have a job, continue updating your resume with new skills, accomplishments, and experiences to showcase your growth.

By following these post-resume submission strategies, handling rejection and accepting an offer professionally, and continuing to take steps to boost your career growth, you will be well on your way to creating a strong professional profile.

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• Resume Writing

Writing a good resume is a prerequisite for getting the job of one's choice. There are many resume writings tips that would certainly help a person in writing his resume. Resume writing is nothing but a form of presentation of a person’s personal, academic, and professional profile, in an organized and formal manner which plays a very important role in job appointments alongside the interview. There are various important points that one must keep in mind while writing a resume, and a few resume writing tips would always help you in putting together a decent resume and increase the chance of getting the job of your choice. You must have sufficient practice of resume writing and proofread the resume before submitting it. 

The Elements of Resume Writing

For effective resume writing, one should always keep certain points in mind which would help in writing a good resume. The first thing to keep in mind is the heading of the resume, which would occupy the topmost part and attract attention before anything else in the document. This part should have the person's name, email address, other contact information, and communication address. While writing a resume, a summary is very important. The summary comprises the various skills and achievements that a person has in the form of a short paragraph with a few sentences. The professional experience follows the summary, which would comprise the experience that a person has in the relevant field. The educational qualifications, hobbies, and skills should also be highlighted. One must always proofread to ensure quality, and make sure the resume is free of grammatical and spelling errors. 

Resume Writing Format

Since a resume contains a lot of information about a person, the format is very important to ensure the information is conveyed in a systematic and organized manner. Resume writing tips would help in deciding the best resume writing template. The three types of resume include combination, functional, and chronological resume, which is accompanied by a cover letter. The chronological resume format is most frequently used which lists the career, and achievements of a person chronologically, from present to past. The functional resume focuses more on the skills of a person than the work experience of that person and is ideal for those who are just starting with their career. The combination resume is as the name suggests a combination of the previous two formats and states the skills as well as the strengths of the candidate and is a balanced view of the two.

Other Types of Resume

There are three additional formats of resumes that are less commonly used. The Infographic resume employs various design elements to display information and uses various layout, colours, and font styles. Targeted resume displays only the required skills and information and is a very specific approach. Other unorthodox resume formats use graphs, charts, etc. to make a resume that can either be in a written or a video format.

Cover Letter

A cover letter must accompany a resume and is a description of the candidate, and his or her interests along with the reasons for wanting to join the particular organization. The cover letter provides an opportunity to the candidates to describe his or her variation in interests, aspirations and preferences. Thereby, it allows the candidate to elaborate upon the information provided in the resume. The cover letter is similar to a normal letter having the contact details, introduction, body, and conclusion.

Resume Writing Example

Following a resume writing example is the best resume writing tip that would help the candidate write a good resume. A resume writing example is as follows.

70 B MG road, Mumbai

Pincode-400702

[email protected]

Objective: To get a job as an engineer at M.S. Chemicals

Education: Carnegie Mellon University. New York

B.Sc. Chemical engineering

Jersey High School, New Jersey

High School Diploma, May 2016

Experience: 

UG research at the University of Houston, 2015.

Have attended various student meetings.

Done various presentations on Chemistry.

Skills: 

Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Origin Lab.

Knows English, French, Hindi.

Used Python to design a racing game.

College reporter of the year-2017

Did You Know?

Some resume writing tips are bound to help you write a proper resume. Firstly, you must carefully choose a resume format and adhere to that format throughout the resume. The application status should also be kept in mind and choose the format accordingly. One should always be honest while writing a resume since providing wrong information may have adverse consequences. 

Solved Example

Q1. Why Does Experience Play an Important Role in Deciding the Resume Format?

Ans: The resume of a fresher would have only academic details while an experienced person would provide career experience alongside academic qualifications.

FAQs on Resume Writing

1. What are the Various Resume Formats?

Answer: The resume format plays an important role in deciding how the information would be presented and understood. The first main format of the resume is the chronological format. In the chronological format, information is presented in chronological order with the work experience remaining in focus. The various jobs and experiences a person has had are presented from the past to the present, in order. A functional resume, on the other hand, focuses more skill than work experience and is the most relevant for people just starting in their profession. The combination resume is a combination of the features of both functional and chronological resumes providing a balanced perspective.

2. What Should be Mentioned in the Resume?

Answer: A resume should have all the necessary details concerning the achievements, qualifications and experience of a person justifying why he or she is best suited for the job. First comes the heading of the resume where the name and contact details of the candidate are mentioned along with the address. The summary follows, which is a small paragraph of not more than five sentences emphasizing on the various achievements and skills of the candidate. After this, comes the educational qualification where the candidates provide his or her academic details. Professional details, the various skills and achievements should also be mentioned in the resume.