Career Case

WHAT IS A RESUME? A resume is a custom designed, written summary of your background. It provides a thumbnail sketch of your education, experience, and qualifications to a prospective employer. An effective resume targets a specific type of position and relates your skills and experience to that position.

WHO WRITES A RESUME? A resume is written by anyone seeking employment, both part-time and full-time. Although there are companies that provide resume-writing services, the most effective resumes are written by the job seeker--after all, who else knows you, your qualifications, and your experiences better--someone you just met, or you?

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RESUME? A good resume (in combination with a cover letter) will provide you with an interview. The employer will select applicants on the basis of how well their skills match up with the job requirements. Sometimes, the difference between getting an interview and being placed in the "no" pile is a well put-together resume.

GENERAL RESUME GUIDELINES:

Length:

* A one-page resume works for the recent graduate. If you have extensive work history, two pages are reasonable. Remember to limit pertinent to what is important to the current job objective.

Appearance:

* Developing a well organized, readable layout determines if it gets read! Direct the reader's eyes to the format.

* Avoid dense text appearance, which is difficult to read.

* Use high-quality white or off-white paper--stay conservative.

* Check for typographical, spelling, or grammatical errors.

* Do not cross out or handwrite information.

Content:

* Target your resume towards the position you are seeking.

* Present information important to the objective first.

* List information in descending order of importance.

* Don't falsify or exaggerate information.

* Sell yourself and your abilities.

* Concentrate on the positive and use action verbs to describe your background.

NECESSARY CATEGORIES OF A RESUME:

Heading/Personal Data: Make sure your name is the most obvious piece of information on your resume. Also, include present (local or campus) address and/or permanent (home) address. Include apartment number and zip code, and phone numbers with area codes. A daytime phone number is a must. Also, if you have an electronic mail (e-mail) address, include it in the heading. Don't include personal information such as age, marital status, or health.

Objective: You should only use an objective if you are very clear about the job you seek; otherwise do not include one. State your objective clearly and specifically in a phrase such as "seeking a drafting position in a supervisory capacity with a manufacturer of mechanical or electrical products." It is possible to have two or more resumes with different job objectives, or you may use the cover letter accompanying your resume to state your career goals.

Education: List educational background in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree. Do not include high school unless it is the extent of your formal education. For each degree give the following:

* Degree and (expected) date of graduation * Research/thesis topic (if applicable)

* Name