How to Write a Resume

It is crucial to develop a comprehensive resume, as it serves as a pivotal tool for potential employers to evaluate your qualifications. However, determining where to begin and how to distinguish yourself can be challenging, but do not fret, we are here to help!

To start, focus on the fundamental sections, such as your name, education, and personal information. Make sure to include your address, phone number, and email. Expert Tip: Simply putting down initial information can help initiate the resume-building process.

Next, organize your experiences into distinct categories or sections that effectively portray your qualifications to prospective employers. These buckets may include professional experience, other relevant experience, leadership roles, volunteer engagements, technical skills, general skills, personal interests, notable achievements, language proficiencies, relevant courses, certifications, and more. Expert Tip: It is important to tailor your resume to the specific employer, providing specific details that align with their job requirements. For instance, if they require your to be proficient with using Microsoft Excel, be sure to incorporate it into your resume to demonstrate your familiarity and proficiency.

Once you have identified the appropriate sections, it is essential to determine which points should be included within each category. A constructive starting point is to examine your academic coursework. Reviewing syllabi and identifying the objectives of your courses can reveal instances where you have been assessed or completed projects related to those objectives. Even if your work experience is limited, you can show a lot of what you have accomplished and the knowledge you have gained through your coursework and now is the time to leverage it! Expert Tip: Incorporating your educational experiences into your resume will enhance its content.

Don’t forget to reflect on your extracurricular involvement beyond the classroom, such as internships, practicums, volunteer work, or participation in student organizations. These experiences have equipped you with valuable skills. Employers seek both hard skills (technical competencies) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities). Thus, it is important to highlight specific skills acquired during these endeavors.

Finally, develop a compelling objective statement that effectively communicates your professional aspirations and aligns with the attributes you seek in an employer. Employers want to ensure that their company aligns with your preferences and that you, in turn, are a compatible match for their organization. Expert Tip: It is crucial to convey to potential employers that you have carefully considered the type of organization that best suits your goals and values.

Resumes can take time to build, but with some determination and using these helpful tips and guidelines, you can create a professional resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and captures the interest of potential employers!

By Kristen Sill
Kristen Sill Director of Employer Relations and Workforce Development