A student’s resumé is essentially a tool to sell their qualifications and skills to potential employers. To help your students get it right, share these getting started tips.
Formatting
- Format your resumé yourself and avoid using resume templates
- Make the information easy to read or skim
- Use typical headings like Education, Experience, Leadership Activities and Awards & Honors
- Use consistent formatting (e.g., bolding, spacing, italics, etc.)
Include an objective statement that clearly defines your career goal or desired position
Contact Information
- Provide your name, address, phone number and email
- Include relevant social channels but make sure to set your privacy settings
Education Section
- Cite your degree correctly followed by your major and institution
- If you earned more than one degree, list the most current degree first
- Include any minors, endorsements and relevant coursework.
- Omit high school information, unless it is relevant to the position
- If you are a transfer student, include the name of your first school only if you refer to it elsewhere
- Include your graduation month and year or anticipated graduation date
Include study abroad programs or other honors, such as the Dean’s List, Honors Program or Honor Societies (optional)
Professional or Relevant Experience
List professional positions in chronological order, with the most recent position presented first
For each position, provide your job title, location and dates of employment
Use one-line bulleted statements with strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments
Quantify accomplishments whenever possible
Avoid using weak words such as responsible for, helped and duties included
Use “buzz words” whenever possible
Include relevant leadership positions and volunteer work
Other Suggestions
Omit personal information such as religion, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, salary requirements, age, etc.
Include relevant technical and soft skills (e.g., proficient in Microsoft Excel, detail-oriented producer, proactive collaborator, etc.)
List references on a separate page
For more tips and to get resumé examples, download the Career Planning Guide.
