YOUR RESUME: GET STARTED
The ProcessStart by reviewing the information presented in this web site. You may also want to check out the CEL's collection of resume books for additional ideas and examples. Once you've completed an initial draft, stop by the CEL to have a Peer Advisor review your resume. After having a Peer Advisor offer some insight regarding your creation, make an appointment with a CEL counselor for a final resume check.
The Impression
Your resume is the first impression a potential employer/graduate school will have of you. Therefore, your resume should be a clear, concise summary of your skills, relevant experiences, and transferable skills. Your resume should capture the attention of your target audience, motivating them to invite you for an interview!
Remember - the person reviewing your resume typically takes no longer than 30 seconds to do so. Make sure your half a minute counts!
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Take out a piece of paper and a pencil.
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Define your target audience (job, internship, graduate school, volunteer program, etc.) and jot down the qualifications and skills important to the position/program for which you are applying.
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Next, think about the following areas of your background: education, off-campus study programs, work and internship experience, volunteer and community activities, awards, honors, distinctions, special skills and competencies, professional affiliations and activities in which you've been involved. List the experiences as well as the skills you used in the experience. Write down EVERYTHING that comes to mind! There may be pieces to your background that seem insignificant to the position/program for which you are applying, but these opportunities can show transferable skills.
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Organize your resume into categories that will showcase your background in a way that clearly demonstrates your "fit" for the position or program. View examples for assistance.
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Finally, create your first draft, edit it, get feedback from CEL Peer Advisors, academic advisors, supervisors, faculty and other students. Pay close attention to spelling and consistency in formatting. Get a final check from a CEL Counselor!
