Your resume represents you when you aren't there. It is your professional "snapshot". Your resume determines if you get an interview, and interview determines if you get a job. Take the time to do your resume right! Creating a resume is a process; don't expect a perfect resume on your first try.

What is a Resume?

There are three different types of resumes. Your resume is an individually designed summary of your personal, educational, and experiential qualifications. It should be well organized and presented in a manner that will interest potential employers.

The chronological resume has educational and employment history organized by date. This resume works well for students who have progressive and related experiences within their field. This is the type of resume most students will use and employers prefer.

Functional resumes focus on skill sets gained through a variety of activities, such as educational course work, clubs and organizations, as well as internships and volunteer work. This format works well for students who do not have much employment history or who have a work history that is not directly related to their career objective.

Combination resumes are a combination of the chronological resume and functional resume. It focuses on skill sets, but also lists employment history.

Quick Tips

Send your resume with a cover letter, in response to a specific position.
Keep it current! List your most recent accomplishments so the interviewer knows what you are capable of doing now.
Proofread, proofread, proofread; ensure there are no grammatical errors.
Don't be modest! This is your chance to shine, you are competing for this position!

Review the Resume Tips Handout for more suggestions!

Career Services can help! Drop-in for a Resume Critique.

Once you have completed a draft of your resume, you should ask at least one other person to review it before submitting it to a prospective employer. Our peer advisors are available during drop-in hours to critique a hard copy of your resume. Please plan to attend a Resume workshop before coming in for your critique.