Preparing to Write a Résumé

Writing a résumé forces you to look objectively at your background and prioritize that information. You must analyze your strengths, your education and experience, and the kind of work you really want to be doing.

Completing a careful, objective, and thoughtful self-assessment will help you format your resume and sell yourself to prospective employers.

• What are you good at? What sets you apart from other candidates?
• What is your focused career interest?

If you would like assistance doing a self-assessment, make an appointment to meet with a member of the Career Development staff.

You will also want to start by recalling all of the experiences (jobs, student activities, volunteer work) you had during college. Be sure to list all relevant unpaid leadership or volunteer activities; many of the skills you used are applicable to the working world.

Tips when Writing your Résumé

• Your résumé should be concise, consistent, easy to read, and no more than two pages in length.
• Your résumé should address YOUR accomplishments and skills. It should not be a job description.
• You should be able to discuss and defend every item included.
• Your résumé should catch the eye of the reader. Use language common within your chosen industry, and numbers such as total sales, number of people supervised, etc., whenever possible.
• Never send out your résumé without a cover letter!
• Utilize the services of Career Development for an objective critique of your résumé!