Saint Michael's College

Resumé Preparation

Writing a Resumé

One of the first steps in a successful job search is to develop your resumé. A resumé is a short, easy-to-understand formal summary of your background; it is not an autobiography. A resumé is important because it may be the only exposure that an employer has to you. It will not get you a job, but it may get you an interview. Considering that employers may only spend 15-20 seconds scanning your resumé, the importance of an attractive resumé cannot be overemphasized.

At the Student Resource Center we can assist you with your resumé from initial draft to final printing. Included on this site are sample formats and examples of resumés written by former Saint Michael's students. Different formats can help you to change the way in which you highlight your experience, depending on the type of position you are seeking. Preparing several versions of your resumé is a good idea, especially if you are interested in more than one career area. Whichever format you do choose, you should attend a resumé workshop first to learn how to begin. Also, be sure to have a career counselor critique your drafts before you have your resumé printed.

Types of Resumés

A. Chronological
This type is easiest to write and the most commonly used. Jobs and other experiences are listed in reverse chronological order, i.e., most recent first. Employment dates can be at the beginning or end of your descriptions. This method is often used by college students and graduating seniors since they may have limited professional job experience.

B. Functional
This format is designed to emphasize the qualifications, skills, and related accomplishments of the applicant, with less emphasis on employment dates or titles. The skills that you have acquired through all of your experiences are highlighted under special headings of your choice (i.e. management, communications, training, administration, personal skills), rather than described for each individual job. Functional resumés can be more effective for people with considerable experience or those changing careers.

C. Combination
This format combines both the chronological and functional. It allows you to stress skills and competencies, while providing the employer with information on specific jobs in your work history.

A Step-by-Step Approach

When you sit down to write your resumé, remember that this is your opportunity to make the best possible impression on your prospective employer. It is helpful to go through the process step by step. Here are seven logical steps to assist you in designing a resumé that will show your experience and skills in the best light.

1. Analyze your accomplishments and discover your skills. Review everything from your educational and work history to your personal strengths, skills, interests, awards, and honors. What have you done and what do you do best?
2. Plan layout. Your resumé should be attractive and easy to read. Entries should be listed in reverse chronological order with specific headings. Your skills, accomplishments, and relevant experience should catch an employer's attention.
3. Prepare the first draft. Get it all down on paper even if the final draft is a long way off. Type it out and bring the rough first draft to the Student Resource Center for review.
4. Critique and edit. Have other people look at your draft. Consult with someone who has knowledge of hiring practices, resumé writing, or your career field. Get some reactions and revise your resumé based on the critique and your common sense. Be honest about your experiences and be thorough in proofreading. Accuracy in content, grammar, and spelling is essential in a resumé.
5. Your resumé should be printed on quality bond paper with letter quality print. Try out different fonts to find your own personal style. Be consistent; don't use too many different typefaces or forms of emphasis.
6. Prepare a cover letter for each employer you contact. This is a brief business letter of introduction that states your desire to seek employment with that employer and highlights some of your qualifications. There is more information about cover letters later in this booklet.
7. Remember the resumé is your document. You need to feel comfortable with what is written about you so that you will enter the interview with confidence and ease. Your preferences about the format and presentation should be considered first and foremost.

Designing your Resumé
Generally, the following items are considered to be of value in a resumé:

1. Identifying Data: Name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.
2. Career Objective: Statement of career aspirations or professional objectives. This is optional.
3. Educational Background: Degrees received or pending, majors, minors, grade point average, academic accomplishments, honors, scholarships, assistantships, study abroad, related course work, or continuing education. May also include licensures, certifications, language fluency, computer skills, and laboratory skills where applicable.
4. Professional Experiences: Internships and work in your field of interest, whether paid or volunteer. These should demonstrate skills, abilities, accomplishments, and responsibilities related to professional goals.
5. General Work Experience: Full-time or part-time employment positions that are not directly related to your professional goals, but demonstrate skills, responsibility, and work history that might interest a prospective employer.
6. Additional Information: Collegiate, community, or professional memberships and activities, hobbies, interests, travel, or military service.

Using Action Words
Here are some suggestions for selecting words and phrases:

• Use action words in short, clearly written phrases.
• Use the minimum number of words necessary to convey accurately what you wish to say.
• Select words that will mean something to the person who will read your resumé. If possible, use the jargon of your chosen field where appropriate.
• Avoid introductory phrases such as "my duties included" or "I was in charge of."
• List accomplishments and outcomes whenever possible to complement the description of duties.
• Always keep the needs of the employer in mind. In the initial stages of review and discussion, employers want to know what you can do for them. Keep that in mind as you present yourself on paper and in person.

Here are some examples for using action words in phrases:

• Planned and implemented learning center activities for grades 6 to 8.
• Researched and evaluated program proposals, resulting in greater cost effectiveness for company.
• Trained and supervised new employees.

 Action Verb List
(helpful in writing resumés)