Format
- Limit to one page.
- Use font size 12 pt. Use one, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Garamond, or Calibri.
- Avoid graphics, color blocks, and multiple fonts. Make sure your resume can be easily scanned.
- Include your name, professional email address, and phone at the top of the page. Align at left or center.
- Ensure section headings are clearly identifiable, emphasized (bold and/or all caps), and in alignment on the page
Summary
- Summary: list 3-5 statements which draw attention to your key qualifications and accomplishments. Include specific computer proficiency and language skills.
Education/Certifications
- Include school name, location (city, state), full degree title, and graduation date or expected graduation date.
- List most recent degree first. Include the degree you are currently pursuing.
- Include Minors if possible
- Do not include high school information after your sophomore year.
- Include GPA if 3.5 or above.
Work, Volunteer, and Internship Experience
- Include company name, location (city, state), job title, dates employed (month year), and 3-5 bulleted action statements.
- List in reverse chronological order (most recent experience first).
- Begin each description with an action verb. Describe past experiences in past tense.
- This section includes job shadowing, student teaching, and clinical rotations
- Write impact statements in bulleted style, not full sentences. Do not use “I,” “me,” or “my.”
- Use clear and concise phrases, not vague passive descriptions.
- Focus on specific and quantifiable results of your work, significant achievements, and recognitions received. For instance, add numbers like “supervised 36 3rd graders at a summer sports camp”.
- Add bullets for any recognition you received.
Skills
- List skills relevant to your major.
- For instance, if you are a computer science major, list your knowledge of hardware, specific software, programming languages or operational systems. If you are a communication major, list your knowledge of camera, television or recording equipment.
Other Sections (Professional Development, Leadership, Accolades
- List awards and academic honors received from an employer, organization, or school. Include date(s) received.
- List extracurricular activities and volunteer work during the last four years. Include title (if any) and dates.
- Include leadership positions held in student government, social organizations, academic clubs, and other activities.
- Scholarships, honor societies, dean’s list, president’s list, etc can also be listed here.
Final Check
- Double check for grammar and spelling errors. Review for consistency.
- Make sure there are no misrepresentations and you have authored an authentic resume.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Services professional for review or additional assistance.