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.