Building a Solid Resume

Creating a strong resume is one of the most important aspects of the job search process.  You should write your resume with the realization many recruiters will only devote 30 seconds to reading it before they make a decision on whether or not to interview you.  Good resumes are always custom tailored to the employer to which you’re applying. A good resume won’t guarantee you a job, but it will certainly help you get your foot in the door.  There are several components which make-up a solid resume.

Contact Information

As simple as it may sound, your contact information is a critical component of your resume.  At the top of the page, make sure you name, address, email, and phone number are clearly visible and understandable.  This is imperative if your resume is to be successful for you.

Education

Unless you have significant work experience, your resume should begin by listing your educational attainment.  Begin with your most recent education and list what you consider to applicable.  Typically, most resumes are limited to listing junior college and college experiences; however, if you feel that your high school GPA  or experience especially augments your resume, include that as well.

When listing education remember the following:

           
            Always list your GPA if it is above 3.0

            List your Major GPA if it is higher than your total GPA

            List ACT/SAT or graduate test scores if you feel they are a positive

            Include your major of study and any minors you may have

            If you have not yet graduated, list your anticipated graduation date

            This is a great place to include involvement in any clubs or other school activities

Work Experience

Work experience is a chance to  showcase the places you have worked and the accomplishments you achieved in different situations.  When you list your work experience begin each entry by listing the following:

           
Name of Employer

            Dates Employed

            Job Title

            City/State/Country(If Outside US)

Following this information include 3-5 bullet points which highlight your achievements in that position.  Remember to begin each bullet with an action verb such as: organized, raised, managed, developed, performed, built, and established.  Use quantitative data to prove your success story.

Service/Leadership

Many students do not have extensive work experience.  You may need to add a section for service/leadership/skills, etc.  If you have served a mission, this is a great place to include it.
 

Other Interests

At the close of your resume, you have the opportunity to make a statement about what sets you apart.  Be careful and sensitive about what you choose to include at the bottom of your resume.  When tastefully written, the items you include may create positive discussion and help you appear well-rounded to your prospective employer.  However, if the information you include is in any way improper or distasteful, the employer may discard you from its applicant pool.  For example, one BYU student pursuing an investment career once referenced his passion for John Deere Tractors in the “Other Interests” section.  So fascinated were the recruiters at the bank that they called him into interview.  His interest in John Deere tractors set him apart from the rest of the other applicants who also had great GPAs and unique service opportunities.

Other Items to Consider:

1.     Begin with a summary

2.     Use a chronological format

3.     Focus on your accomplishments

4.     Use descriptive verbs

5.     Make your resume inviting to read

 

Get Help

The Center has a number of books in its library which can be of great help you in building a great resume.  Mentors and career services professionals are also available in the Career Center to help you build and refine your resume.   Get your resume reviewed by at least three different sources.  That way, you’ll catch any content errors.   Ask for feedback on the layout, content, flow, etc.

Here are several links to other resources that provide great information on building solid resumes:

WetFeet

How to Write A Resume
How to Write a Masterpiece Resume
Resume Resources
Solid Resumes

Showcase Your Homeruns
Quintessential Resume & Cover Letter Tips
Write your Resume the Easy Way
Writing a Winning Resume - 15 Tips