Resume Preparation Tips
Purpose of a Resume
The purpose of a resume is to get an interview. A resume that markets your
capabilities — that is targeted to the position desired and that compels the
prospective employer to take a look because it gives evidence that you are the one who can
do the best job — is the one that will open the door for an interview.
A Self-Marketing Tool
Your resume must capture attention in a 15 to 20 second glance because employers receive many resumes for every job opening. The internship selection process also can be very competitive. You must market your academic background, work and volunteer experience, school and community activities and leadership roles in an attractive, carefully worded format that will convince the employer you are the one who can get the job done! Provide evidence that you can meet the employers hiring needs by including achievements, transferable skills, solved problems, examples of effective teamwork and initiatives taken to get desired results.
Resume Preparation
- Expect to write more than one draft and to update the content frequently.
- Be brief, concise and choose action-oriented words.
- Write your own resume! You are preparing yourself to interview effectively.
- Write in short phrases starting with action words (Succeeded, Taught, Led, Organized, Created, Planned, Supervised).
- Provide honest evidence of your capabilities and accomplishments. Never exaggerate.
- Avoid use of the word "I" and other personal pronouns.
- Use bullets to set off key points or accomplishments. Do not bullet everything because that becomes mere decoration.
- Quantify results whenever possible. (Examples – Supervised a staff of 5 data entry operators. Led a class of 30 students using a hands-on approach to enhance learning. Raised $1,500 with team of 15 Phi Sigma Epsilon members coming in 10% over goal in charity fund raiser.)
Your resume must convey how you can be of service to the prospective employer — not what you want from the job.