WHAT IS A RESUME AND HOW IS IT USED?
A resume is a marketing tool. You use it to sell yourself to a company. It shows off achievements, attributes, strengths and culmination of expertise. It never contains negative information or weaknesses. The primary purpose of the resume is to obtain an interview.
WHAT TO INCLUDE:
- Name, Home Address, Phone Number(s), E-mail
- Objective: While an objective is considered optional, if you know your specific objective and the qualifications for that objective, you can state it. For example, “To work as a Public Relations Assistant in an advertising company.” If you are unsure of your objective, you may state your interest in the job that you are applying for in your cover letter.
- Education: Degree, Name of Institution, City and State, Major(s), Date of Graduation.
- GPA if 3.0 or above, or use your major GPA if it is higher than your overall GPA (show scale ex. 3.1/4.0)
- Experience: Position Titles, Organization Name, City and State, Responsibilities and Achievements, Dates –may include volunteer experiences, field experiences, co-ops, internships, summer employment and research.
- Activities: Professional, Educational or Organizational involvement and leadership responsibilities assumed.
- Computer Skills: List the software and/or hardware with which you are familiar.
WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE:
- Reference List: This should be on a separate sheet.
- Salary expectations: This will be discussed in a later interview or in a job offer setting.
- Irrelevant personal information: age, marital status, religion, national origin, social security number, health status.
- Photograph