Looking for a job? Then you need a great resume.
Resumes are typically a one page document that sums up what you bring to the table for an employer.
Most students will have a resume that is literally bursting with information, or they'll have a resume that is...well...pretty sparse. If you're the former student, then you're probably thinking that your resume is the only opportunity you'll ever have to make an impression and so you need to list everything you've ever done since the age of 10.
If you're in the later category, then you probably don't want to put the wrong thing on your resume, and so you opt to not put anything - at all.
We know resume writing can be tough, so don't worry. You don't have to go through this alone. We're here to help!
The first thing to realize is that your resume is a MARKETING document. It's a persuasive document that is intended to persuade the reviewer (aka the hiring committee or hiring manager) that you're the best thing since sliced bread and that they must invite you for an interview.
If you overwhelm the reader with too much information you wont be invited to an interview. Or, on the flip side, if you don't state how great you are on your resume then you wont be asked to come in for an interview (cause they wont know how great you are!) So, while a resume is a marketing document, it is also a balancing act.
Standard things to include in a resume include: contact information, summary statement, education, work experience/accomplishments, skills, and references (at least 3).
Once you have these sections identified on your resume then you can fill in accordingly to what you bring to the table for each of these sections. We HIGHLY recommend reviewing the job posting you're applying for and lining up your experiences and skills with that position. If you can do this then you will not only have a great resume, but a powerful one.
Lastly, please be sure to use a resume template rather than attempting to free-hand it. Templates can be found lots of places online, but Microsoft Word has great ones that we recommend (cause they're FREE!).
If you need help with the resume writing process feel free to stop by the WIN Center in room 275. Remember, we're here to help!