A resume is a synopsis of what you have to offer an employer for a particular job. Its purpose is to organize the relevant facts about you in a written presentation, which will serve as your personal advertisement. Your resume must indicate WHO you are, WHAT kind of work you can do, and HOW you are qualified. It must sell as well as tell!

The resumes that you use should be well-planned, distinctive, and professional in appearance. Organize information logically and keep your descriptions concise and to the point. Typically, employers are most interested in the last 10 years of employment history. If you have been in the same career path for longer than 10 years, you can include that information but give very brief descriptions or just list job titles, places of employment and dates. Demonstrate a track record of detailed accomplishments. Emphasize results achieved, rather than just summarizing your responsibilities. Quantify the results of your actions where possible (improved sales by X%, increased membership by X, cut costs by X%) Highlight your technical and non-technical skills and show how you've applied them.

Good format, high-quality paper and well-written text greatly improves readership. Above all, each statement needs to be accurate and not overly inflated. Avoid either revealing potentially negative information unnecessarily, or selling short your accomplishments. Consistency in date, punctuation, indentation, style and tense is very important. If a second page is needed, repeat your name at the top. Refer to the sample resumes at the end of this handout, as a springboard to develop effective ideas and approaches for your own resume.

Planning Your Resume
Before you can write a persuasive resume, you need to answer the following questions:
• What is the employer looking for in a potential candidate?
• What skills/qualities can you offer an employer?

If you are unsure about either of these areas, you need to:
• Review want ads and articles in newspapers and professional journals to become familiar with current trends, issues, and jargon in your field.
• Analyze your past experiences (recent courses, special projects, paid employment, community involvement, and professional organizations) to determine in what ways you have demonstrated desired qualifications.
• Don't automatically discount minor or unrelated jobs. Employers are interested in the total person, so consider all aspects of your background as possible strengths. Ask yourself what you learned from these experiences, what qualities were necessary for good performance, and how these might be applicable to your objective.
• Formal education and experience related to your field are your most significant qualifications.

Resume Formats
The two most frequently used types of resume formats are reverse chronological or functional. Choose the resume format that most effectively markets your skills and experiences.

1. Functional Format
This format goes beyond simply outlining experience and education. It is appropriate for a more seasoned individual. The focus is on what is termed "transferable skills." The key element of this type of resume is the section on skills. The skill clusters chosen should support the stated job objective. Group your work accomplishments, responsibilities, and duties according to functional skill areas such as "Computer Skills", "Technical Skills", "Project Planning Skills", "Managerial Skills", "Sales", "Communication". Choose your skill headings according to your job objective and briefly describe, using action statements, the work you did in each of the broad categories you identify. Work history and job titles take a subordinate position in this format. In fact, you may draw upon volunteer positions, education and other life experiences for many of the skills you wish to note.

2. Reverse Chronological Format
This format typifies 80% of all resumes. It is most appropriate for the typical student or new graduate. Education and job history are described in descending order, with the most recent events first. It tends to emphasize job titles and organizations and duties and accomplishments are described in detail.

Click PDF icon for samples of resume formats

Resume Review
After you have written a draft of your resume, have someone give you feedback on it. Your program coordinator in the Office of Co-op & Career Services is available to look over your resume with you.

Contents of a Resume
• Identifying Information - your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Consider including your personal URL (if appropriate).
• Job Objective - a brief statement indicating the type of opportunity by title and/or function. Make sure your objective fits the type of job you want.
• Professional Summary – include 4 to 5 bullets highlighting some of your more significant accomplishments, skills and personal qualities.
• Educational Background - list of colleges and universities attended, dates, degrees, diplomas, and certificates with emphasis on highest-level achieved and special training pertinent to your job objective. List your major(s) and any concentration. You may also include your GPA and any academic honors received at each school. Don't include high school information.
• Experience or Work History - indicate dates of employment, name of employer, city and state, title of each position. Describe your major duties and responsibilities and relate any notable achievements (e.g. promotion) and/or skills developed. Use action words to attract attention to your skills and accomplishments (refer to the action verb list in this handout). You may want to have one section for related work experience and a separate section for other experience. Employment relevant to your stated job objective should be elaborated on; that which is unrelated, including part-time, should be mentioned briefly.
• Skills Section - a list of specific skills and abilities most useful in your career field. For example, computer, technical, laboratory, foreign languages.
• Activities or Interests - at least a brief mention of extracurricular activities, professional memberships and affiliations, community activities, or hobbies. Be sure to mention any offices held.
• Optional Categories - Military record, licenses/certifications, publications, major projects (e.g. research), other experiences (e.g. volunteer, travel)

Action Words
Use action verbs, not "duties included" or "I was responsible for". Verbs should be in the past tense for a job that is over and present tense for a current job. The following list of action words should be used to succinctly accentuate tasks, functions and achievements, especially when describing work and other experiences: