Developing an Effective Resume

A resume is one of the most important documents in your internship or job search. It is a personal marketing tool that may lead to an interview. Think of your resume as a summary of the knowledge, skills and experiences you will bring to a specific position or industry. Format: What should my resume look like? Resume formats should be readable, well organized and concise. Most employers spend fewer than 20-30 seconds reviewing a resume. Avoid using resume templates! Creating your own document demonstrates your computer skills and initiative.. Templates can be difficult to edit, download and format over time. One page resumes are preferred by employers for interns and entry-level opportunities. A two page resume is acceptable for experienced candidates, and within many non-profit or academic fields. What should my resume include? Your resume is unique to YOU. It should include your skills, experiences and accomplishments. A resume should include: Contact information: Tip: Avoid using “headers ” if possible, as MS Word may not print or fully download this information. Avoid text boxes as well, as this can lead to difficulty with future edits. Objective, Summary Statement or Skills Summary: Answers the questions, what do I want to do, where, and what can I offer? Education: School, Degree(s), Graduation date, or level of student (currently a Sophomore, Junior, etc.) Skills (optional): Describes skills that are relevant to the job sought or above and beyond what is expected. Experiences: Work, internship and/or volunteer experiences, accomplishments, and related leadership roles. Honors & Activities: Honors/scholarships awarded, extracurricular activities and leadership role