Resume Writing Tips

Importance of a Resume 

A resume is a critical tool in your job search process. It serves as your personal marketing document, highlighting your skills, experiences, and accomplishments to potential employers.

Key Components

  • Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile, and optionally, your address.
  • Objective or Summary: A brief statement that outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the position.
  • Education: List your degree(s), major, institution, graduation date, GPA (if 3.0 or above), and relevant coursework.
  • Experience: Detail your work experience, including job titles, company names, locations, dates of employment, and bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements.
  • Skills: Highlight relevant technical and soft skills.
  • Certifications and Awards: Include any relevant certifications, licenses, and awards.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Mention leadership roles, clubs, organizations, and volunteer work. 

Writing Tips

  • Tailor your resume for each job application.
  • Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.
  • Keep the resume concise, ideally one page for undergraduates and two pages for graduate students with extensive experience.
  • Use a clean, professional format and font.
  • Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.

Formatting Guidelines

  • Use consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, and dates.
  • Choose a professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, sized 10-12 points.
  • Ensure there is adequate white space to make the resume easy to read.

Cover Letter

Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter serves as your personal introduction to a potential employer. It complements your resume by providing context and elaborating on your most relevant skills and experiences.

Structure and Components

  • Header: Your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact information.
  • Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person, if possible.
  • Introduction: State the position you are applying for and how you found out about it. Briefly introduce yourself and your background.
  • Body: Highlight your relevant experiences and skills, explaining why you are a good fit for the position.
  • Conclusion: Reiterate your interest in the position, thank the employer for their time, and mention that you look forward to hearing from them.
  • Signature: A formal closing (e.g., "Sincerely") and your name.

Writing Tips 

  • Customize each cover letter for the job you are applying to.
  • Be concise and stay focused on your main points.
  • Use professional language and avoid slang.
  • Proofread for errors and typos.