How to Prepare an Effective Resume

1) Resume Essentials
Before you write, take time to do a self-assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and extracurricular activities. This will make it easier to prepare a thorough resume.

2) The Content of Your Resume

Name, address, telephone, e-mail address, web site address

All your contact information should go at the top of your resume.

Objective or Summary

An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do.

· Be specific about the job you want. For example: To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.
· Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek.

Education

New graduates without a lot of work experience should list their educational information first. Alumni can list it after the work experience section.
· Your most recent educational information is listed first.
· Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., etc.), major, institution attended, minor/concentration.
· Add your grade point average (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0.
· Mention academic honors.

Work Experience

Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order-that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include:
· Title of position,
· Name of organization
· Location of work (town, state)
· Dates of employment
· Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.

Other information

A staff member at your career services office can advise you on other information to add to your resume. You may want to add:
· Key or special skills or competencies,
· Leadership experience in volunteer organizations,
· Participation in sports.

References

Ask people if they are willing to serve as references before you give their names to a potential employer.
Do not include your reference information on your resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume: "References furnished on request."

3) Resume Checkup
You've written your resume. It's time to have it reviewed and critiqued by a career counselor. Run a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your resume.