Resume & LinkedIn Guide
Did you know that the staff in the CCLD can help you target your resume so that you are actually getting calls for interviews? We can help when you are applying for full-time jobs and internships as well as part-time jobs. And if you're applying to graduate school, we have you covered there as well. Scroll to the bottom of the page for links to our templates and the resume builder in Big Interview.
Not sure if you need a resume or a curriculum vitae when applying to graduate school? We can assist you with this process. In general, if you are applying to graduate school in order to become a practitioner, a traditional resume will work for you. If you are pursuing graduate school in order to become a scholar in your field, the CV or curriculum vitae may be more appropriate. Some students create a document that is more of a blend of the two, resulting in a longer document but organized like a resume.
Getting Started with Your Resume
No matter where you are in your program, it's a good idea to create your resume early and to regularly update your resume to keep track of your new experiences and skills. Use one of our samples to get started.
- Tip 1 - Do not use a generic online template and avoid adding your photo to a resume unless you are in the acting or modeling field.
- Tip 2 - Schedule an appointment with a career advisor so that they can review your document. We can help you make sure you are speaking to the skills and experiences of the job you want.
- Tip 3 - Remember that the goal of your resume is not to get the job, it's to get the interview. Emphasize the transferable and job-specific skills that relate to the job you want. You do not have to list every job or duty.
- Tip 4 - Once you have built a general resume, you will want to begin targeting your application materials to fit the duties and requirements of each job. Employers will scan your resume with their eyes, with Ctrl+F on their computer, or through an Applicant Tracking System to see if your resume matches the keywords in their job description. Each time you apply for a new opportunity, your resume and cover letter should speak specifically to the job or internship you want.
To Brand or Not to Brand - The Truth about Branded Resumes
We know you're finding templates and other resources online that may be encouraging you to add your headshot, images, icons, infographics, and bright colors. These might look exciting and eye-catching online, but you have to consider your audience and how they will interpret the information. Your content is more important than flashy graphics.
For most professional fields, the traditional resume that focuses on your transferable skills as it relates to the position is your best choice. Many employers will say that photographs can create unintentional bias because it detracts from your professional content. In addition, bright colors and icons may not communicate the same to each reader. Infographics and rating systems of your skills take up extra space and may not accurately depict what you bring to the table. If you are in a creative field and believe you need a branded resume, be sure to talk to us about having a branded resume that still focuses on content as well as one that will work with an applicant tracking system (ATS).
Preparing Your Resume for an ATS System
All of the Fortune 500 and many other large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to search your resume for keywords from the job description to determine if you are a fit. If you use rating systems, icons, images, and other unreadable text to articulate your skills and experience, the ATS will miss you as a competitive applicant.If a human is looking at your resume, they are also looking for keywords in addition to plain language to tell them you have the skills and experience for the job.
You can use our to build your resume and to compare your resume to the keywords in the jobs you are applying to. Get started using your 糖心传媒 email address.
To learn more about ATS systems, check out the free resources by .
Resume Resources
We have provided a list of sample resumes below. Although they are categorized by major, you may find that a particular sample's format or categories suit you better. For additional handouts, use the .
COVER LETTERS AND NETWORKING COMMUNICATION
- Cover Letter Sample Use a cover letter to tell someone the "why" behind your application. You can discuss your specific skills and experiences in relation to the job opportunity. You also get to showcase your written communication skills, a skill that employers rank high on their list of needs.
- Intern Prospecting Letter Many internships happen because someone asked. Use this sample for an email or cover letter you are sending to an employer that you'd like to intern with, even when you haven't seen a specific posting.