Essentials

Objective

• Use when applicable
• The goal of the objective is to explain to employers your field of interest, position of interest, and your most sought-after skills
• Keep the objective short and specific

Education

• List chronologically with the most recent first
• Name of school
• Location of schools
• Degrees: AA, BA/BS, MS, PhD, majors and minors
• Graduation date
• GPA
• List any honors or awards
• If you are in college, do not list high school information

Work Experience

• List chronologically with the most recent first
• Company name
• Location
• Position held
• Dates of employment
• Responsibilities, accomplishments, tasks
• Knowledge and experiences gained and/or contributed
• Projects
• Information should be truthful and concise

References

• Ask your references before you list them
• Provide accurate contact information
• List a minimum of three references
• Relationship to you (optional)

Style

Margins

• Margins: margins should be equal
• Font and font size: legible, simple, not too fancy
• Organized: well-planned, easy-to-read
• Templates: may help with format and resumé design
• Length: one to two pages

Heading

• Top of the page
• Name
• Address: both current and permanent if necessary
• Phone number
• Email address

Extras

Extra Curricular Activities

• List chronologically with the most recent first
• Dates of activities
• Leadership roles
• Professional development activities (training, certificates, workshops, seminars)
• Clubs/Organizations: positions held
• Sports, bands, hobbies

Volunteer/Community Service

• List chronologically with the most recent first
• Name of organizations
• Dates of activities
• Activities, tasks, duties of work

Download a sample resumé

Preparing for your interview is just as important as the interview itself. The time you take to prepare will tell a lot about you—making a great first impression is essential. Preparation will help distinguish you from other candidates and will help build your confidence during the interview. It is very important to prepare both mentally and physically. Tips to help you prepare for your interview include:

• Learn about the company and industry. Learn about the position for which you are applying, and understand the job description and its requirements.
• Think about important information you would like the interviewers to know about you. Make a list of your traits, characteristics, and attributes that make you unique.
• Prepare a list of your work, school, and personal experiences, goals, struggles, and challenges that could help you answer interview questions.
• Be prepared to talk about yourself. Practice answering questions in front of a mirror or with family or friends.
• Participate in practice interviews.
• Carefully plan your wardrobe. Make sure your attire is appropriate, clean, and ironed. Make sure your hair, nails, and teeth are well-groomed. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Properly plan your time. Plan on arriving at least five minutes early to your interview. If possible, visit the site before your actual interview to adequately plan your travel time.
• Prepare a few questions you would like to ask the interviewers.

• Introduce yourself in a courteous manner with a firm, assertive handshake.
• Bring extra copies of your resumé, and distribute them to interviewers before the interview.
• Make eye contact with interviewers during the interview.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Be assertive while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Actively keep in mind what you can bring to the company and what will make you indispensable to a company.
• Answer questions honestly and thoroughly.
• Answer questions using the STAR technique: Situation, Tasks, Actions, and Results. Describe the situation, explain the task that needed to be accomplished, the actions you took to accomplish the task, and the results of your actions.
• Ask the interviewers your prepared questions.

• Genuinely thank the interviewers for their time.
• Ask the interviewers for their business cards or their contact information.
• Immediately following the interview, send them a thank you card or email.
• Mentally recap your interview. Think about what went well, how you answered the questions, and how you could improve. Use this information to better prepare yourself for future interviews.