Tips for writing your application résumé
Start early. Plan ahead.
Résumé writing is a process and it takes several drafts and rewrites to create an outstanding résumé that represents you well. Do not wait until the last minute. A good résumé is not written in a day.
Do not use résumé templates.
Templates may make your résumé look exactly like someone else’s résumé. Also, they are difficult to reformat when you want to add or change information.
Consider the visual appeal.
Use formatting such as bold, italics, and white space to make your achievements and experiences stand out and provide visual appeal. Be consistent on your résumé with content and format.
Keep your résumé to one page.
Most undergraduate students should have a one page résumé, unless you are returning to school after number years of work experience.
Use strong skill statements
Use bullet statements beginning with action verbs and avoid vague words such as worked, duties included, or responsible for. Add details and quantify your skill statements when possible.
Follow the “résumé rules”.
There are only a few absolute, unbreakable rules to résumé writing!
- No typing errors or misspellings.
- Do not tell a lie or exaggerate information.
- Do not include any negative information.
- Do not use the word “I”.
- Make sure your résumé contains quality and relevant information.
Follow any specific information the major you are applying for requires.
Be aware of the specific requirements for the major you are applying to and make sure they are reflected on your résumé.
Get feedback on your résumé.
Have several people give you feedback on your résumé. Visit your college’s career services office and have your résumé reviewed by a career counselor.
CEHD Career Services (current CEHD students)
University of Minnesota career services offices
Resources
Sample résumé [.pdf]
Online resume writing workshop
January 2009