Resume Writing
Career Services
201 Nassau St. Call 258-3325 for appointments Walk-ins each weekday 2 to 4pm www.princeton.edu/career
Purpose of a Resume
• Resume and cover letter are your MARKETING MATERIALS • They help you get an INTERVIEW • They form the basis for discussion in an interview
3 Rules for Writing Resumes
• Be Relevant - Information • Be Concise (1 page) • Be Consistent- Formatting and Writing
3 Tasks When Writing Resumes
• Who is your audience? What do they want? • What skills and experience do you have? • Compare and match
Resume Styles
Chronological - most commonly used format Functional – not used by most students , but option
Resume Styles
Bullets/Paragraphs Centered/Left Justified You can choose the style you like!
Resume Contents
Main Heading - Contact Information Objective (Optional) Education Experience University Activities/ Leadership Experience • Skills • • • • •
Objective Statements
• A position requiring analytical, communication, and marketing skills. Specific area of interest includes public relations in a nonprofit organization. • Seeking an internship with a pharmaceutical company, applying my strong scientific and biological research skills. • To work with the design and development of new computer systems with a special interest in microprocessor applications and computer design.
Education
EDUCATION Princeton University, A.B. in History, June 2009 Overall GPA 3.0 GPA in Major: 3.4 Thesis Topic: Political Implications of World War II Relevant Coursework: American Politics, Multivariable Calculus Another University, London, England, Summer 2007 Studied economics and history. Traveled extensively throughout Europe. Santa Fe High School, Santa Fe, NM, June 2004 Honors: National Honor Society, National Merit Scholar Activities: Captain of cross-country team (can be separate section)
Chronological Experience
EXAMPLE 1 World AIDS Society, New York, NY Intern Volunteer Coordinator June 20078to August 2008 • Recruited and trained a group of 15 college student volunteers. • Created and managed work schedules, ensuring consistent and knowledgeable coverage of telephone hotline and resource room. • Co-presented educational programs on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. EXAMPLE 2 Assistant Department Head, Summer 2007 Toys R Us, Philadelphia, PA Trained in principles of management, retailing, and merchandise layout. Operated cash register and assisted with refunds and exchanges. Successfully resolved customer complaints.
Duties, Skills, Accomplishments
• When describing experiences, try to think about three things:
• Duties—what were my responsibilities? • Skills—what did I learn?
• • • • • Communication skills, written and verbal Teamwork skills Organizational skills Motivation or initiative Analytical abilities or quantitative skills
• Accomplishments—what were my results?
Writing your Accomplishments
• • “Handled all fundraising for organization” Make it more dynamic! Describe accomplishments with RAP statements: Include Results that you achieved based on the Action that you took in response to the Project or the Problem you faced. “Coordinated” “3 fundraising events for local shelters” “raised more than $8,000, 20% over goal, and greatly improving community awareness” Coordinated 3 fundraising events for local shelters, raising more than $8,000, 20% over goal, and greatly improving community awareness.
+ Action verb + Project + Result
= Accomplishment
Functional Resume
• Follow Experience Section with Employment History, outlining your positions, organizations, and dates:
EMPLOYMENT/VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Volunteer, Global Care Inc., Chestnut, PA, Summer 2007 Telemarketer, XYZ Corporation, Wavus, Maine, Summer 2006
Additional Sections
SKILLS: Programming ability in C++, HTML, Java, and Visual Basic. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Access and PowerPoint. Fluent in Spanish. LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Social Chair, Mathey College Student Council
• Organized social and recreational activities for 500 students. • Allocated annual budget of $20,000. • Collaborated with faculty and staff to develop new program ideas.
UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES: • Treasurer, Minority Business Association, 2007-2008 • Footnotes, A Cappella Group, 2007-2008
Visual Appeal Reminders
• One page, 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper • Fonts: not too small, not too funky (10pt min.) • Conservative colors—white or cream paper • At least 3/4-inch margins • Consistency is crucial • Just because it’s pretty doesn’t mean it’s effective - focus on accomplishments!
Resume Writing Questions?
For Sample Resumes: Click Here
Call 258-3325 for appointments to review your resume Walk-ins each weekday 2 to 4pm