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Career Services

Resources for learning about careers, setting up a resume, and finding jobs.

What to Include in a Resume

A well-crafted resume is your key to landing that dream job, so it's important to get it right. Here are the essential sections you should include:

1. Contact Information:

  • Name: Make it prominent and easy to find.
  • Email Address: Use a professional email address, not something like "partyanimal4life@email.com."
  • Phone Number: Include your mobile number or a landline where you can be reached during business hours.
  • Location: Optional, but can be helpful if you're open to relocation.

2. Summary or Objective:

  • A brief overview of your skills and experience tailored to the specific job you're applying for.
  • For experienced professionals, a summary is preferred, highlighting your achievements and career goals.
  • For recent graduates or career changers, an objective can be used to state your career aspirations.

3. Work Experience:

  • List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position.
  • Include the company name, your job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
  • Use strong action verbs and quantifiable results to showcase your impact.

4. Education:

  • List your educational background, including the name of the institution, degree earned, and date of graduation.
  • Include relevant coursework or projects if applicable to the job you're applying for.
  • List any honors or awards you received.

5. Skills:

  • List your hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal skills) relevant to the job you're applying for.
  • Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume, especially in your skills section.

6. Optional Sections:

  • Certifications: List any professional certifications you hold.
  • Volunteer Work: Include volunteer experience if it demonstrates relevant skills or experience.
  • Projects: Showcase personal projects that highlight your skills and interests.
  • Languages: List any languages you speak fluently or proficiently.

Additional Tips:

  • Keep your resume concise and to the point, ideally one or two pages long.
  • Use a professional font and format that is easy to read.
  • Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.

By following these tips and including the essential sections, you can create a resume that will grab the attention of hiring managers and help you land your dream job.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

Resume Templates

Choosing the right resume template can significantly enhance your job application! Here are some places that offer free templates:

  • Canva: Offers a wide variety of free, customizable templates in various styles, from minimalist to creative. Easy to use even for non-designers. https://www.canva.com/resumes/templates/
  • Microsoft Create: Simple and professional templates readily downloadable in Word format. Perfect for beginners or those seeking a classic look. https://create.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/resumes
  • Novoresume: Modern and eye-catching templates with built-in resume builder tools. Some templates require a paid subscription. https://novoresume.com/
  • Resume.io: Extensive collection of free and premium templates categorized by industry and profession. User-friendly interface for easy editing. https://resume.io/

Additional Tips:

  • Choose a template that aligns with your industry and personal brand.
  • Prioritize readability and clear organization.
  • Customize the template to fit your unique experience and skills.
  • Use high-quality visuals and professional fonts.
  • Proofread carefully before submitting.

Remember, the best template is one that effectively showcases your strengths and grabs the attention of hiring managers. Don't hesitate to experiment and find the perfect fit for your needs!

Examples