Resume Writing, Steven Binninger

A resume is a statement of qualifications that services your current and future endeavor of employment. A resume should contain all attributes that make you and your qualifications for a specific job stand out as above and beyond the other applicants. A resume often serves as the first impression of an applicant. It is essential to portray your attributes accurately, honestly, as it pertains to your employer’s wants and desires. Additionally, your resume should be displayed as a professional work. It is important to remain consistent with your format, use a layout and design that is attractive and clear-cut, proofread, and verify the accuracy of your information.

When determining what information should be included in your resume, determine the job you are applying for and think of all the information that could be useful in achieving employment. Brainstorm about your background and qualifications.

A resume should include on one page:

· Heading

Should include your name, address, telephone number (home or cell), email address, and permanent or school address. Your name should be visible and clearly distinguishable.

· Objective (optional)

Helps the reader understand what you are trying to achieve. The objective should be 3 or less lines and should be job specific.

· Qualifications

These are established in an effort to persuade a prospective employer that your qualities, skills, and/or experiences are above and beyond and are well suited for the position.

· Education

College attendance should be included in this section. It should include the various universities attended, the degrees attained, honors, and GPA if appreciable. High school can be mentioned, but should only be mentioned if you desire to call upon these experiences, awards, programs, honors, and projects attained during these years.

· Experience

These should appear with your most recent relevant experience to the experience listed latter. These experiences should be related to the position with which you are applying: jobs, internships, volunteering experiences, and military experiences. Each experience should have a description of the position with your job title and the skills attained through this position that you hope to bring to your new organization. A highlight in this area would be to include your accomplishments in your history per position, if applicable.

· Related skills and abilities

These skills and abilities need to pertain to the job you are seeking. If they do not pertain to the position they do not help your future employment and serve as space filler that could have been used for more useful information. These skills could include: knowledge in a foreign language, technical knowledge, mechanical training, computer knowledge, etc.

· Honors and activities

These should be included only if space permits. These are not a number one priority.

· References

Avoid using references unless it is profession specific

· Portfolio (optional)

A portfolio provides samples of your work. Most resumes that desire to call upon their portfolio’s will state their “portfolio is available on request.”

These are some helpful tools in establishing your resume.

I was able to use Brown Universities Template. There are many different templates available. I would recommend using an Ivy League template considering their consistency in producing industry superstars.

Oliu, Walter. Writing that Works . New York: Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 2006.