Resume

Along with the cover letter, the resume is the first document that a prospective employer or graduate program typically sees. Accordingly, the resume you submit should contain information which summarizes your different experiences, activities, and interests efficiently and effectively.

As always, it is important to receive input on your resume. At any point in the process, you should feel free to set up an appointment online with a counselor, who can help you begin the process of writing the resume or provide suggestions and revisions to a draft.

You can download the Resume Writing Guide in Adobe PDF Format.

Creating a Great First Impression

Proofread: Have at least two other people PROOFREAD your resume. Career Advisors at the CDO will also be happy to review your resume.

Length: Most resumes should be one page. Keeping this length helps you decide what experiences are most important to the employer and increases the chances that the whole resume will be read.

Paper: Use high quality bond paper with a cotton content in colors such as White, Ivory or Light Gray. Paper can be purchased at Printing Services (behind the Post Office) or the Bookstore. Avoid dark colors because it is very likely that your resume may be photocopied, faxed and/or scanned into a computer system. (See our section on making your resume "technology-friendly"). Literally, only send first impressions -- original copies, of your resume.

Printer: Always use Laser or Letter-Quality printing for resumes. Printing Services (behind the Post Office) has resume paper and can print copies for you.