Writing an Effective Resume
Career Services
8 Kerr Administration Building
737-4085
http://oregonstate.edu/career
Overview of Career Services
Individual Career Counseling
Drop-ins
Workshops
Career Assessment Tools
Computer Lab
Mock Interviews
Career Resource Library
Career Fairs
Beaver Recruiting
Job Listings
Resume Match
On-campus Interviews
Co-op and Internship Program
National Student Exchange
Peace Corps
Equipment/Classroom Usage
VCR/DVD
Flat Screen TV
Digital Video Camera
Agenda
Purpose of a resume
Resume formats
Sections of a resume
What not to include in a resume
References
Purpose of a Resume
Introduction to employer
Personal advertisement
Get you an interview
TYPO RESUME
Basic Formats for Resumes
Chronological
Reverse Date Order
Functional
CHRONOLOGICAL
RESUME
FUNCTIONAL
RESUME
Grouped by Skill Category
Combination
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Components of a Resume
Necessary Information:
Contact information
Education
Experience (tasks, skills learned)
Optional Information:
Objective
Course highlights
Projects/research
Computer skills
Foreign languages
Honors/awards
Volunteer work /
community service
Activities/Interests
Many more
Contact Information
TYPO RESUME
Name
Address: Campus/Permanent
Telephone number
Email address
Objective
Convey a match between you and the position
Communicate what you have to offer
Identify skills that will benefit the
organization/industry
Tailor your objective to the job/field
Example:
Seeking an internship with XYZ Corporation in
which I can utilize my proven leadership abilities
and recognized customer service skills.
Education
List formal education with the highest degree first
Include:
Institution
City, State
Degree
Major title
Graduation date
Optional Information:
Minor/Concentration
Deans List
Grade Point Average
Exchange programs*
Dissertation or Thesis*
Honors, awards,
scholarships*
Experience
Full-time, part-time, volunteer, practicum, co-op,
internship, clinical, and field experience
List in reverse chronological order
May use Related Experience section
Need to include:
Name of employer
City, State, and dates of employment/participation
Position titles
Position description
Position Description
Demonstrate achievements, knowledge,
skills, highlights, and responsibilities
related to the position
Use action verbs: use past and present tense
consistently and accurately
Break up large blocks of texts with bullets
TYPO RESUME
Accomplishment Statements
Two parts:
The results or benefits that came as a result of
your work. These results/benefits should be
stated in terms of the value added, and in as
tangible and quantified a manner as possible.
The action you took to achieve those
benefits/results. (What steps you took or what
techniques you used)
Accomplishment Statements
Benefits
Much better awareness of the skills and abilities that
will be the foundation for your job search.
Concrete credibility for everything you claim in the
way of qualifications and abilities. You will have
simple documentation of the value you can bring to an
employer.
Greater confidence in presenting yourself to potential
employers. You will understand better that you are not
"asking for a job," but rather you are offering a
contribution to an employer.
Accomplishment Statements
-
Increased profits
Reduced errors
Reduced losses
Improved teamwork
Made things easier
Sped things up
Foresaw a problem
Found an easier solution
- Received an award
- Found a new opportunity
- Accomplished more with
the same
- Prevented a problem
- Provided new resources
- Developed a new
procedure
- Overcame obstacles
Examples
"Saved $60 a year in service charges by proposing
and acquiring a checking account at a new bank for
College Council."
" Instituted residence hall tutoring program that
increased average overall GPA from a 2.9 to a 3.3."
" Increased membership in ABC student club by
50% through creative advertising."
"Presented training for new campus-wide email
system to approximately 30% of the student body."
Special Categories
Course highlights
Projects/research
Research awards
Certifications
Computer skills
Foreign language
proficiency
Special skills
Volunteering /
community
involvement
Leadership activities
Honors, scholarships,
awards
Activities, interests
TYPO RESUME
Lets Practice
Please take a minute and write an
accomplishment statement using your own
educational and/or professional
experiences.
Interests and Activities
Association memberships
Academic/social clubs
Athletic teams
Hobbies
Include offices elected to and contributions made to the
organization
Select your interests and activities carefully
What NOT to Include
Salary requirements or previous salaries
Name or contact information of supervisors
Personal information (e.g. birth date, marital
status, health status, picture, etc.)
References - place them on a separate sheet
Note: if applying for jobs outside of the US, these
may not necessarily apply do your research!
Points to Remember
Use vocabulary of your field or industry
Use concise phrases
Use numbers to quantify achievements
Avoid long paragraphs
Omit personal pronouns
Action verbs
TYPO RESUME
Points to Remember (cont.)
Use bolding, italics, and underlining to
highlight or separate sections
Margins should be inch to 1 inch
One page length is standard
Use only one side of the paper
Laser print on quality paper
http://oregonstate.edu/career/students/care
erguide2005.pdf
FUNCTIONAL
CHRONOLOGICAL
RESUME
RESUME
References
Have at least three references
Ask before using someone as a reference
Give resumes to your references and keep them
informed of your progress
Things to include on reference sheet:
Your contact information (same format as on resume is
recommended)
Name of reference, company or organization, address,
phone number, and email address
A Strong Cover Letter
Targeted to employers and specific jobs
Promotes your abilities
Looks organized and professional
Enthusiastic and conveys interest
Clear and concise articulation of skills
Error-free
Components of a Cover Letter
Your contact
information
Date
Employers contact
information
Salutation
Introductory
paragraph
Body of letter: one or
more paragraphs
connecting your skills
to employer needs
Conclusion
Closing
Signature, if in paper
format
Opening Paragraph
Why are you writing?
What position are you applying for?
How did you hear of the opening or
organization?
Example: Dr. Anderson in the Anthropology Department at
Oregon State University recommended that I contact you.
I would like to apply for the archaeology internship
available in your office.
SAMPLE COVER
LETTER
Middle Paragraph(s)
Explain interest in working for this employer and
reasons for desiring this position
Do NOT iterate entire resume; rather expand on
one or two areas that reflect relevant skills learned
Emphasize skills or abilities that relate to the job
Express confidence and enthusiasm
SAMPLE COVER
LETTER
Final Paragraph
Persistent, businesslike closing statement
Indicate desire for a personal interview
Example: I will call you on [date] to discuss this career
opportunity with [name of organization].
Thank you for consideration
Closing:
Sincerely,
Sign name
Type name
Enclosure
SAMPLE COVER
LETTER
Cover Letter Tips
Address letter to a specific person if possible
One page only
Use industry buzz words
Follow through with employer
Let them know you have done your homework
Say something flattering about the organization
(e.g.: Energy Plus has an excellent reputation locally for
customer satisfaction, and I would like to become part of your
customer service team.)
Good Luck!
Let us know how else we can help you!
Career Services
8 Kerr Administration Building
737-4085
http://oregonstate.edu/career
