How to Write an Effective Resume

When senior year rolls around students are stressed to find good internships or jobs in order to further their careers and get a foot in the door. They are constantly told that first impressions stick with their employers and they need an outstanding resume to be able to make that impression last. What is it that makes a resume effective?

Allison Clough, an assistant director at the Career Development center said, “The resume should be a brief but informative summary of your education, employment or volunteer experience, and any specialized skills.  The layout should be attractive and easy to read.  It should generate the kinds of questions you want to answer during an interview.”

Certain things you must know for resume writing is what to include and what to leave out. Be aware that since you do not have much experience your resume should not be longer than a page. Also organization is key to a simple read resume so it is not cluttered with too many fonts or having things out of order. “Most recent graduates should confine their resumes to one page. Those with extensive professional experience, especially in education, nursing or social work, may need to use a second page,” says Clough.

To start off you may find it easiest to go to Adelphi to help you out. First off on Adelphi’s homepage they have resume sample formats you can follow. (Click here to see the different resume formats.)  Adelphi also has a Career Development Center in which you can schedule an appointment with a counselor to go over your resume. Also events such as Resume Workshop at the Career Development Center this Thursday at 1 p.m. or an Interview Workshop for all majors this Thursday at 2 p.m. are important events to check out. 

Once you have picked out a resume format whether it is chronological or reverse order remember to stick to one, easy to read font such as Times New Roman. Then include your name and contact information the employer may reach you at, if it is a cell phone remember to have a professional sounding voicemail. Then follow with your education, certifications, courses, awards, research, experience and skills. The more skills you have today the better you are to employers since people come as a package now. They must be able to write a story, record the story and then editing the story.

When describing past experiences make sure to use action verbs to emphasize your skills. Make sure you have your resume proofread and spell checked properly. Relevant and unique experience is very important. One little mistake and there goes your resume straight to the trash. Clough says a successful resume is what lands you the interview.

“Within this competitive job market, some candidates’ resumes are easily discarded based on one typo or error, or simply because it's too long or straining to read. Putting your best foot forward, following universal resume writing guidelines can improve your chances,” says Clough.

Also taking the time to write a cover letter that explains yourself, your situation and goals will show the employer you have personally addressed the letter to their job posting Clough explains. This well written cover letter is also an example of your writing skills and interest.

Check out these resume preparation guides to help you further 

Event Information:

  

Learn How To Write A Professional Resume

Resume Workshop

Thursday, December 10, 2009

1 p.m.

Career Development Center in Post Hall

Call 516-877-3130 to register

Learn How To Put Your Best Foot Foward At An Interview

Interview Workshop 

Thursday, December 10,2009

2 p.m.

Career Development Center in Post Hall

Call 516-877-3130 to register

SAMPLE RESUME BELOW:

Jennifer Junior

9 Meadow Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 [631] 665-6655 j_junior@hotmail.com

Adelphi University Eddy Hall Room 333 Garden City, New York 11530 [516] 877-6999

EDUCATION		Adelphi University, Garden City, New York B.A. 2002. Major: Political Science
International		University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden, Spring 2001 Curriculum included: Swedish political system, film, language and culture, as well as travel in Scandinavia and Western Europe.
EXPERIENCE
Business		Management Intern, Summer 2000 J.C. Penney, Bay Shore, New York Analyzed and selected merchandise for promotional display Checked in daily receipts in cash room Identified fast and slow selling merchandise and recommended corrective action
Communications		Personnel Analyst, Summer 1999 Proudfoot Reports, Inc., Glen Cove, New York Verified employment applications Contacted professional and personal references and developed additional references Wrote personnel reports on all assigned cases Class Agent, Senior Class Gift Campaign, Fall 2000 Solicited pledges from class members Publicity Chair, Volunteer Adelphi, Fall 1998 Wrote newsletters, produced advertising for local and campus media Sports Writer, Delphian (Adelphi Student News), Fall 1998 – Spring 2000
Organizational		Program Chair, Political Science Club, Fall 2001 – Spring 2002 Invited guest speakers and arranged facilities
Volunteer		Big Sister to child in Hempstead, New York community Tutor at Roosevelt Elementary School Office Assistant in local political campaigns
SKILLS and INTERESTS
		Moderate knowledge of Spanish and Swedish Experienced in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Netscape, Power Point, and Excel Extensive travel throughout Europe and United States