Resumes
Not sure what a resume is? Need help creating or editing one? Below you will find a few sample resumes that you can use to start crafting your own. Each resume is slightly different in its style and layout, so we encourage you to check each sample out to see which works best for your situation. Use the "Getting Started" resources to help build your resume and ensure you highlight the most relevant and essential experiences.
Also below, you will find FAQs that will be useful for developing your resume. A solid resume is vital to landing an interview, so make sure you tailor your resume to the job for which you are applying.
Not sure if your resume is up to par, or need a second set of eyes? Meet with a career coach! Visit the Career Design Event Calendar for information about how to connect with our team.
Getting Started, and Resume Templates
- Getting Started
- Resume Templates
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Resume Templates (Geneseo Wiki)
- Resume Experience Samples
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Professional Development and Training (GOLD)
Research/ Conferences/ Publications
Teaching Experience (TA/Lab Instructor)
Tips for Writing a Résumé
- What are some tips for writing a résumé?
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Most college students and recent graduates will have a one-page résumé. If you find yourself needing two pages, be sure to fill more than half of the second page. If your second page only contains a line or two, consider adjusting the margins or font size to fit onto one, concise page. Also, additional information can be added to your professional LinkedIn page. LinkedIn is a great way to network with others and inquire about openings. Always attach a link to your résume.
- Appearance
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A visually appealing résumé is very important. Use a consistent font throughout, preferably Times New Roman, limit the font size to no smaller than 10pt and do not use colors. Use bolding, italics, and underlining when appropriate; there is no need to overdo these features. Be sure to balance the page, meaning to use the full page to its extent by avoiding long, blocked off paragraphs. Use bullets and consider columns. Everyone’s style is different, but it should be pleasing to the eye and easy to read.
- Order of Experiences
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Order the résumé in reverse chronological order. This means the résumé will begin with your most recent experience and end with your oldest. Expand the most upon your relevant positions and avoid going too in-depth about the least relevant.
- Appropriate Language
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Avoid phrases such as, “My duties included…” or, “Responsible for…” Do not use personal pronouns such as “I” or “My.” Be careful not to use words that exaggerate your responsibilities. Begin each bullet with an action verb and use present/past tenses appropriately. Carefully proofread for spelling, grammar, and spacing errors. One mistake can cost you an interview.
- Professional Paper/Printing
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If you’re delivering your résumé by hand or mail, print on high-quality bond 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper in white or off-white colors. Your résumé and cover letter paper, as well as your envelope, should match. The Career Design Center offers this paper free to students. When sending electronically, change the Word document to a PDF to preserve the formatting.
- What should I not include?
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- Objective. This is an outdated feature on résumés and should be excluded. It can be covered in your cover letter.
- Summary of qualifications. This is shown throughout your résumé and cover letter. It does not need to be written out in a section on your résumé.
- High school Degree/Accomplishments. It is recommended to remove after the end of your sophomore year of college. However, it can remain on if you’ve had serious accomplishments in high school or, perhaps, are applying to a position at that school.
- Experiences. Anything during high school after your sophomore year of college should be removed. This saves room for more relevant positions that relate to a future career.
- Skills. Soft skills such as ‘Good Listener,’ ‘Hard-Worker,’ ‘Trustworthy’ are expressed in the cover letter. Your résumé is designated to hard skills such as software’s or languages.
- References. If asked, include at least three professional/academic references on a separate page.
FAQs
- What is a résumé?
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A résumé serves as a highly polished, professionally written presentation of your qualifications to prospective employers. Keep in mind that friends, family, faculty, recruiters – almost everyone has an opinion about what constitutes the "perfect" résumé. No such document exists. A strong résumé needs to focus on the needs of the employer.
- Why do I need one?
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To portray your professional and academic achievements. Your résumé is not a list of every single thing you’ve accomplished; it is formatted to best portray your skills and abilities for the specific job you seek. Employers typically take around 10 seconds to review a résumé. You want to make sure it is direct, appealing, and to the point.
- Should I have more than one résumé?
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Yes! Alter your résumé to fit the needs of different job applications. Some of your experiences may relate more to the position you are applying to, and others are unnecessary and are taking up room that could be better used. Also, always continue to edit your résumé. It is an ever-changing document and should be updated regularly.
- What are some Career Design Center resources?
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Check out the templates and instructional sheets in the tabs for help on writing a resume.