Organizing Your Information
If you're developing your inventory, it's important to begin organizing your information into sections that look more like a resume. If you're uncomfortable starting from scratch, there are several resources in the Career Center Library that may be helpful, including our Resumes & Professional Letters Writing Brochure.
Helpful Tip: Jobscan.co is a web-based resource recognized by industry experts that provides resume guidance, templates, and format suggestions to improve the power and readability of your resume. The site offers a Resume Optimizer to help you navigate Applicant Tracking Systems. The Career Center's VMock Resume Optimizer can also help new graduates reconnect with work completed in school.
Let’s consider some key resume sections and a few questions…Just in case you overlooked something.
Formatting the education section:
Regardless of where this section is located, it should begin with your most recent education. Provide the name and location (city & state) of the college or university and month & year of graduation. On the second line, identify your degree with major, minor, and certifications; then your overall GPA (for recent graduates). Experienced former students need not include GPA. You may want to include relevant, specialized coursework if not known by employers (i.e., Capstone projects, critical coursework, or electives), but list no more than 4-6 important classes. New grads, please keep in mind that most hiring managers will be looking for subject matter rather than course numbers.
Additional details to add:
Providing the percentage, if over 50%, of financial support you earned through employment and scholarships while attending school will help managers sense your ability to manage workloads. Include honors earned, Dean’s List, class rank, awards, and merit-based scholarships if you are a recent graduate. Experienced former students may consider listing some honors, but this listing should be limited to your most significant achievements. If you completed study abroad, focusing on what you learned that applies to the work they need performed is typically more attractive than your engagement with other cultures.
Focus on what or how you led, rather than what you planned or managed. Planning an event is perceived as more about organizing resources than about leading people.
How did you influence the planning or results?
Describe what, or how, you helped these organizations accomplish goals, deliver results, or change.
Be sure to quantify results whenever possible, particularly when describing fundraisers, membership drives, programs, or events.
Include a brief description of the group or activity that is not well-known to help the reader see alignment with their needs. Don’t assume the reader is fully aware of A&M traditions and organizations.
Personal Data
Include your name, physical address, phone number, and your @aggienetwork.com e-mail address. We recommend that you use your photo for your profile at aggienetwork.com and LinkedIn.com, rather than on your resume.Objective
Although not required, it is strongly encouraged to identify your focused interest in work. The most effective statements will show your alignment with their needs …not your needs. Phrasing that aligns you with the work or industry of interest, especially when aligned with their core business, their goals or strategy helps the readers see your ‘fit’ with their Team. Avoid general statements and terms such as: “opportunity for advancement”, “challenging position”, “position dealing with people”, “self-starter” or “a progressive company”. Let your competition use those weak, catch-all phrases.Education
- If you're a recent graduate, this section is more likely to be listed near the top of your resume.
- If you're a former student with more work experience, it may be more appropriate for this section to be towards the bottom of your resume.
Formatting the education section:
Regardless of where this section is located, it should begin with your most recent education. Provide the name and location (city & state) of the college or university and month & year of graduation. On the second line, identify your degree with major, minor, and certifications; then your overall GPA (for recent graduates). Experienced former students need not include GPA. You may want to include relevant, specialized coursework if not known by employers (i.e., Capstone projects, critical coursework, or electives), but list no more than 4-6 important classes. New grads, please keep in mind that most hiring managers will be looking for subject matter rather than course numbers.
Additional details to add:
Providing the percentage, if over 50%, of financial support you earned through employment and scholarships while attending school will help managers sense your ability to manage workloads. Include honors earned, Dean’s List, class rank, awards, and merit-based scholarships if you are a recent graduate. Experienced former students may consider listing some honors, but this listing should be limited to your most significant achievements. If you completed study abroad, focusing on what you learned that applies to the work they need performed is typically more attractive than your engagement with other cultures.
Skills & Languages
Include any technical skills such as computer software applications, hardware, laboratory skills, and/or languages. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills with software systems, software development tools, or any equipment referenced in your resume. Specify your foreign language proficiency. Note that “fluent” indicates exceptional speaking ability and should only be used if you would actually be able to complete your interview in that language.Leadership
Include any offices you held or committees you chaired.Focus on what or how you led, rather than what you planned or managed. Planning an event is perceived as more about organizing resources than about leading people.
How did you influence the planning or results?
Describe what, or how, you helped these organizations accomplish goals, deliver results, or change.
Be sure to quantify results whenever possible, particularly when describing fundraisers, membership drives, programs, or events.
Activities
List activities, and organizations that you are a member, but have not held a leadership role during your educational or professional experience.Include a brief description of the group or activity that is not well-known to help the reader see alignment with their needs. Don’t assume the reader is fully aware of A&M traditions and organizations.