Resume Guide

Did you know that on average, a recruiter only spends six seconds on a resume? What information would you want them to see if six seconds was all you had?

Your resume is a crucial part of building your professional brand, your job search and path towards career advancement. Follow this guide to open doors to better and brighter career opportunities and create a resume that is purposeful, results-focused, and tailored to a T(erp).

A purposeful resume is essential. In a competitive job market, ensure your resume is clean, well-formatted and easy to read. Hiring managers need to quickly understand who you are, your experience and the value you bring. Follow the format below to create a purposeful resume. 

When preparing your resume, focus on the results. The reader wants to know the “so what” behind your job responsibilities. In each bullet, include:

• the action taken
• context to support the action
• the “so what,” or results of this action
• when appropriate, use numbers and data to define the results

Review this guide to learn how to craft bullet points that will catch the eye of employers.

Assuming that you already have your resume bank (complete history of your professional experience that you pull from to create a tailored resume), each unique resume you submit should be tailored to the position description.

Ask yourself:

• What words consistently come up on the job description?
• What skills do they list as preferred? Which are required?

Now: Pull out any relevant experience from your resume bank to meet these skills, words and requirements.

• Can you swap out any synonymous action words with those used in the job description?
• Are there any transferable skills or scenarios you can use to meet the criteria of the position?

Pro tip: come up with a list of examples of when you’ve exemplified these skills in preparation for your interview.

AI tools can be game-changers for your resume, but using them effectively is key. Here's how to maximize their potential:

• Know Your Story: AI assists, not replaces. Define your skills, experience, and target roles to help AI showcase your strengths.
• Guide the AI: Provide clear instructions and relevant keywords for better output.
• Customize & Refine: Review and personalize AI-generated content to ensure authenticity.
• Fact-Check Everything: AI can make mistakes—double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.
• Combine AI with Your Expertise: Use AI for brainstorming and optimization, but add your insights and tailor for each application.

Think about utilizing platforms like Kickresume, Enhancv, Resume Worded or Jobscan to create a resume that highlights your top skills and strengths. 

• Name/Contact Information
• Work/Professional Experience: As the most important part of resume, this should occupy two thirds of a page. Include:
  • Official job title, company name, location
  • Month/year timeline of employment
  • 3-5 bullet points of accomplishments
  • Choose your format: chronological, functional or combination

• Education History

  • Write your degree in full (Ex. Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts)
  • If your degree is general, include any specialization or relevant coursework
  • If you graduated in the past...
    • 5 years: Include month and year of graduation, GPA, relevant coursework, volunteer and leadership experience
    • 10 years: Include year of graduation, relevant coursework
    • 25+ years: Include year, if multiple degrees list chronologically

• Skills: Only include skills that enhance and diversify your application, including:
  • Certifications (IT, industry-specific)
  • Languages
  • Professional organizations/leadership

Your Alumni Association is here to help you at any stage of your professional journey. Check out all of our Career Resources for additional information.