There are multiple approaches to writing a resume and often students can become overwhelmed with the task of representing themselves creatively and professionally on a single piece of paper. The following template is a one-size-fits-all quick reference guide to creating a successful resume.
GRAPHIC BY: KELLY GLUECK
A full name should be the most prominent on the page
An address lets employers know how far the applicant is expected to commute
Contact information can include a phone number(s) and an email address
E X P E R I E N C E
This is where applicants should list the company and a complimentary position title.
Dates of employment and location should be listed. To avoid taking up too much space, try right alignment.
– An Applicant’s task responsibilities should be explained as accomplishments.
– Applicants should avoid personal pronouns, such as I, me, my, we, etc…
– Active words can cut down on filler words and better compliment an accomplishment.
(Here is an example that has been revised to make the applicant sound and look better)
Kohl’s employee, St. Louis, MO
July 2010 – present
-I took returns
-I folded clothes
-We helped customers
Kohl’s Fenton, MO
Customer Service Representative July – August 2010
-Handling and resolving customer complaints and inquiries regarding exchanges, refunds, discounts, coupons or other offers.
-Maintaining and contributing to the standards, procedures and policies set by Kohl’s department store.
E D U C A T I O N
An applicants should list his or her most recent educational endeavor (completed or current) and high honors. This should include: school, degree, location and date completed or intended completion date.
St. Louis Community College Kirkwood, MO
Associate of Arts in Business degree, May 2012
S K I L L S A N D C E R T I F I C A T I O N S
This is where an applicant can really sell him or herself. If an applicant is applying for a creative advertising job, his or her electrician skills are not important to list. Instead, he or she should list their proficiency in design programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign or Photoshop. It would also be acceptable to mention public speaking or communication skills.
R E F E R E N C E S
There are two approaches to references. An applicant may list a few approved, professional references. As a rule of thumb, no more than three in a list –this goes for job descriptions as well.
Sometimes abiding by the single-page rule makes including references a tight task. In this case, it is acceptable to end with “References available upon request.”
P A S T WO R K
This section is an optional attachment page for freelancing and creative jobs. It should be a reverse chronological listing of published, broadcasted or public work (Make sure to include any awards or notability received.) It is also gives the applicant a chance to highlight their own work. In this case, you may attach a CD or DVD with samples.
If an applicant is submitting electronically, he or she should make sure that the files are compressed readable files (i.e., .jpg, .mp3 .mpeg) and further compressed into a .zip folder. It is even more helpful to link websites because some employers are weary of downloading files that may contain viruses.
