| Resume
formats and samples |
| Page layout: |
|
Use Microsoft
Word, but don't use the MS Word template. Avoid shading on your
backgrounds or text. It doesn't photocopy, fax or scan clearly.
|
|
(Also see
resume software and templates
for more about page layout.) |
|
|
| Content layout: |
|
Chronological
format and variations |
|
Skills
format |
|
How
to choose a format for your resume |
|
Samples |
|
Scannable
sample |
| |
| Chronological
format and variations: |
|
The most
common resume format is called "chronological." It's simply
a resume that lists your education and experience in reverse chronological
order - most recent items first - and it's a good way to start a
draft of your resume. Most of the samples
are variations on the chronological format. You may also hear the
terms "functional" or "creative" used to describe
resumes. These are just variations on the chronological format that
use headings that best showcase your background and qualifications. |
|
|
| Skills format |
|
A skills
resume combines the skills you have from a variety of experiences
- paid work, volunteer work, student activities, classroom work,
projects, you name it - and groups these skills by category of skills
that relate to the kind of job you're seeking. This format works
best when a traditional resume just doesn't work to make you look
like a good candidate even though you have relevant skills. A Career
Services advisor can look at your first resume draft and help you
decide if a skills format might be the best approach to use. |
|
Skills resume
sample: Kelly
(MS Word doc) — B.A. candidate |
|
|
| How to choose
a format for your resume |
|
Look at the
samples,
and the features of each. Choose the combination of features that
matches your background. |
|
DON'T choose
a resume style simply because the fictional student in a sample
has your major. Students in any major can use any resume style. |
|
You may choose
any style regardless of the type of employment you are seeking,
whether internship, co-op, or permanent employment. |
|
DO choose
a format which best shows how your individual credentials support
your objective. |
|
If you are
unsure, start with a chronological style (the most traditional),
have your resume critiqued, and revise your resume as needed. |
|
|
| Samples: |
| All samples are
MS Word documents; each link opens a new browser window; you can
use any sample as a template for your own resume if you wish. |
|
Silva
— B.S. student, seeking co-op position; hasn't yet had career-related
experience to list on resume. |
|
Gimble
— B.A. student seeking internship; features "related employment
and college activities" section; "other employment"
listed without details. |
|
McWellen
— B.S. candidate; resume features course work and lab skills. |
|
Barbour
— B.A. candidate; features study abroad, language skills, "related"
and "other" experience sections. |
|
Constantine
— B.S. candidate; features details on student organization
leadership role. |
|
Sorvino
— B.S. candidate; features "related" and "other"
experience sections; skills other than computer skills. |
|
Walsh
— B.A. candidate with coursework outside major that supports
the objective; includes language skills. |
|
Kelly
— B.A. candidate; skills-based resume format. |
|
Matthews
— B.Arch. candidate; features design skills and study abroad. |
|
Neilson
— B.S. candidate; features a course project detailed. |
|
Neilson
scannable resume — same as above in strictly scannable
format. |
|
Vandeveer
— M.S. completed, plus 2 years of professional experience;
features qualifications summary, appropriate for experienced professional. |
|
Arnez
— M.A.Ed. candidate with teaching objective. |
|
|
| Scannable
sample |
|
In addition
to your resume for the human eye, it is possible that an employer
may ask for a scannable resume. If you get this instruction, see
more on scannable resumes. |
|
Samples
of the same student's resume, two versions (both MS Word docs): |
|
Neilson
resume for the human eye — B.S. candidate; features a course
project detailed |
|
Neilson
scannable resume — same as above in strictly scannable
format |
|
|
| Also see |
|
Vitae (curriculum vitae) |
|
Ph.D. candidate
curriculum
vita sample |
|
Purpose of the resume |
|
Resume software and templates |
|
Length of your resume or
vita |
|
Content / sections of your
resume |
|
"Should I include
my GPA?" and other FAQs |
|
Most frequent resume mistakes |
|
Resume critiques |
|
E-mailing resumes |
|
Printing, photocopying
& mailing resumes and vitae |
