OVERVIEW

Suggestions When Setting Up Your Resume

First, you’ll want to include your name, address, phone number and email address in a heading at the top of the page. You should list your education details next (when and where you attended high school, along with your GPA and class rank if you choose to include them). Consider highlighting awards you’ve won along the way — this is the place where you want to make a strong impression and show off your academic achievements.

Once you’ve covered education, you’ll want to list your extracurricular activities (anything you’re involved in after school, over the weekend or during the summer). Don’t forget to include the length of time you spent with each organization and any opportunities you had to lead others or assume responsibility for a project. This section can include both work and volunteer experience, although you may prefer to create new sections for those categories.

TIPS

New Post-9/11 G.I. Bill

Tips for Writing Your Resume

SAVE A TREE :: Try to limit your resume to one page if you can — it helps focus the reader on your accomplishments and makes a strong impression.

REMEMBER THE RULES :: Proofread (and have others proofread) your final copy to check for grammatical and spelling errors — and keep an eye out for tricky punctuation and verb tenses, as these details can positively or negatively impact the reader’s impression of you.

ACT OUT :: It’s important to use strong, meaningful words when describing your past achievements. If you’re a natural leader, emphasize your willingness to be proactive and solve problems. If you’re a hard worker, give examples of situations where you stepped up and got the job done.

DON’T SWEAT YOUR AGE :: If you feel too young to have a resume or think you haven’t accomplished enough to impress your reader, think again. Haven’t held a paying job quite yet? Include any and all volunteer work you completed through school, church or a community center.

DON’T SETTLE :: If a job notice simply asks for an application, go the extra mile and include your resume when you apply. You’ll set yourself apart from the rest of the applicants who only submitted what was required.

COMMUNICATE FIRST :: Because you’re trying to limit your resume to one page, it’s okay to write in phrases or even bullet lists instead of full sentences. As long as you are clear and your writing is free of errors, the most important thing is communicating your accomplishments.

NEED A HAND? :: There are several job search engines online that feature resume-building tools with in-depth advice, sample resumes to review and even step-by-step instructions