resume writing for graduate students (fall 2014)

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Resume Writing for Graduate Students

Stefano VerdesotoGraduate Assistant

Career ServicesUniversity at Buffalo

259 Capen Hallub-careers.buffalo.edu

(716) 645-4499


Before We Get Started…• What’s your name?• What’s your field of study?• When did you last write a resume?


What is a Resume?• A concise, complete document that

outlines your unique work-related education, skills, accomplishments, and experience

• Helps secure you an interview• Usually 1-2 pages– Yes, 2 is ok! However, aim for a full 2


Resume Layout• Layout– Contact info, objective, and education at

top– After that, to (most important to

least)– Reverse chronological order (present to

past)– Avoid overusing bold and italicized text!


Resume Format• What do you think is the most common

mistake?– Inconsistency! In formatting and spacing• Margins should be the same• Format all sections exactly the same• No spelling errors!


Consistent Resume Format


Contact Information• Really important!• Should be visually appealing – brand

yourself!• Make it easy to contact you• It’s okay to have 2 addresses• Have a professional voicemail and email


Objective• Optional!• If you do have one, make sure it’s SPECIFIC– Target a specific company and position– List 2-3 specific skills you will bring

• Avoid “dedicated,” “motivated,” “hard-working”• You can find the specific skills they’re looking for

on the job postings!

– Example: To obtain the Marketing Internship at Shea's Performing Arts Center to utilize my public relations experience and promotional writing skills.


Contact Information and Objective


Education• Start with most recent – UB!• Write out the full name of school and degree• List your GPA if it’s over a 3.0• List other colleges if you received a degree

University at Buffalo, The State University of New YorkMaster of Education, College Administration, Expected May 2015• GPA 4.0/4.0Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Sociology, May 2013• GPA 3.8/4.0


Experience• Include employment, internships, research,

leadership experience, volunteer work, etc.– Write bullet points describing skills developed

and achievements– Start your bullet points with “action words”

(pg13)

– Use “buzz words” the company is looking for– Consider breaking up experience section

• Relevant Experience• Work Experience• Leadership Experience• Marketing Experience… etc.


Writing Action Statements• Focus on what you learned or

accomplished rather than just stating your duties

• Avoid using passive words such as “assisted”

• Quantify your accomplishments when possible


Strong vs. Weak Action Statements

• Weak: Conducted market analysis.• Strong: Collaborated with group of 5 to

conduct market analysis on mobile application usage utilizing quantitative surveys

• Weak: Answered phone and made appointments.

• Strong: Provided excellent customer service to a high volume of clients by scheduling appointments in-person and on the phone


Other Common Sections• Skills: languages, computers, etc.• Professional Associations/Certifications• Projects: especially important for more

technical majors• Relevant Coursework• Publications: published research with

professors• Honors and awards: academic and community• Campus Involvement: member or officer of

clubs/organizations


Key Points to Remember• Tailor your resume to each employer• Show what YOU can do for THEM• Remember: 10-15 seconds on average• Be specific and quantify when possible• Make it look professional – no errors!


80% of jobs/internships are found through making connections.


Making Connections• Good resumes can get you an interview• Good connections can get you a job• Get your name out there!– LinkedIn– UB Mentor Program– The Career Mentor Experience


Part 1Finding a MentorThursday, October 163:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.240 Student Union

Part 2Meeting a MentorThursday, October 233:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.235 Student Union

RSVP on BullsEye


Now What?• Create and/or update your resume• Create and/or update your LinkedIn profile• Come to Career Services (259 Capen Hall)– Express Career Consults• Same-day, 20-minute appointments• Monday through Friday• 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


Thank You!• Any questions? • Stefano Verdesoto: [email protected]• Quick survey!

Career ServicesUniversity at Buffalo

259 Capen Hallub-careers.buffalo.edu

(716) 645-2231

mailto:[email protected]