Résumés That Get Results

Résumé Jump-StartCareer Center ♦ Lucina Hall 220www.bsu.edu/careers

What is a résumé? Highlights relevant skills and

experiences

Marketing tool in the job-search process

The 10-20 second rule First impression

What is “relevant information”?

Education Degree

Internships Experience

On-campus Off-campus

Courses

Activities Organizations Teams

Professional associations Skills

EducationBachelor of Science, July 2007

Major: Fashion Merchandising

Minor: Marketing

Ball State University, Muncie, IN Major GPA: 3.32/4.0 Honors: Dean’s List (1 semester)

Internships6/2006-8/2006 Indianapolis, IN

MARC USA

Communications Intern Designed marketing communication plan for

Spanish-speaking consumers Researched current trends in

communications within public relations Provided daily administrative assistance with

client communications

ExperienceBall State University, Recreation Services, Muncie,

Indiana Aerobics Monitor/Instructor August 2005-present Supervise and organize aerobic fitness classes for BSU-Fit

Program; includes Challenge Step, Step and Cardio, Step and Tone, and Jump and Jab (cardio kick-boxing)

Instruct Water Aerobics class Completed Aerobic Instructor Training through Recreation

Programs at Ball State University; Certified Group Exercise Instructor through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

Attended Midwest Aerobics Fit-Fest training programs at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois, 2006, and at Indiana University in Bloomington, 2007

ExperienceBox Office Attendant, Summers, 2005-2006

Kerasotes Theatres, Cinema 7; Sidney, Ohio Sold and distributed movie tickets to patrons Maintained accurate cash drawer and

recorded box office sales

Related Courses

Activities

Professional Associations American Society of Landscape Architects,

2005-present National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2006-

present Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana,

2006-present

Optional Pieces Career objective GPA

3.7/4.0 Honors, awards, and scholarships Volunteer work Licenses and certificates Publications, presentations, and research

Wisdom from Dilbert

Ways not to fine tune your résumé: State your reasons for leaving a job. Use abbreviations or contractions. Write lengthy prose. Use multiple fonts, typographic symbols, or

other visual elements (like logos or clip art). Use personal pronouns (I, me, my). Include a photograph. Mention personal data (e.g., height, weight,

health, age or date of birth, marital status,

race, religion, sex, etc.).

Activity Look at the resume in front of you. What

things would you do to correct or improve it?

Important!

Your résumé must Be easy to read Show the most relevant information Be tailored to the job

Chronological:

• Time and continuity. • Easy to organize, write, and read. • Most commonly used type of résumé.• Emphasizes career growth and progression.

It is not advantageous for people with limited or unrelated employment experience.

Functional:

• Focuses on professional skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments. • De-emphasizes dates and specific work experiences.• Highlights specific skills that the job requires.

It is good for recent graduates, liberal arts majors, career changers, and people with limited work experience or interrupted careers.

Activity

Compare the resumes and determine which one you would hire. Be prepared to give reasons for your decision.

Helpful Resources Career and Experiential Learning Lab (Lucina

Hall 235) Sample résumés, other resources

Drop-in Advising (Lucina Hall 220) M,T,W: 1-3 p.m. Th,F: 10 a.m.-noon

Advising by Appointment (765) 285-1522

Questions? Evaluation