Whether you are new to the workforce, in career transition, needing to update your resume, or would like to customize your resume for a particular job, a Career Advisor can help. We'll provide resume-writing tips and one-on-one consultation to help critique your resume.

Tips & Samples

Whether you are new to the workforce, in career transition, needing to update your resume, or would like to customize your resume for a particular job, a Career Advisor can help. We'll provide resume-writing tips and one-on-one consultation to help critique your resume.

Target the Employer

Everything in your resume should be directed toward one goal: Getting a specific job at a particular company. No two resumes should be alike. Each resume should be uniquely targeted to an audience of one.

Consider your form

Identify a resume form you are comfortable with and best reflects your skill set:

  • Chronological: This style of resume lists your work experience in chronological order starting with your most recent job. It is ideal if you have a stable work history, your most recent position reflects the strongest aspect of your work experience, and the position you are pursuing is in a field in which you have a strong background.
  • Functional: This resume is created without employment dates or company names and emphasizes your skills and responsibilities without disclosing when or where you developed the skills. It is often used if you have been unemployed for long periods of time, changed jobs frequently, or are changing careers.
  • Combination/Targeted: This resume neatly combines the flexibility of the functional resume with the chronological job history that employers expect. This style of resume has two primary sections: an experience section organized by skill sets and a job history section organized chronologically. This resume is very popular with many recruiters as it clearly outlines a candidate’s skills and eliminates restating skills that may be reflected under multiple job titles.

Use action verbs to boost your resume's appeal

If you want a prospective employer to take notice of your resume, you will need to use words that jump off the paper.

Action Verbs

Use a Cover Letter

The cover letter allows you to address any concerns an employer may have about gaps in your work history. In it, explain how you've kept your skills up-to-date since your last full-time position, whether through temporary assignments, volunteer work, or professional development courses.

Resources