Tips for Creating a First Resume

As you progress through your college career, undoubtedly, at some point you'll need to create a resume. In order to help you craft the very best resume possible that accurately reflects your unique skill set, we've compile some useful tips.

Seek guidance
The first place to check is your college career center. The counselors there are adept at creating concise, successful resumes and can tell you what you should and should not include – a counselor may be even willing to write a first draft with you! If this service isn't offered on your campus, visit job search engines, such as Monster, that provide templates and occasionally offer free feedback on submitted resumes. Keep in mind, there isn’t one perfect template out there, so don’t get too hung up on those details. The goal is create something eye-catching without it getting too busy.  Bullet points work well since you have to condense your employment history and skills on to one page, and make sure to start each description with an action verb, like ‘created,’ ‘led,’ or ‘ran’.

Tailor your resume
Employers prefer one-page resumes that specifically outline skills and experience related to their company's job posting.  If you’re applying to jobs in different industries, you will have to make a resume for each – such as “My Education Experience”, “Food Service Resume", etc. You can further personalize these resumes by adding ‘an objective’ related to the company that ties your experience into the specific job you are seeking.

Edit and re-read
Triple check your resume before sending it out – you don’t want a typo to cost you a job! Additionally, typing programs may spontaneously change formatting and alter your résumé’s appearance – so beyond spelling, make sure your formatting is as you wish too.  It's essential to include (and double check) your contact information and keep it up-to-date, and make sure your email address does not contain unprofessional words or phrases.

Tips for Searching for a Post-College Job

The economy may not be on your side right now, but you can do some things to tip the scales in your favor and win over as many professionals as possible while you're hunting for that elusive first job.

1. Use your college’s career center

Many students overlook the career center, but college is a rare time when people are on your side in the job hunt.  Talk to a counselor, tell them what you’re looking for, and look through whatever books and resources they have available. They often have access to resources that you cannot find in straight-forward online searches.

2. Resume, Cover Letter, etc.

Career centers can also help you get your resume and cover letter in order, train for interviews, and answer any other questions you may have as you begin your job hunt. Start compiling some ideas for your resume before you visit the career center, so you have something to work with when you speak with them.

3. Talk to alumni and other professionals

Ask the career counselor about your college’s alumni network and reach out to alums with similar careers to your goals or individuals who live in the area where you’re looking.  Talk to your parents, family, relatives- anyone who may have an “in” at a company you’re interested in.

4. Check company websites

Before hitting up search engines and getting overwhelmed with results, check specific, desired companies’ websites for job listings. Even if they don’t have the right opportunity for you at the moment, write a professional inquiry and ask to have your resume kept on file.

5. Follow up

After submitting your resume in person or online, always follow up to make sure it was received. Calling HR or the proper department is best, as e-mails are easy to ignore. Have any needed information immediately available and be flexible with setting up interviews.

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