RESUMES

A resume is a document that summarizes and highlights your job-related skills, experiences, and activities. The purpose of most resumes is to obtain an interview for an internship or job. College and graduate admissions offices, scholarship programs, etc., may also request a resume during the application process. FACT: An employer spends an average of 15 to 20 seconds reviewing a resume. Make your first impression a good one.

5 Keys to Creating a Targeted Resume:

1. Analyze the job description
Review job descriptions for the skills, abilities, and qualifications employers are looking for. It is recommended that you have a specific job in mind when creating a targeted resume.

2. Organize your thoughts

Make a list of the categories you wish to include on your resume. This list can include education/training, volunteer opportunities, jobs, academic research, travel, and extracurricular activities. If possible, quantify results and use commonly understood terms. Learn and use terminology on your resume that is common to the field you are pursuing. List strengths and skills used to achieve your accomplishments. Always write out or explain technical terms and abbreviations on your resume.

3. Create descriptive phrases

Create short phrases to describe your job duties. Avoid using diluted phrases such as "responsible for" or "in charge of." Arrange the descriptive phrases in order of importance to the position.

4. Ensure resume is letter perfect

Misspelled words, grammatical, or punctuation errors will generally disqualify you from any position for which you apply.

5. Have your resume critiqued by a University Career Services counselor

You may have a UCS counselor critique your resume during Walk-In hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 am-3:00 pm or you may schedule an appointment with the counselor for your area of study.

Types of Resumes
Chronological
This resume lists your experience in reverse chronological order, listing most recent first. You can arrange your headings a number of ways, depending on the aspects of your background you wish to emphasize. This type of resume creates a clear and concise picture of you and is usually the easiest to scan visually in the least amount of time. (See Resume Samples)

Scannable
Scanning resumes is becoming very common in many industries. Resumes are entered into a computerized database and translated into text by means of a scanner. (See Resume Samples) Points to consider when submitting a scannable resume include: Using a standard typeface in 10-14 point type. Dont use italics or underlines Place your name at the top of the page on its own line Print your resume on standard 8 x 11 white or light beige paper Avoid horizontal and vertical lines, graphics, and boxes Do not fold or staple. Mail in a large envelope that requires no folding of enclosures Send originals on letter-quality paper Use industry appropriate terms, a lot of nouns, and speak technically. A computerized search will look for key words and phrases that indicate specific skills and abilities
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES The Wendy P. and Dean E. Painter Jr. Career Center Division of Student Affairs UNC-Chapel Hill (919) 962-6507 http://careers.unc.edu ucs@unc.edu 2nd Floor Hanes Hall COPYRIGHT2003 UNC-CHAPEL HILL

Resume Content:
SECTION
CONTACT INFORMATION

BASICS
Name, address, phone number, and email address should be at the top of the page. Always include area and zip codes. For current students, list both a college and home address and phone numbers.

SUGGESTIONS
Be sure your answering machine message and email address are business-appropriate. If you have roommates or if someone else could be answering your calls, make sure they use proper etiquette and relay the message to you. The job objective category should follow your name, address, and telephone number at the top of your resume for your primary resume on file with UCS. List GPA if it is a 2.5 or above. You may include the GPA in your major if it is higher than your cumulative GPA. Do not average your UNC-CH GPA with grades from other institutions. List any study abroad or other colleges attended for a significant period of time. Honors may be listed under a separate heading or as a subsection under Education. Use phrases beginning with action verbs rather than sentences. Do not use pronouns in your job descriptions. You do not need to restrict this category to paid experience. You may wish to separate this section into Related Experience and Other Experience. List level of fluency/proficiency with languages/computer skills. (Do not overstate your competence.) Be sure to note offices held and committee involvement.

JOB OBJECTIVE

EDUCATION

Include an objective to demonstrate to an employer that you are directed in your internship/job search. An objective that is too general will almost certainly not help you and could in fact work against you. Begin with your most recent educational experience. Include the degree you expect to earn or have earned, your major/minor, university, expected date of graduation, and GPA. Add course highlights as an option. Include academic honors such as the Dean's List, scholarships, and honor societies. Include any employment, internships, significant campus leadership offices, volunteer work, and relevant class/research projects. Include title, name of organization, location, and dates for each position. Emphasize duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and accomplishments appropriate to the position for which you are applying. Foreign languages, computer skills, and other relevant skills should be included. List college-related activities including student government, fraternities / sororities, student clubs, sports activities, etc. not mentioned elsewhere. List organizations and the skills and abilities utilized.

HONORS EXPERIENCE

SKILLS ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS (may be

listed as LEADERSHIP)

COMMUNITY SERVICE/ VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES REFERENCES

If the setting is religious or political, you may want to use generic descriptions. (For example, Member of Campus Political Organization.) Create a separate page with the word References for Your Name at the top. List names, titles, names of employers, addresses, and telephone numbers. Always ask permission before using anyones name as a reference. Former employers, internship or volunteer supervisors, and faculty members are good choices. Personal references are not as helpful to use.

This should be the last entry on your resume. You may state references Available upon request or may list references on a separate page.

Submitting a Resume
With e-mail being one of the most common methods of contact, many organizations request that resumes be sent as attachments. UCS recommends that students title the resume file with something that makes sense to the organization and you (i.e. Jane Doe organization name resume). The body of your email should indicate that you have attached a resume for the ___ position. Some organizations may require you to send the resume in text format. UCS recommends that students also mail a hard copy to the organization as well. Always submit your resume according to the stipulations set by the organization. When sending by postal mail, use a legal-sized or 81/2 x 11 envelope. If using legal-sized, be sure that it matches your resume paper in both color and weight.

Resume Do's & Don'ts

Do
use good quality paper (at least 20 lb. bond) in white or off-white use a readable font and print on a laser printer be specific in your objective, if possible quantify duties when possible use short phrases that convey a positive, concise description of your accomplishments limit your resume to one page if you have limited work experience check the spelling of every word; make sure grammar and punctuation are correct have your resume proofread by a UCS counselor before sending it to potential employers

Don't
include personal information such as weight, height, marital status, social security number, age, race, religion, or political affiliation use graphics (unless you are applying for a graphic arts/design position) list detailed descriptions of unrelated job duties use words such as I, me, or my on your resume exaggerate your experience start phrases in experience section with "Responsible for" state salary use abbreviations without spelling out what they stand for

Resume Checklist
Is your resume easy to read? Did you use bullets and bold to highlight key strengths? Is information listed in order of importance to the position you are applying for? If your resume will be scanned, did you omit columns and italics? Is your name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone number, and email address at the top of the resume? Does your objective show that you have career direction? Did you check the spelling of every word?

Kelly Smith
smithkel@email.unc.edu Current Address 3201 Stadium Ave. Chapel Hill, NC 27513 919-932-4445 OBJECTIVE EDUCATION An entry-level position in Public Relations University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Public Relations sequence. May 20XX Second Major: Political Science Overall GPA: 2.8 Permanent Address 467 Shallow Way Charlotte, NC 27042 704-339-5665

RELATED ROCKETT, BURKHEAD & WINSLOW, Raleigh NC EXPERIENCE Public Relations Intern (April 2000 September 2000) Worked on accounts including healthcare, pharmaceutical, sports and hi-tech clients Engaged in all aspects of media relations including planning and holding press conferences Researched and secured speaking and editorial opportunities for clients Conducted market research for various existing clients and new business Composed news releases, media advisories, media kits, monthly reports and media lists

Reverse STUDENT COALITION FOR ACTION IN LITERARY EDUCATION, Chapel Hill, NC chronological Media Specialist (January 2000 May 2000) order Developed PR program for a national literacy program in elementary schools Created informational material about SCALE and its various literacy programs Composed and edited news releases, media advisories, fact sheets and media lists
ANIMALHOUSE.COM, Universal Studios Collegiate Website, Chapel Hill, NC Marketing Representative (August 1998 February 1999) Coordinated all marketing strategies for UNC-Chapel Hill campus Updated website on a weekly basis with editorials about college life Promoted website and accumulated student memberships UNC-CHAPEL HILL, SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM and MASS COMMUNICATION Class Projects Developed a marketing plan for First Union Bank to attract high profile customers Created long-term fundraising program for the N.C. Special Olympics Conducted a publication audit for all Carolina Athletic Association publications Created a PR campaign aimed at decreasing binge drinking on the UNC campus

Use of bullets makes resume easier to scan for employers

OTHER Account Manager: KENAN TRANSPORT COMPANY, Chapel Hill, NC (January 2001 Present) EXPERIENCE Waiter: THE OCEANIC RESTAURANT, Wilmington, NC (May 2001 August 2001) Event Promotions: ESPN X-GAMES, Raleigh NC (May 2001) ACTIVITIES Sigma Chi Fraternity Derby Days Philanthropy Program (October 2002 Present) Raised over $70,000 for UNC Childrens Hospital and Childrens Miracle Network Social Chairman (December 2000 March 2001) Managed a $34,000 budget Public Relations Student Society of America, UNC-Chapel Hill Adopt-a-Highway Program, UNC-Chapel Hill Swim Team Coach, Pilot Knob Country Club, Pilot Mountain, NC Habitat for Humanity Program, Pilot Mountain, NC Proficient in all Microsoft Office Applications, Web Authoring, and Adobe Photoshop

COMPUTER

REFERENCES Available upon request

Staci Jenkins
SJENKINS@EMAIL.UNC.EDU
COLLEGE ADDRESS (UNTIL MAY 200X) 18 ESTES DRIVE CARRBORO, NC 27510 (919) 555-2700 Objective Education Human Services Internship; special interest in health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, May 200x Minor in Biology GPA 3.24 Deans List - 2 semesters Related Coursework: Counseling Theory Behavior Modification Exercise Physiology

Chronological Resume Sample 2

PERMANENT ADDRESS S. STONYBROOK ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701 (501) 555-1212

Applications of Learning Theory Abnormal Psychology Corporate Health

Study Abroad, Seville, Spain, Summer 200x *Financed 100% of education through scholarships and part-time work. Experience Peer Counselor, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA -CHAPEL HILL, Aug. 200x-May 200x Coordinated weekly interaction with 5 students to ensure successful academic social, and emotional development within the campus community Advised students in regards to academic policies and registration Acted as a liaison between students and professional counselors Use reverse chronological Counselor, CAMP WILLOW, Lake Placid, NY, May-Aug. 200x order Served as a mentor and advisor for 21 girls ages 9-16

Developed classes on fitness and health including dance, aerobics, and nutrition Initiated a support group for overweight girls Other positions include receptionist, lifeguard, pet groomer, and tour guide Leadership

President, ZETA TAU ALPHA SORORITY, UNC-CH, 200x-200x Organized a blood drive for 5000 students Delegated responsibility and assignments to 50 members Voted Top 1% of all Greeks which is based on academic and service excellence Senator, STUDENT GOVERNMENT, UNC-CH, 200x-200x Represented the interests of my constituents Participated in the formation of policies

Computer Skills

Proficient: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FileMaker Pro Knowledgeable: Macintosh and IBM Systems

References Available Upon Request

Scannable Resume

JASON DOE
doe@email.unc.edu School Address: 18 Estes Drive Extension, Carrboro, NC 27510, (919) 555-1312 Permanent Address: 1234 West Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, (919) 555-1212 OBJECTIVE To obtain a challenging position as a municipal police officer. EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.A. Sociology, May 200x GPA: 2.8 HONORS Jones Scholarship Sarah Jones Award for Community Service Achievement RELATED EXPERIENCE KEYSTONE ADOLESCENT CENTER, Raleigh, NC, January 200x Present Case Manager Intern Supervise and secure the safety approximately 24 delinquent and troubled adolescents. Teach residents respect and discipline. Provide counseling and guidance. Monitor progress and behavior. Prepare and submit weekly/monthly reports for Juvenile Courts. Lead and implement daily chores. BUREAU OF POLICE, Chapel Hill, NC, August May 200x Police Intern Assisted detectives with Criminal Investigation Division and juvenile investigations. Accompanied detectives to criminal trials at the Orange County Court House. Engaged in the procedures of arresting, booking, and dispatching units. Accompanied officers on patrol throughout a city of 119,000 residents. PARKING AUTHORITY, Chapel Hill, NC, February 200x July 200x Security Guard Diminished criminal activity in and near city parking ramps. Patrolled parking areas to ensure the safety of patrons. OTHER EXPERIENCE LOGAN MAINTENANCE, Charlotte, NC, May 200x June 200x Landscaping Supervisor Ensured maintenance of 90 properties. Supervised and trained new employees. CHAMPS, Charlotte, NC, June 200x August 200x Waiter ACTIVITIES President, Campus SAFE, 200x Associate Member, Fraternal Order of Police, 200x 200x Volunteer, United Cerebral Palsy Association, 200x REFERENCES Available upon request
Extensive use of nouns rather than verbs and lack of underlining and italics make this resume scannable.