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Resumes a vital job search toolBy Sade M. Graves Preparing a resume can prove to be a nerve wrecking experience and with a growing number of qualified applicants, pressure is increased to leave a lasting impression on a desired employer. "A good resume needs to communicate where you've been and where you're going. It's a marketing tool that should grab the reader's attention so that they contact you wanting to know more," Jack Sakaroff, Assistant Director at The University Career Center, said. There are four basic resumes styles: chronological, functional, combination and curricula vitae, each tailored for a different applicant (see Resume Styles), he said. "There is more than one correct way to write a resume. Resume writing is subjective and students will get different opinions from different sources," Sakaroff said. As far as the style and content of resumes, Sakaroff says 10 to 12 point size in either Times New Roman or Ariel font is most common. For an undergraduate a one page resume is expected whereas a graduate student has more experiences, so a lengthy resume is more appropriate. Sakaroff also said that "employers are not just looking for strong GPA's" but "for leadership and various skills." Content of a resume varies as far as what the particular employer is looking for. Often, applicants tailor their resumes for the specific position they want. "Every summer I write [a resume] to get a job," Tim Baldwin, a senior in zoology and history, said. Baldwin says he is always sure to include his GPA, extracurricular activities, related course work and honors received. He also recommends placing emphasis on objectives. "Objectives are very important. Oh, and mail a backup resume and a thank you!" he said. "Cover letters should accompany a resume any time you mail or e-mail it to an employer," Sakaroff said. Cover letters put a resume into context, telling the employer why the applicant is sending them a resume. "They give you a chance to match your skills or abilities with the job description and demonstrates writing ability," he said. A cover letter often consists of three paragraphs; in the first paragraph applicants introduce themselves and their motives for applying. The second paragraph is used to match qualifications with the employer's needs and the third paragraph is for closing remarks and invites an interview, Sakaroff said. "My resume was reviewed and [my career counselor] talked to me about my career goals," Jessica Lisane said after her session at the Career Center. Lisane, a freshman in engineering, plans to present her resume to employers featured at the Minority Career Fair so that they can instruct her on how to be more qualified for her future years. Waylon Knab, a freshman in engineering, talked about writing a resume for a class assignment. "It was pretty pitiful," Knab said. But once he builds his work experience, and extracurricular activities, he will definitely consider turning to the Career Center for assistance, he said. Sakaroff encourages job seekers to go to career counsellors like Sonali based in New Delhi or to ask employers directly what they look for in an applicant's resume and what important characteristics their employers possess. "We really encourage students to take advantage of the Career Research done by Team 123oye.com and visit the website regularly no matter what stage they are in of their college career." RESUME STYLES The chronological resume is most common for college students applying for entry level jobs. This type lists the applicant's most recent accomplishments and goes backwards to reflect previous accomplishments. This format is preferred because they show progress and employers are able to get a clear and easy look at all you have done, Sakaroff said. Functional resumes show a person's skills and work experiences grouped into specific categories. These types of resumes are ideal for those who are applying for jobs unrelated to their desired career and sometimes used so that work history gaps appear less evident. Combination resumes highlight skills and work experiences by using both chronological and functional formats. Skills and experiences are grouped and within the groups arranged chronologically, typically beginning with the applicant's most recent work. Curricula vitae (Cvs) are used more by graduate students and those with PhD's. This form of resume is done for desired careers focused on academics, research or when seeking international employment. Cvs are longer than other resumes with some exceeding 20 pages. This style goes further in depth with experiences and qualifications, giving very specific overviews of professional activities and achievements. Etiquette Tips from Sakaroff: -
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