The purpose of a resume is to highlight your skills and experience, and ultimately secure an interview. Most employers look at resumes for 10-15 seconds, so it needs to be visually appealing and grab the reader’s attention. There’s no one way to craft a resume, but you do want to make sure that it accurately describes your talents and abilities in a way that addresses the reader’s needs.

Not sure where to begin? Use our Resume Outline (PDF) and the Resume Brainstorming Worksheet to start gathering the information you'll need for your resume.

After you have a draft of your resume, use these guidelines to refine and polish your resume.

• Tips for a standout resume (PDF)
• Core Skills Verb List for Resume (PDF)

Looking for inspiration? Check out our sample resumes.

• Resume Samples (PDF)
• First Year Resume Samples

For industry specific resumes, check out these resources:

• Federal resumes

When preparing your resume it makes sense to compile a list of references as well. Although you don’t have to provide a list of references unless a potential employer asks, it is a good idea to have one ready when you go to an interview. Review these tips:

• Reference Lists (PDF)

Curriculum Vitae

You may also need to create a curriculum vitae (CV), especially if you are applying for academic, education, scientific, or research positions.  A CV is also commonly used when applying for scholarships, fellowships, and grants.

• Writing an Effective CV (PDF)
• CV Sample (PDF)

 

Need help getting started or want feedback on a draft?

Not certain how to start or want to perfect it?  Schedule an appointment in Handshake to meet with a Career Counselor.  For feedback on a draft of your resume, here is a How To video on uploading your document to your Handshake profile.  You'll hear from a CEO team member within two business days.

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Disclaimer

The Career Education Office (CEO) at Goucher College abides by the principles set forth by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) and expects that employers who use the Center's services will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, sex, age, disability, or genetic information. All employment listings on the CEO platform are posted at the sole discretion of the Career Education Office.

The CEO is not responsible for the content of any linked site; the CEO provides these links only as a convenience and assumes no liability for acts or omissions by third parties or for any material supplied by them. Goucher is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or other aspects of off-campus employment. It is the responsibility of students to research the integrity and safety of the organizations to which they are applying. Students are advised to use caution and common sense when applying for any position with an organization and reach out to the CEO if they have concerns or questions.