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

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?

Not certain how to start or want to perfect it?  Schedule an appointment in Handshake to meet with a Career Counselor.

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This web site contains links to other web sites not under the control of the Career Education Office and we are 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.