Get Started With the Basics: How to Start Drafting Your Resume
There are lots of different ways to write a resume. It all depends on the job you're applying for. This basic outline works well for recent and soon-to-be college grads.
Objective
State your goal for applying. You can also highlight the skills you'll bring to the position. Keep this brief. A sentence or two at most.
An objective is optional. A lot of recent college graduates and people switching careers like to include an objective. It can help an employer get a good understanding of what your career goals are.
Education
This section includes:
- Name and location of your college or university
- Your degree
- GPA
- Any honors you achieved
- Courses that highlight your unique skills or knowledge
- Graduation month and year
Experience
This is the heart and soul of your resume. It demonstrates that you have what it takes to be successful in the position you're applying for. Your experience section should include:
- Job title
- Employment dates
- Name of the organization and its location
- Bullet points of your responsibilities and the skills you developed
There's more to this section than the traditional 9 to 5 grind. Jobs and internships aren't the only things that qualify as experience. You can include your experience with student organizations, too.
Community Service
Volunteering shows you're motivated and hard-working even when you're not getting a paycheck. Employers like to see this kind of thing.
Highlight any community service you've done and include:
- Name of the organization and its location
- Volunteer dates
- A summary of what you did
Certifications and Professional Memberships
If you have special certifications or if you're a member of any professional organizations, list them out here. Make sure the information you provide is relevant to the job you're applying for.
Skills
List the skills and abilities you have that can help you succeed in the job. This can include skills in technology, language, tools, etc.
