1) KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid
Nobody hiring you is going to read more than 2 pages, there’s just not enough time or need for that. Between 1-2 pages is a perfect length (preferably 1- flipping the page takes time).
Refrain from using fancy wording or complicated terms. I know you think you sound really great and smart using big words, but it should be able to be easily understood by a high schooler.
2) Volunteering is Key
Serving as a leader for a club or volunteering on the weekend shows that you are reliable and hard working. A hiring manager wants to see commitment and that you have interests beyond your academics.
Any clubs you’ve started or activities related to the job you’re applying for are 100% resume boosters. And if you are a senior with zero volunteer service…YOU ARE NOT ALONE and it’s not too late! Lucky for us we have volunteer service opportunities patiently waiting for us on campus.
There are at least 3 volunteer services a week that you can participate in at CUA. If you don’t have any wild spring break plans or a super busy summer next year check out the available mission trips. Visit the “Service and Justice” page on the CUA website to find any opportunities that your resume desperately needs…and because helping the community is good for the soul.
3) Take Off The Things That Nobody Cares About
4 major things that will get your resume straight to the trash:
1) High school shenanigans – Unfortunately high school is far from over so we can’t include our little activities that seemed so great but just don’t matter anymore.
2) Non-volunteer activities– Nope, nobody wants to know that you like to take bike rides on Sunday and play soccer with your friends.
3) Selfies?! – Any photos at all should not even be an option.
4) 2.9 GPA – If your GPA is lower than a 3.0, it’s going to be all right…you don’t need to let anyone know that.
4) Hit em’ With Your Best Shot
Writing descriptions of what you accomplished at a job or internship should be in bullets! Paragraphs of “I did this and then I did this and made this and this was cool” DOESN’T WORK!
While you’re doing this, you want to make sure you focus on accomplishments and skills gained from your experience. This shows employers what skills you have learned and how you can use them to be an asset to their company.
The average resume gets viewed for about 10 seconds so you have to make sure everything you want to be seen is there and will be seen without effort.
5) There, Their, They’re
Spelling errors are stupid and should not be on your resume. It’s a short document with enough words that a solid hour of intense spell check would do the trick. And after you spend that time looking over it, give it to your parents to check, then give it to your roommate, then your teacher and then look at it again yourself. I’m serious- zero spelling error tolerance in the working world.
And yes you should be reading all sentences on your resume, but it’s also important to make sure your contact information is accurate- not only yours but references as well.
6) Soooo Now What?…
As you’re sitting there with not a clue of what to do with your resume- there is help right around the corner! CUA Office of Career Services. Yes, they do help you with your resume- from tips to fine-tuning, they are there to help you!