There is no set way to write a resume because the format you use can change based on what position you are applying for, the nature of the industry you are in, and your strengths and weaknesses. A resume is a tool used to stress your qualities that best apply to the job you are applying for. Employers want to see how qualified you are to work for their company, and therefore it is your job to show them that through your resume.

1. All Resumes Must Include...
   • All Resumes must include certain information such as your name, permanent address, current address and phone number.

2. General Objective for Your Resume
   • Your general objective is to show the employer what you can do for them, NOT what they can do for you.

   • You want to sell yourself and your skills -- This might mean reorganizing your resume so that your strongest assests are what is seen first on the resume.

3. Education
   • In the education section of your resume, include the University you attended, degrees earned, major, minors, grade point average (if above a 3.0), and your date of graduation.

   • You may also wish to emphasize job related courses that you have taken that are beyond the core curriculum classes required for your major. Make sure that you list these classes by name and not course number.

4. Work Experience
   • Under Work Experience, you should list all positions you have held which are in some way related to the position you are seeking.

   • Really think about all of the skills that you used for each job you have held however, because even what seems like the most meaningless job, can actually be an asset to you.

   • In listing your Job experience, you may wish to include your job title, the company name and address, dates you worked for them and the duties you performed while holding this job.

5. Skills
   • In this section you should list all of the skills you have that would be useful in the position you are seeking.

   • Your skills section can include things you have achieved through work experience or classes you have taken.

6. Activities and Honors
   • The Activities and Honors section of your resume should include just that -- all significant activities and honors and you have achieved since you graduated from High School.

   • Do not use things that require detailed explanation or look like you are stretching minor experiences into major ones.

7. References and Portfolios
   • References are a list of professional or academic acquaintances who are willing to talk with prospective employers about you and your abilities.

   • A Portfolio is a selection of professional quality work that can be presented to your employer as an example of what you are capable of.

   • You can either send a portfolio or a list of your references along with your cover letter and resume or let the employer know they are available upon request.

8. Other Tips
   • Make sure your resume is concise and easy to read.

   • Make sure that you emphasize your strongest attributes, so that they stand out to the employer.

   • Research the company you are applying to so you know exactly what the employer is looking for.

9. Different Types of Resumes
   • A Chronological Resumeis one in which all activities are placed in chronological order. The information found in your Education and Work Experience sections would be arranged from the most recent information to the least recent.

   • A Skills Resume is one in which the most beneficial information for acquiring a particular job is placed more prominently towards the top of your resume and is one of the first things that your prospective employer will see. This type of outline should be used if you have already been exposed to the type of position that you are applying for.

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