Writing resumes

A resume is a tool used to entice an employer to interview you. If employers are not calling you for interviews, then either your resume is not reflecting how your skills and experiences match closely with the positions you are applying for, or you are applying to jobs that do not match your qualifications and experiences.

• See our Resume Writing Worksheet handout to begin your first resume.
  
• See our Resume Writing Principles handout for details and example resumes.
• Watch a resume video for helpful guidance.

Resume critiques

• Schedule an appointment with Career Services staff for a resume critique.
• Submit a resume critique request from within the "My Documents" part of your Hire-a-Falcon account.

Electronic resumes

• Prepare your resume for e-mail and online posting. Tip: copy/paste your resume into Notepad to convert it to plain text, then use Notepad to edit and save the resume.
  
• How to e-mail your electronic resume.
• Staying cyber-safe, and where to post your resume.

Resumes for overseas jobs

• Use GoingGlobal while on-campus. You may create an account for using off-campus.
  

View our Professional Letters handout for details and examples.

1. Cover/application letters serve as an introduction to your resume.
2. Letters of interest/inquiry are inquiries about possible vacancies or a request for an informational interview.
3. Professional emails done well engage an employer to view your cover letter and resume.

Letters of Recommendation

Request letters of recommendation from employers and other individuals who may validate your work-related experience, skills and character.

Reference Page/Sheet

View an example reference page/sheet at the end of our Resume Writing Principles handout.

If requested by the employer, submit a reference page with your resume. Usually, prospective employers will not check your references until you reach the interview stage. However, it may benefit you to send your list of references in the initial stage of your job search even if it has not been requested. This may create a favorable impression if your references are particularly impressive, or the employer knows someone you have listed. Be sure to bring your reference page to the interview.

For your reference page, you should have names of 3 - 5 references who will speak highly of you if an employer contacts them regarding your employability. Your references should be past employers, supervisors, or professors. Prospective employers are not interested in personal references. Make sure you ask each reference for permission to include them on your list. Tell each reference what kind of jobs you will be applying for and what skills you want them to emphasize if they get a call from a prospective employer.

In addition, it is important to keep in contact with your references. They often appreciate being kept informed of your progress and may be able to provide leads on employment opportunities.

What is a curriculum vitae?

Curriculum Vitas (CV) are used primarily in academic, research and medical careers as a replacement for a resume. A CV is far more comprehensive than a resume and includes a listing of professional history, including every term of employment, academic credential, publication, contribution or significant achievement. In certain professions, it may even include samples of the person's work and may comprise numerous pages.

About portfolios

A portfolio is a collection of artifacts about you that demonstrate your employment-related experience, skills and abilities. These items are either gathered into binders, or are made available through a personalized web portfolio. When used properly, the most effective opportunity to introduce a portfolio is during an interview.

Portfolios are used by professionals throughout their careers to assist in obtaining tenure, promotions, and to organize and illustrate on-the-job ideas that may require documentation, such as project proposals and funding requests.

See our Professional Portfolio Development handout.

Common majors/fields requiring portfolios

Fine Arts, Marketing Communications, Education, Journalism, Digital Film and Television, Horticulture, Sociology, Communication Studies, Majors in the College of Business.

Types of portfolios

Hardcopy Portfolio: The most effective portfolio to use during an interview. Portfolio artifacts are held in a professional leather-bound case or three-ring binder, and organized using a table of contents and section tabs for quick navigation.

Mini portfolios: Photocopies of your best artifacts that demonstrate your work-related experience, skills and abilities related to a position you are interviewing for. These artifacts are placed in a thin 2-pocket folder or a professional report binder with plastic cover, and are intended to be offered to the employer at the end of an interview, or used during the interview.

e-Portfolios: Ideal for providing employers information about you either before or after an interview. Using technology during an interview is generally not appropriate and distracts from two-way communication between the interviewer and interviewee. 

E-portfolio technology

Most web hosting providers offer web design templates which allow individuals to develop their own personalized web site or e-portfolio. As an alternative eFfolio Minnesota is an online portfolio tool available free for state of Minnesota residents, and non-residents may purchase an account with eFolio World. The College of Business utilizes LiveText for current students, and the College of Education & Professional Studies utilizes Chalk and Wire for its students.

Begin your portfolio

Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor for assistance with beginning your portfolio development.

Having an online profile for professional purposes is becoming mainstream, and tells employers that you are current. Employers may learn a lot about you before or after an interview by what you post publicly in social networking sites and other websites. Keep your profiles and public content professional, and use your security settings to control what employers may see.

Linked-in: Hiring managers and professionals use Linked-in as a professional tool to network. Only use your Linked-in account for professional (not personal) purposes.
Video: Get Started With LinkedIn
Tips: How to Build a Professional Student LinkedIn Profile
Tips: How to Network Professionally Using LinkedIn

Facebook: Beware, the content of your Facebook account may be accessible to employers through their "Friends". Check the viewing rights you provide to your friends and networks, and update public content in your public profile and messages to to keep them professional.

Twitter: Like your Facebook account, be aware that your public "tweets" may be viewed by hiring managers.

Google Thyself: Search for your name using Google to see what your "digital dirt" looks like. If you find content that you wish employers would not see, attempt to have it removed.

Educators, counselors and school administrators applying to school districts are required to participate in a structured recruitment process which is different from applying to jobs in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Professional positions in school districts typically require a certification or license.

Education major job search resources