Resume Writing for Graduate Students ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES CENTER

Resume Writing for
Graduate Students
S T. C L O UD STA TE UN I V ER SI TY
C A R E E R SER V I C ES C EN TER
Agenda
 Purpose of a resume
 General tips and recommendations
 Standard sections of a resume
 What makes a graduate level resume different?
 The curriculum vitae
 References
 Final reminders
Purpose of the Resume
 To get you INTERVIEWS!
 The resume is a self-marketing tool – an important
first impression
 Highlight your qualifications for a particular job
 The candidate whose resume most closely matches
the qualifications sought by the employer is the one
who will get the interview
Getting Started – The Basics
 Microsoft Word document
 Do NOT use a template
 1-2 pages for graduate students
 Use consistent formatting/style
 One inch margins – “white space”
 Times New Roman, 10-12 pt font
 Use boldface for the key information
More General Guidelines
 Omit personal information
 Eliminate high school and any old, irrelevant college
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and work information
Avoid using personal pronouns
No abbreviations/acronyms/jargon unless
the employer knows what they mean
Use action verbs to describe experiences
Do not use contractions
Be clear and concise – avoid flowery language
Different Kinds of Resumes
 Chronological
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Most common or “traditional” – preferred by employers
Organizes experience by date – good when you have stable history of
experience, progressive responsibility in the same field
 Functional
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Focus on skills and qualifications – what you achieved versus where
you achieved it
Experience grouped into “skill areas” such as communication,
administration, counseling, leadership, technical, financial, etc.
Good when you a lot of experience in a variety of positions, don’t
have a stable history or you are changing fields
 Combination
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Uses the structure of a chronological resume, but adds a “summary
of qualifications” or “professional profile” to summarize key skills
and experiences
Standard Resume Sections/Headings
 Contact Information
 Objective (optional)
 Education
 Employment/Experience
 Activities and Achievements
Additional Headings for Graduate Students
 Research Experience
 Computer/IT Skills
 Additional Languages
 Professional Memberships
 Committees
 Summary of Qualifications
 Research/Publications (CV)
 Teaching Experience (CV)
Contact Information
 Name
 Current address
 Current phone #
 Email address
Example:
John Smith
105 South Maple
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
320-255-3333
[email protected]
Objective
 To let employer know what position(s) you seek
 Indicate exact job title if you know it
 Brief and concise
 Leave off “Objective” section if:
 Employer has more than one position of interest
 Don’t know what position(s) employer has
 Need space to describe more qualifications
Objective - Examples
 Seeking a position as a Public Relations Specialist
 To obtain a position as a Rehabilitation Counselor
with Dextra Client Solutions
 Driven, results oriented emerging business
professional seeking a position as a Sales
Management Trainee at Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Education Section
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Degree
Graduation date
Universities and locations
GPA (if 3.0 or higher)
Do NOT list high school
Other optional items under education:
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Emphasis or area of concentration
Academic honors or awards
Any related certificates or licensures
Program accreditation
International experience
Related training
Thesis or final project
Education - Example
Master of Arts: Social Work
St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
 GPA: 4.0
May 2013
Bachelor of Science: Psychology
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN
 Minor in Communication Studies
 Dean’s List – 3 semesters
 GPA: 3.7
May 2010
Experience Sections
 What is the difference between “related experience” and
“employment?”
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Related – all experiences specifically related to the opportunity you
are seeking; can be paid or unpaid
Employment – experiences that are paid; may be related or not
related; important to focus on transferable skills
 Experiences can include:
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Graduate Assistantships
Internships (credit and not for credit)
Employment
Campus Involvement
Volunteer work
Research
Class projects
Practicum/field work
Employment/Experience Section
 Job Title/Position
 Name of Employer/Organization
 Location (city and state)
 Date(s) (month and year)
 Skills/Duties/Accomplishments
 Use bullet points!
 No complete sentences or personal pronouns
Bullet Points
 Match verbs/skills words in bullet points to those
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used in job posting
List specific results -- include the impact or
contribution your involvement had
Use phrases, not full sentences; 2-3 lines max
Use action verbs when describing your experiences
and skills developed (not “responsible for” or “duties
included”)
Use appropriate verb tense with past and present
employment
Employment Example
Graduate Assistant
July 2012 -Present
Career Services Center, SCSU, St. Cloud, MN
 Strengthen counseling skills by meeting with students for
individual, one hour appointments regarding major or
career decision
 Interpret career assessment instruments such as the
MBTI, FOCUS, and Strong-Interest Inventory
 Demonstrate strong communication and public speaking
skills by presenting on a variety of career related topics
 Assist in the coordination of job fairs on and off campus
by communicating with employers in the St. Cloud region
Experience Example
Research Assistant/Intern
Summer 2011
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
 Contributed to the development of nicotine research
protocols as a member of a research team of clinical
psychologists, physicians, and biostatisticians
 Participated in health psychology evaluations and
formulated diagnostic impressions and treatment plans
 Independently contributed to the closure of a research
project and successfully produced a manuscript for
journal submission
Activities and Achievements
 Use this section to provide additional
examples of the initiative, motivation, leadership,
related experience and skills, interest in profession,
etc., sought by employers
 Could include student organizations, volunteering,
community involvement, awards, scholarships, etc.
Activities and Achievements
Crisis Hotline Volunteer
June 2012-present
Crisis Center, St. Cloud, MN
 Completed 40 hour training in telephone crisis intervention
 Supervise seven undergraduate volunteer students and serve as a facilitator for debriefing
discussions during the academic year
Member, Graduate Student Organization
Graduate Student Organization, SCSU
Volunteer
Catholic Charities, Saint Cloud, MN
August 2011-present
August 2010- May 2012
Award Recipient
March 2012
Excellence in Leadership Award, SCSU
 One of only 23 students on campus of 16,000 to receive award for outstanding leadership and
service
Curriculum Vitae – What is it?
 An expanded resume for individuals in academic
professions
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Cumulative record of all academic activities – update regularly
Higher education, specialized scientific research, government
 Allows for specialized, academic specific language
 No page limit
 Includes additional headings such as publications,
teaching experience/courses taught, research,
presentations/poster sessions, professional activities,
conference participation, current research interests,
grants, practicum/field work, specialized training, etc.
References
 Current or previous supervisors
 College professors or advisors
 NOT family or friends
 Always obtain permission first
 Do not write “References available upon request” on
the bottom of your resume
References
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Separate page
Paper, font size and style should match resume
Heading from resume should match heading on references
Generally 3-5 references
Recommendation letters vs. references
General Format:
Name of Reference
Title
Organization
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip
Phone #
Email
Example
Dr. Jane Doe
Assistant Professor, Political Science
St. Cloud State University
720 4th Ave South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
[email protected]
320-308-5555
Cover Letters
 Formal business letter that introduces your resume
 Allows you to expand and personalize your resume
 Connects your past experiences to the position you
are applying for – highlighting strengths,
accomplishments, and personality
 Should be tailored for the position and company
 Convince the reader of why you should be invited for
an interview
 Good opportunity to explain any problems, gaps, etc.
on your resume
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
 Needs to be well written, detailed yet concise
 Don’t just repeat the resume – expand and incorporate
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your personality
Give real life examples of how you have demonstrated
skills/qualifications
Don’t write in generalities – no kitchen sink statements
Address to a specific person if possible (not “To Whom it
May Concern”)
No more than one page, typically 3-5 paragraphs
Same style and formatting as your resume
If mailing, sign in blue ink
Cover Letter Content
 Intro
 Explain why you are writing – what position are you applying for? (be
specific)
 How did you find out about the position?
 Brief intro statement of why you are qualified
 Express interest in the specific employer, company, etc.
 Body
 Explain why you are qualified for the position
 Expand on your resume – highlight most important qualifications, give
examples
 Discuss your most relevant or distinguishing characteristics
 Closure
 Brief summary statement
 Indicate that your resume is enclosed
 Mention that you would like to meet for an interview
 Thank them for their time and consideration
Final Reminders
Review for spelling and grammar errors!
Print on good quality resume paper
Do not print double sided
Do not fold or staple
If 2+ pages, include your name and page # on every page
Convert to PDF or plain text before uploading to online
systems (depending on the system)
 Always have a cover letter and reference sheet ready
 Keep track of positions you have applied for, follow up
 Bring it to Career Services!
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Thank You!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL OR VISIT:
ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
CAREER SERVICES CENTER
CENTENNIAL HALL 215
320-308-2151
WWW.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/CAREERSERVICES