Resumes

Tips For Writing Your Resume

• Use Headings: Organize your resume clearly with headings.
• Use Bullet Points: Instead of long paragraphs, use action-oriented bullet points following the ACE Method.
• Be Specific: List your skills and accomplishments.
• Avoid Templates: Don’t use a template. Your resume should be unique and show off what makes you special. Templates can look generic and might be hard for online systems to read.
• Match the Job Description: Use words from the job description in your resume. This helps your resume rank higher when scanned by applicant tracking systems.
• Keep It Short: Limit your resume to one page. Use standard fonts in sizes 10 to 14.
• Be Consistent: Use the same formatting throughout your resume. Make headings and contact info larger than the body text.
• Include Relevant Experiences: List clubs, organizations, class projects, and volunteer work along with jobs and internships. High school activities can be mentioned if they show your achievements.
• Use Professional Terms: Use familiar words and phrases from your field to show you’re informed and qualified.
• Avoid First Person: Don’t use “I” or “me” in your resume.
• Spell Out Abbreviations: The first time you use an abbreviation, spell out the whole phrase and put the abbreviation in parentheses. Example: Adron Doran University Center (ADUC). Use the abbreviation only after that.
• Create a Reference Page: Make a separate page for your references.
• Proofread: After writing your resume, have someone check it for errors. Spell checkers might miss mistakes. CCDEE can help with this.

The ACE Method

The ACE Method is an easy way to write strong bullet points for your resume. "ACE" stands for Action, Challenge, and End-Result. Here’s how to use it:

• Action: Start by describing what you did.
• Challenge: Mention a problem or responsibility you faced.
• End-Result: Show the positive outcome of what you did.

Even though it might seem like a lot to fit into one bullet point, you’ll find that ACE makes it simple. Check out the example below to see how it works.

Example: Developed new filing and organizational practices, saving the company $3,000 per year in contracted labor expenses.

Resume vs. CV 

CVs and resumes are tools to show off your skills, experience, knowledge, education, and achievements. They help you market yourself.

CVs, or curriculum vitae, focus more on academic details and are often used for applying to graduate programs and jobs in academia, science, or research. Our staff can help you create a strong CV.

When making your CV, include sections about your presentations, publications, teaching, research experience, and academic honors. Also, mention your involvement on campus, professional memberships, internships, and volunteer work. These can make you stand out on graduate school admissions committees.