Career Development Office - Job Search Tips

The sections on your resume will vary, depending on your background and experience.

Here are various sections to consider when developing a resume:

Helps to focus resume. This is not a required section. If you do not use one, be as specific and focused as possible in the opening paragraph of your cover letter.
If using this section, it should be targeted to one specific field or type of position
do not use "seeking a challenging and exciting job using my skills"

Seeking a position in biological research using my scientific and laboratory skills
Seeking a legal assistant position
Management trainee in commercial banking

List school(s), city, state, date of graduation, degree, major
Emphasize educational experiences which illustrates your interest and ability
Include study abroad or attendance at other school's ( summer, transfer) as a separate listing within this section.
Consider including honors, awards, GPA. Some may consider having a separate Honors & Awards section, if appropriate.
List High School if appropriate and depending on space

Include any position with skills geared to your objective. Organizations want to know that you have worked regardless of the direct connection to the job you are seeking. It shows responsibility and initiative.
This section can include summer, part-time, volunteer, internships, and /or work-study jobs.
When including items in this section, list the title, organization, city, state, date
It is important to include descriptions using active verbs! This way, the reader will know what you did. On a resume, you do not include pronouns. The rule is to start the sentence using the action verb. In the description, make sure to emphasize your major accomplishments.

Increased membership by 30%. Organized membership campaign utilizing phone, internet and referrals.
Coordinated conference for 30 people. Organized 15 seminars with 30 presenters.
Wrote weekly articles for membership newsletter.

This section can include clubs, organizations, sports, community activities, and interests
If you were actively involved, use descriptions!! The skills and experience you gain in an activity are just as valuable as ones gained from paid employment.

Member, Customs Committee, Haverford College 2002-3003
"Selected and trained 20 students to lead new student orientation. Received extensive training in mediation and listening skills."

Editor, Bi-Co News, Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges
"Write 2-3 articles per week for weekly newspaper. Supervise 5 writers and edit 10 articles on a weekly basis. Oversee $10,000 annual budget."

This section is optional. This section should be used only to highlight specific, pertinent technical abilities, including such items as foreign language, computer languages, software or hardware; media equipment, etc.

SKILLS: Languages: Fluent in Spanish, Proficient in Italian; Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, Filemaker Pro, Photoshop