Resume

OBJECTIVE/SUMMARY STATEMENT:

• This is an optional section, with fewer and fewer employers wanting it included. 
• Employers feel it wastes space, is redundant, and states the obvious, taking up valuable area on your resume. 
• If used, it should only be a very specific career statement, nothing more (one sentence). 
• Some examples:
  • "Seeking sales data analytics position with textile company in the Pacific Northwest."
  • "Motivated sales professional seeking position in athletics, anywhere on United States east coast."
  • "Italian student (legally approved for U.S. employment) seeking fashion industry finance position in New York City."

VERY IMPORTANT: If you’re searching for an internship or co-op, don’t include only that you are searching for “co-ops” and/or “internships”.   A job that can count for these does not have to be named a “co-op”, etc. to be approved.  As long as you are hired for a job that meets the requirements, you’re good to go.  You should state you are searching for a “position” (keep it simple, not too much at first). 

EDUCATION:

In addition to the “general” information (Name of school, location, major, etc.) be sure to include:

• Activities participated in  (can be it's own section)
  
• Honors received  (can be it's own section)
  
• Events/Workshops attended
• Anything showing you've done more than simply complete coursework
• Any continuing education, or certifications
• Study abroad experiences

EXPERIENCE:

When listing previous experience(s) (formal or informal) the most important details are describing your job duties, what skills you obtained on the job.  These tell the employer what talents, skills, and abilities you have that can now be used for their advantage.  Here's how you do it:

2-6 bullet points per position (depending on time there), each only 1 line in length (say more with less, get to the point quickly)

USE A 1-SENTENCE FORMAT:  WHAT + HOW = RESULT

1. WHAT – task completed
2. HOW – using what tools/resources
3. RESULT – prove you did a good job using #s/figures or outcome statements

EXAMPLE 1:

Increased 4th quarter sales (WHAT) by 20% (RESULT) using group discounts and enhanced customer relations. (HOW)

EXAMPLE 2:
Reduced May 2015 component costs (WHAT) by $3,000 (RESULT) through contract with new vendor. (HOW)

At present, you may have too little listed under your positions, describing the tasks you completed in that position.  Don't sell yourself short.  Even if you do not think it is relevant or important, any piece of information you write on your resume can act as a catalyst for that employer to notice you.  The more you leave off, the greater you increase your chances of not making a connection with that employer.

SKILLS/TALENTS/ABILITIES:

This section can be used as a utility section, meaning a place to highlight yourself and the skills you have acquired throughout your life.  These skills can include those learned in the classroom or from previous jobs you have had.  They might also include a skill you’ve taught yourself, something you’ve learned from your grandfather, mother, father, brother, friend, etc.

Include very specific skills, make a CONNECTION with your reader.  SEE OUR DETAILED SKILLS PAGE HERE

Delete terms like, "Great leadership skills" and "Positive attitude".  This is referred to by employers as "fluff", meaning the listing of skills that you are already assumed to have and that most everyone puts on their resume, adding no real value.

INVOLVEMENT:

AFFILIATIONS, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT...

This section is where you could list organizations, groups, professional development networks, etc. where a connection might be made with an employer.  Some examples include:

• American Marketing Association (AMA)
  
• International Business Association (IBA)
  
• Habitat for Humanity
• American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA)
• Beta Alpha Psi
• Business Professionals of America (BPA)
• Church affiliations and leadership
• Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)
• BGSU Student Organizations
• The American Finance Association (AFA)
• Boy Scouts of America
• The Graphic Professionals Resource Network
• American Red Cross
  
• Volunteer organizations      

Be sure to keep the same formatting used in other sections (your EXPERIENCE section, for example). 

Employers view this section as VERY important.  It tells them you care for than the status-quo.  You’re involved in more that just school and work, and you want to make a difference.  That passion will help get you hired, if you tell them about it.  Here’s some formatting and practical examples:

** THE FORMATTING (text listing order, lines, etc.) BELOW IS ONLY AN EXAMPLE - THE ORDER AND STYLE CAN VARY FROM THIS, JUST AS LONG AS YOURS ALL MATCH THROUGHOUT YOUR RESUME - ORGANIZATION SHOWS YOU CAN WRITE AND COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, WHICH ALL EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR **

ORGANIZATION NAME, Role/Title, City, ST                                                          Dates

> Mission, purpose, your role, philanthropy, skills gained, events, partnerships, etc…

> E.g. Helped Make-A-Wish Foundation raise $2,000 selling 50/50 tickets at football game

ORGANIZATION NAME, Role/Title, City, ST                                                          Dates

> Mission, purpose, your role, philanthropy, skills gained, events, partnerships, etc…

> E.g. Volunteered accounting services, processing 50 tax returns in 1 week for less fortunate

ORGANIZATION NAME, Role/Title, City, ST                                                          Dates

> Mission, purpose, your role, philanthropy, skills gained, events, partnerships, etc…

> E.g. Use mission statement of organization to highlight your involvement

This section can also list experiences, activities, or community groups, or one-time event involvement.  Some might include, but are not limited to:

• Theater, Music & Arts
• Athletics
• Religious/Spiritual
• Robotics
• Journalism
• Drama
• Competitions
• Model Court, UN, etc.
• Student Government

HONORS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS...

Be sure to explain WHAT you were awarded, and how/why (criteria) you received this award.  Explain why it would matter to a potential employer.  What skills have you gained that are useful to them?

• If a scholarship, how much did you receive?
• Did you win this award out of 10 or 2,000 other applicants?
• What's the reputation of this accomplishment?  Does it mean anything?
• Is this achievable by anyone, or very difficult?
• Was the application and selection process complicated or in stages?

Some categorical examples might include, but are not limited to:

• Scholarships
• Athletics
• Academic awards
• Extracurricular

> Criteria to obtain. Volume of competition. Skills learned. Etc. Use #’s when possible

> E.g. Ranked 3rd out of 270 competitors in sales competition, selling data analytics technology

REFERENCES

(Always a separate document - only provided when asked for by employer)

1. List your references on a separate document, not on your resume.  Use the space on your resume to list your attributes and skills, not your references. 
2. Your references should be given to an employer only if they ask, not before. 
3. Listing 3 references is typical, however, be sure to provide the employer the exact number they request.
4. Who should you use as a reference? Someone who can speak positively and professionally on your behalf. Examples include:
   1. BGSU Faculty, Instructors & Staff
   2. Previous Employers (supervisors, owners, co-workers, etc.)
   3. Teachers & Coaches
   4. Community Leaders
   5. Religious Leaders

REFERENCE PAGE FORMAT:

1. Start with a new document.
2. Copy/paste your name/contact information from your resume.
3. List your references below, using same information found on a typical business card.

Separate document, example below: