Resume Core Components

View our online resume writing workshop at http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/workshops.html.

The objective is a brief statement that tells the reader what position you are seeking, and perhaps the industry or organization you would like to work within.  It might also highlight the skills you hope to use to benefit the employer or a geographical preference. Do NOT tell the employer what you will gain from the position in an objective statement.  While objectives are technically optional, the majority of employers want to see an objective so they know your career interest areas. Sample objectives:

• Seeking an internship position in plant propagation or greenhouse management

• To acquire a marketing position within the forest products industry in Minnesota or Wisconsin

• To obtain a social work position with an emphasis on family counseling using my skills in assessment, communications, and problem solving

Education

The education section of your resume typically includes information on college level academic work including the degree, university, majors/minors, cumulative or major GPA, and graduation month/year.  An education section can also include information on academic awards, study abroad, thesis title and related coursework.  An example might look like:

Bachelor of Science, University of Minnesota

Major: Fisheries & Wildlife, Conservation Biology specialization

GPA: 3.28, Spring 2007

Experience

Describe the experiences and accomplishments that will be of interest to an employer.  This might include both paid work experience and other activities as well.  Early in your career, you may have space to include all of your experience, later you will need to be more selective including only those that are most important.

For each experience include: 1) job title 2) employer name 3) city, state of employer 4) dates 5) quality statements to describe key job duties, accomplishments, projects, or other aspects of your work that will be the most interesting to an employer.  To learn how to write an excellent bullet statement, review the Resume Writing Handout listed under General Information. A sample format of an experience:

Residential Accessibility Intern, March 2004-June 2004

Thomas Eickhoff Design, Inc., Minneapolis, MN

• Modified existing floor plans and reviewed new home plans to meet client needs

• Evaluated and surveyed buildings in a detailed manner to confirm ADA compliance

• Collaborated with colleagues to develop an ADA survey for a multimillion dollar supermarket chain

• Identified appropriate product information for clients with disabilities

Activities

Activities sections can include student organizations, volunteer projects, or professional associations.  When listing activities, it is common to include the organization name and perhaps dates of participation if you have been involved for a long period of time.  You may also want to include a bullet to explain a leadership role or accomplishment.

College of Design Student Board ,  September 2004-present

- or -

University of Minnesota Admissions Ambassador , October 2001-June 2003

• Conducted three campus tours a day for prospective students and their parents to instill a positive impression of the University