ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

CAREER SERVICES CENTER

Resume Writing for Graduate Students

Agenda

Purpose of a resumeGeneral tips and recommendationsStandard sections of a resumeWhat makes a graduate level resume

different?The curriculum vitaeReferencesFinal 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 documentDo NOT use a template1-2 pages for graduate studentsUse consistent formatting/styleOne inch margins – “white space”Times New Roman, 10-12 pt fontUse boldface for the key information

More General Guidelines

Omit personal informationEliminate high school and any old, irrelevant

college and work informationAvoid using personal pronounsNo abbreviations/acronyms/jargon unless

the employer knows what they mean Use action verbs to describe experiencesDo not use contractionsBe clear and concise – avoid flowery

language

Different Kinds of Resumes

Chronological Most common or “traditional” – preferred by employers Organizes experience by date – good when you have stable

history of experience, progressive responsibility in the same fieldFunctional

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 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 InformationObjective (optional)EducationEmployment/Experience Activities and Achievements

Additional Headings for Graduate Students

Research ExperienceComputer/IT SkillsAdditional LanguagesProfessional MembershipsCommitteesSummary of QualificationsResearch/Publications (CV)Teaching Experience (CV)

Contact Information

NameCurrent addressCurrent phone #Email address

Example:

John Smith105 South Maple

Saint Cloud, MN 56301320-255-3333

smjo1001@stcloudstate.edu

Objective

To let employer know what position(s) you seek

Indicate exact job title if you know itBrief and conciseLeave 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

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

Objective - Examples

Education Section

DegreeGraduation dateUniversities and locationsGPA (if 3.0 or higher)Do NOT list high schoolOther optional items under education:

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 May 2013St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MNGPA: 4.0

Bachelor of Science: Psychology May 2010Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MNMinor in Communication StudiesDean’s List – 3 semestersGPA: 3.7

Experience Sections

What is the difference between “related experience” and “employment?” 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 skillsExperiences can include:

Graduate Assistantships Internships (credit and not for credit) Employment Campus Involvement Volunteer work Research Class projects Practicum/field work

Employment/Experience Section

Job Title/PositionName of Employer/OrganizationLocation (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 used in job posting

List specific results -- include the impact or contribution your involvement had

Use phrases, not full sentences; 2-3 lines maxUse 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 -PresentCareer Services Center, SCSU, St. Cloud, MNStrengthen 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 August 2011-presentGraduate Student Organization, SCSU

Volunteer August 2010- May 2012Catholic Charities, Saint Cloud, MN

Award Recipient March 2012Excellence 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 Cumulative record of all academic activities – update regularly Higher education, specialized scientific research, government

Allows for specialized, academic specific languageNo page limitIncludes 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 supervisorsCollege professors or advisorsNOT family or friendsAlways obtain permission firstDo not write “References available upon

request” on the bottom of your resume

References

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

TitleOrganization

Mailing AddressCity, State, Zip

Phone #Email

Example

Dr. Jane DoeAssistant Professor, Political Science

St. Cloud State University720 4th Ave South

St. Cloud, MN 56301jodoe@stcloudstate.edu

320-308-5555

Formal business letter that introduces your resumeAllows you to expand and personalize your resumeConnects your past experiences to the position you

are applying for – highlighting strengths, accomplishments, and personality

Should be tailored for the position and companyConvince the reader of why you should be invited

for an interviewGood opportunity to explain any problems, gaps,

etc. on your resume

Cover Letters

Needs to be well written, detailed yet conciseDon’t just repeat the resume – expand and

incorporate your personalityGive real life examples of how you have demonstrated

skills/qualificationsDon’t write in generalities – no kitchen sink

statementsAddress to a specific person if possible (not “To

Whom it May Concern”)No more than one page, typically 3-5 paragraphsSame style and formatting as your resumeIf mailing, sign in blue ink

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

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

Cover Letter Content

Final Reminders

Review for spelling and grammar errors!Print on good quality resume paperDo not print double sidedDo not fold or stapleIf 2+ pages, include your name and page # on every

pageConvert to PDF or plain text before uploading to

online systems (depending on the system)Always have a cover letter and reference sheet readyKeep track of positions you have applied for, follow upBring it to Career Services!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL OR VISIT:

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES CENTER

CENTENNIAL HALL 215320-308-2151

WWW.STCLOUDSTATE.EDU/CAREERSERVICES

Thank You!