Think of a resume as your own personal highlight reel. It’s a short, one to two-page document that gives potential employers a look at your experiences, skills, education and work history. A resume is not a comprehensive list of everything you
have ever done. Instead, it makes the case for why you are the most qualified candidate for the position you’re seeking by presenting evidence of your qualifications.
Your resume is going to be your first and best chance to sell
yourself to the people who will be deciding whether to interview you or not. So, even though there is no single “officially correct” format or process for how to write a resume, it’s important to keep a few basics in mind as
you sit down to create yours. However, writing an effective resume doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. After all, nobody knows you better than you! And, if you’d like free professional help, The Center for Career and Professional Development provides resume services for all Peirce College students and alumni.
Resumes open doors to job interviews, and interviews open doors to jobs. For this reason, a resume is one of the most important financial documents you will ever own. It is always worth your time and effort to tailor it to your specific audience.
Know your purpose. Your resume should be
tailored to the specific job you’re targeting, and you should describe your experience in terms that the target company will recognize. For example, if they use the word “client” in the job description, you use the word “client.”
If they use the word “customer,” you write “customer.”
Choose a starting point. Not sure where to begin with writing your resume? You can use these Peirce College sample resumes for help getting started.
Keep it brief. Chances are, the person looking at your resume is busy—and your resume probably isn’t the only one they’re reading. Make it easy to find information about
you by including a header or professional summary at the top of the page. And don’t list every job you’ve ever had. A resume should present about 10 years of your work experience.
Be specific. Wherever you
can, include specific numbers! Talk about how you increased sales by 15% in the third quarter and or how your posts increased website traffic by 1,000 clicks/day.
Don’t be shy. Focus on your accomplishments, not
just daily tasks. Potential employers want to know what you did to go beyond your “duties as assigned.” For example, if you were a retail associate, you might write either:
TASK: Ran the cash register
ACCOMPLISHMENT: Provided exemplary customer service by ensuring accurate order transactions and efficient checkout processes for over 400 customers each day
Which version is more compelling? The accomplishment statement not only signals that
you understand why your daily work was important, it also paints a richer image of how you work.
Focus on how you can help them. Yes, your resume is about you. But what you put in it needs to impress the person who’s
reading it. You should find ways to show how your skills and experiences have prepared you for success in the job you’re hoping to get. When you’re writing your resume, make sure that every word helps explain why you’re the right
candidate for this exact job.
Think big picture. Sometimes your most relevant experience comes from a volunteer gig, side hustle, or a job where you were paid under the table. Include this experience on your resume the
same way you would write about a more formal work arrangement. In some instances, like this, a functional resume (see an example on page eight here)
can help you highlight your skills better. We can help you figure out the best way to present your experience and skills.
Update often. Your resume is always a work in progress. Every time you apply to a new job, you should
tailor your resume to make sure it fits the target role. In addition, every time you gain a new skill, get promoted or even provide a stellar presentation to senior-level executives, make sure you add it to your resume.
Call an expert.Resume
help is always just a call or click away. If you want to talk more about how to write a resume, or if you’re done writing a resume and you want someone to take a look at it for you, reach out to the Center for Career and Professional Development. We’re located on the second floor of Alumni Hall. You can also email us at cds@peirce.edu or call us at 215-670-9202 or toll-free at 888.467.3472, ext. 9202.