Student Resources

A resume is a document used by individuals to showcase their skills, qualifications, work experience, education, and other relevant information to employers. The purpose of a resume is to show a candidate's background and information clearly. Each resume varies from person to person but all should include contact information, experience, skills, and education and build up from there.

Resumes sections can vary for each person, but key sections include:

• Contact information
• Objective/Summary
• Education
• Experience
• Skills/Abilities
• Activities
• Honors/awards or achievements
• References

Contact information

This section includes the candidate's name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn or a personal website.

This allows the potential employer to contact the candidate and gives a little understanding of whose resume they are looking at.

Objective/Summary

The objective or summary statement is an introductory statement providing a short oversight of who you are and what you are looking for in your next role. Objective statements and summaries serve similar purposes they are distinctly different.

Objective statements are used to convey your career goals, the role you are seeking, and the value you can bring to an employer. This is what you are looking to achieve. You should use this after recently graduating or changing careers as the statement helps communicate your intentions and shows how your goals align with the position you are applying for.

The summary statement is more focused on your qualifications, experience, and what you can offer the employer. It is usually used if you want to highlight your skills and expertise. You should use this statement if you have several years of experience and want to highlight them.

Tips for creating an objective statement

• Be specific- clearly state what role you are seeking and why.
• Tailor it- customize the objective for each job application to make it relevant to each employer and position.
• Keep it concise- one or two sentences is perfect to convey your goals.

  Example:

  Recent graduate with a degree in marketing, seeking an entry-level marketing role where I can apply my skills in social media strategy, content creation, and brand management to drive engagement and growth for a dynamic company.

Tips for creating a summary statement

• Focus on strengths- emphasize your skills, years of experience, and notable accomplishments.
• Highlight key skills- include relevant technical skills, soft skills, and personal attributes.
• Be concise- a brief paragraph (3-4 sentences) is sufficient to communicate your experience and value.

  Example:

  Experienced software developer with more than five years of expertise in Python, JavaScript, and machine learning. Proven ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, lead cross-functional teams, and drive project success in fast-paced environments. Looking to leverage technical expertise and leadership skills in a senior software engineering role.

Difference between objective and summary

Education

Any academic background will go here, which includes degrees, the institute attended, graduation date, and GPA upon graduation. Related coursework can be included if relevant to the position you are applying for.

Experience

This is where you list your past jobs, internships, or volunteer roles and include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Also include a description of your responsibilities and achievements for each job.

Skills/abilities

This section is essential in showcasing specific proficiencies that make a candidate qualified for a job. You can highlight technical skills, soft skills, or other abilities that are relevant for the job you are applying for.

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or technical skills related to the job that you are applying to. Some examples include:

• Technical skills
• Certifications
• Foreign languages
• Industry specific knowledge

Soft skills are interpersonal and communication abilities such as:

• Communication both verbal and written
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem solving
• Leadership and management
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Creativity
• Critical thinking

Activities

The activities section is where you can showcase your extracurricular activities, clubs, or any other experiences that demonstrate your skills, interests, and personal qualities. This section can be valuable for students and recent graduates to highlight relevant experience outside of traditional work history. Some examples can include:

• Being involved in clubs or teams (psychology club, debate team, computer science club, etc.)
• Being on a varsity high school or collegiate sport team.

Honors/awards or achievements

• If you have received any notable recognitions, accomplishments, or distinctions throughout your career, education, or personal life it can be highlighted here. This section can help showcase how you excel in specific areas and show your dedication, competence, and performance.
• These awards can include honors, awards, and achievements like the following:
  • Dean's list (Fall 2023 & Spring 2024)
  • Employee of the month at HyVee (March 2022)
  • First place coding competition (Tech Fest 2021)
  • Recipient of National Science Foundation Scholarship (2020)
• Be sure to include awards and honors that are most relevant for the job you are applying for and to order them with the most recent award or honor at the top of the list in reverse chronological order.

References

You can choose to list individuals who can vouch for your character, qualifications, and work ethic, or you can provide a statement like "references available on request" in place of your references. A reference should include:

• The name of the reference
• Their job title
• Name of the company they work for
• Email address
• Phone number
• Relationship to you
• Short description of your work with this person or why they are a strong reference (optional)

Reference Example:

Jane Smith
Professor, Computer Science Department
XYZ University
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 123-456-7890
Relationship: academic advisor, worked on research project, taught XYZ classes
Description: worked on research project for two years about muscle atrophy and spent countless hours working together.

Resume templates/examples

If you are having trouble figuring out what your resume should look like you can utilize these templates and examples from the websites listed below.

• My perfect resume includes a resume builder to provide expertise suggestions, different resume examples to look at, an ATS scanner to determine if your resume passes applicant tracking systems, many different resume formats based on your experience and career goals, and a how to guide to crafting a successful resume.
• Canva is an online platform that can be used to create a variety of graphic design content. One of the things that can be created using Canva is a resume as they offer resume templates for users to choose from or get ideas. While Canva has a premium membership users can still build good resumes with what is offered for free. After you are done creating your resume it is very easy to share your resume with others. You can download it, share it as a viewable link, or embed the link of a personal website.
• EnhancV has resume examples, templates, and writing guides available for use. Resume templates range from modern, traditional, simple, or a creative style but you can also search for a resume template based by job, experience, and format. The writing guides can help guide you on how to complete your resume, help with writing your summary, choosing a format, and helping you fit your experience onto a single page. With more than 1800 resume examples to choose from, you should be able to find an example that works the best for you. Users can also use their AI resume builder, resume checker, and resume skill options.
• Resume worded is a website you can submit your resume to have it scored and looked over by AI. The AI gives you feedback on what is bad, how you can fix the bad portions, and what is good and does not need to change. You can also tailor your resume to a specific job description as well. If you do not have a resume you can also get help on creating one.

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A cover letter is a one-page document that goes with your resume when applying for a job. This document allows for you to introduce yourself to potential employers, share your qualifications, and explain why you would be a good fit for the company you are applying for. Cover letters provide a more personal touch compared to resumes that list your skills and experience.

Elements usually included in a cover letter:

• Header
• Greeting
• Introduction
• Body
• Closing paragraph
• Professional closing

Cover letter templates/examples

Header

This is where you put contact information such as your full name, address, phone number, and email.

You then put the recipient's name (if you know exactly who you are sending your cover letter to), their job title, company name, and company address. If you do not know the person's name you can always use a generic greeting like "dear hiring manager."

Greeting

You can use a formal greeting such as "dear (hiring manager's name)," if you do not know the name you can say "dear hiring manager" or "to whom it may concern." If you can, try to find out the hiring manager's name for a personalized touch.

Introduction

• State the position you are applying for: Mention the job title you are applying for and where you found the listing (Company website, linked in, a job board).
• Introduce yourself: Include a short introduction about yourself and state why you are interested in the position or the company. Having a strong opening statement can catch the attention of the employer.

Example:

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company, which I found on your careers page. With more than five years of experience in digital marketing and a passion for brand strategy, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

Body

Present your qualifications: This is the most important section of your cover letter. Tailor your qualifications to the job description and exhibit how your skills and experience match the requirements of the position.

• Discuss your relevant skills, achievements, and experience.
• Explain why you're a good fit for the company and how your background aligns with the company goals and values.
• Focus on what you can offer the company compared to why you want the job.

  Example

  "In my current role at ABC Corporation, I successfully increased brand engagement by 30 percent through targeted social media campaigns. I have a strong track record of leveraging analytics to drive marketing strategies and have consistently exceeded KPIs. I am confident that my expertise in digital marketing can help XYZ Company achieve its growth objectives."

Closing paragraph

• Repeat your interest: Restate your interest for the role and how much you would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the company.
• Call to action: Politely suggest the next step, such as an interview. You can mention that you look forward to discussing your qualifications further and thank them for their time and consideration.

  Example:

  "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills align with the goals of XYZ Company. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you."

Professional closing

To end your letter, you should close it professionally with closers such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours truly" followed by your name.

Example:

Sincerely,
(Your name)

Cover letter templates/examples

• My Perfect Resume also has a cover letter section. This section includes a cover letter generator, formats, templates, examples, and a how to write a cover letter section.
• Canva has a variety of cover letter template and examples for users to choose from. You simply search for cover letters in the template bar and choose one that you like the design of. From there you can begin to make it your own.
• EnhancV has cover letter help along with their resume services. This section includes a cover letter builder, templates, examples, a writing guide, and a cover letter generator. EnhancV includes a variety of examples ranging from pilot, cashier, civil engineer, or data analyst. If a user is stuck in their writing process, they can utilize the writing guides available and get help with cover letter writing, formats, endings, and designs.

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• Tailor your resume and cover letter: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job that is applied for. Make sure to highlight skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. Showcase your achievements in your documents, measurable achievements can demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
• Research the company: Learn about the company values, mission, culture, and recent achievements. Doing this shows companies your genuine interest. Mention how your values align with the company's and why you're passionate about working there as well.
• Proofread your documents: Make sure you check for any typos or grammatical mistakes within your document as they can make your look careless. You can also have someone else take a look over your documents and review your application to catch mistakes and over suggestions for improvement.
• Follow instructions carefully: Reading the job description might show you that each applicant needs to submit certain documents, submit them a specific way, or must answer specific questions. Then double check you've included everything that was asked for such as a resume, cover letter, a list of references, or a portfolio.
• Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss why you would be a great fit for the job and how you could contribute to the company. Prepare for questions about your experience and show how it aligns with the position. Many interviews include behavioral questions ("tell me about a time when...") so practice how you would answer these questions.

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Growth Hack Your Career is a website that provides interview tools. All you need to do is create an account and the user is given access to a variety of resources. Users can explore the interview practice kit, use an interview prep guide, practice common questions, and be given other helpful interview prep sites. There is also an interview course and videos users can watch to help themselves prepare for an interview.

Preparation

Understand the job and the company. Make sure to study the job description to thoroughly understand what is required of you, research the company to learn about the company's values, mission, culture, and the products or services they provide.

Practice interview questions:

Utilize the STAR method

The STAR method is a structured approach to answering behavioral questions. Using the STAR method allows for clear answers which makes it easier for the interviewer to follow.

• S stands for situation. Make sure to describe context or background to the situation. What was happening at the time and what led to the scenario. Be specific without going into too much detail.

  "In my previous job as a project manager, our team was tasked with launching a new product in a very tight timeframe?"

• T stands for task. Explain the tasks or responsibilities you were assigned in the specific situation. What was your role and what were you expected to achieve or solve?

  "My task was to ensure that the product was launched on time while keeping the team on track and maintaining quality standards."

• A stands for action. Describe the specific actions that were taken to address the task or situation. What steps did you take to achieve the goal? Focus on what you personally did, even if you were working with a team.

  "I organized a series of team meetings to delegate tasks, streamlined communication between departments, and worked closely with the marketing team to prepare promotional materials in advance."

• R stands for result. Share the outcome of your actions. What was the result of your efforts? If you are able, include measurable results such as percentages or numbers to show your impact.

Prepare for tough questions

Think about challenging situations you've faced and how you handled them. Be ready to discuss mistakes, gaps in employment, or transitions in a positive manner.

Prepare your documents

Make sure you bring copies of your resume to your interview, even if the interview is virtual. If it applies to you, you should bring a portfolio, work samples, or a case study that demonstrates your relevant skills. Then have a list of professional references readily available in case they ask. Make sure your references are aware and prepared to speak about your qualifications. Do NOT put references without asking them about it.

Presentation

• Look professional. Dress appropriately with professional attire. It is better to be over dressed than under dressed. Style your hair neatly and keep makeup minimal.
• Be early. Arrive 10-15 minutes before your meeting time to give yourself plenty of time to get to your interview.

During the interview

• Greet and introduce yourself. Introduce yourself to your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. Also thank them for the opportunity.
• Stay engaged during the conversation.
  • Listen carefully to each question before responding and if you are not sure ask for clarification.
  • Maintain good eye contact throughout the conversation to show you are confident and focused.
  • Sit up straight and keep good body position.
  • Avoid distractions by not checking your phone or looking around the room.
  • Actively listen and keep your attention on the interviewer and the questions being asked.

• Be honest. Be yourself and be truthful. If you are asked something you do not know or have limited experience, just be honest about it. Mention how you are willing to learn or give the interviewer examples of how you have learned new skills in the past.
• Express enthusiasm and stay composed.
  • Express your interest in the company and role by speaking passionately about why you would like to join the organization. Avoid sounding desperate, don't overdo it. Ask questions about company culture, the team, and the specific role. This shows you are seriously considering the opportunity and assessing if the company is a good fit for you.
  • Think over the answers to the questions, it is okay to think for a moment and answer when you are ready. If you misspeak or come across a hard question just correct yourself politely and stay calm.
• Bring the interview to a close.
  • Ask any final questions you may have.
  • Express your appreciation by thanking the interviewer for their time and for the opportunity.
  • Reiterate why you are excited about the role.

After the interview

Follow up by sending a thank you email. Make sure to do this within 24 hours. Doing so leaves a positive impression of you and keeps you in mind.

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Interest assessments are tools designed to help identify someone's preferences, strengths, and interests related to different careers and job fields. Assessments can provide valuable insights into what type of work might be most satisfying and suitable based on a person's personal traits, values, and passions.

• O NET Interest Profiler is a career interest assessment tool which allows for individuals to explore career options by assessing their interests and matching them to various occupations. This assessment helps identify interests into six categories those being realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. 
• CareerOneStop assessments are three different assessments broken up based on interests, work values, and skills. Having three tools located on the same website is a great way to guide individuals in their career exploration journey.
  • Interest Assessment
  • Work Values Matcher
  • Skills Matcher
• Career one step also allows you to explore careers yourself. Their career exploration page allows you to learn about careers, plan your career, search in the occupation profile, and utilize the salary finder. This page is also connected to the career one step assessments.
• Truity is an online platform that provides various career assessments, personality tests, and other tools to help individuals understand their strengths, interests, and preferences in a personal and professional setting. The career aptitude test measures your interests and personality traits to find the right career for you. The TypeFinder test helps you find the best career by using Myers and Briggs theory of 16 personality types. Holland code career quiz discovers the best jobs by using six themes of realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. Lastly you can take their photo career quiz and choose images that appeal to you and be pointed toward your ideal career.
• My Next Move has a webpage where users can browse and search through careers and key words, industry, or be taken to the O net interest assessment. If you are still not sure after looking over those tools you can check out careers grouped together. You can look through all of the career options, see which careers have a bright outlook, look over career clusters, look through careers sorted via interests, and look at the job preparation.
• Iowa Workforce Development Career Explorer is a tool that can be utilized to learn about jobs in Iowa. After adjusting some of the career explorer perimeters you can then see hourly wages and annual salary, the experience, education, and trainings needed for the job, the number of openings a year, the outlook for the job, possible certifications or licenses needed, what some of the top skills needed for the job, and what top industries are employing the job.

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