Welcome to the first in a series of resume template blogs I’ll be writing. Each one of these templates will be tailored toward a specific type of candidate—worried about a low GPA, nervous about your lack of work experience, concerned that a previous job was more relevant than your current one—I’ll be providing resume structures and tips to cover all of these issues.
Who is this format good for?
This resume format is ideal for the candidate who is not concerned with their GPA and who’s background is biased towards work and/or internship experience (as oppose to volunteer experience or strong classroom involvement such as class projects or undergraduate research).
Resume Format
This resume uses the format:
- Objective
- Education
- Experience
- Computer Skills / Additional Activities / Community Involvement / Etc.
Example Resume
Objective: Position with the Microsoft Technical Leadership Program utilizing my real-time software internship experience and leadership skills gained through extensive student government work
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Expected Graduation Date: Jun 2009
Grade Point Average: 3.54
Work Experience:
Intel Simulations Division
Phoenix, AZ Jun. 2008 – Sep. 2008
Real-Time Software Engineer
- Created software simulations that administered CPU performance tests on a GE X45 processor hardware test bed
- Used efficient coding techniques to create simulations that saved 20 minutes over the previous testing run time
- Created and maintained ISO-9450 compliant user documentation on 5 major simulation branches
Associated Students of the University of Washington
University of Washington, Seattle, WA Jan. 2008-Jun. 2008
Elections Committee Chair
- Coordinated the successful completion of the 2008 student body elections while managing a committee of 4 people and a budget of $8,000
- Increased the number of candidates by over 40% and voter turnout by 4.3% (1615 total votes) over the 2007 totals
UW Leaders Program
University of Washington, Seattle, WA Aug. 2007-Jun. 2008
Co-Director
- Administered a program containing 15 mentors and 25 undergraduate participants
- Oversaw weekly organization of leadership curriculum and guest speakers
- Raised $800 and organized a weekend retreat
- Increased program applicants by 100% and yearly funding from $500 to $2000
Computer Skills and Languages:
C++, Java, Python, FORTRAN, CORBA Interface Patterns, GE X45 Simulation Test Bed, Microsoft Access, Linux
5 Format tips
1. Font Type and Size – I suggest using a simple font type like Arial or Times New Roman in a type face of 11 or 12 points. Try to avoiding using multiple types of fonts even for your name or address. Multiple font types are often over utilized by students at the expense of readability and professional appearance.
2. Using Caps – Avoid using all cap headings. Studies show that caps decrease readability. Try reading an entire paragraph in all caps and you’ll quickly see this is true. The exception is online application that offer a plain text box entry system for your resume. Since these don’t allow font modifications such as bolding, all caps services as an acceptable alternative for your headings.
3. Bold, Italicized, Underlined – You can create a completely readable and clear resume using only bolded headings without other text effects. Like font type, font effects are used far to often, almost always at the expense of clarity and flow.
4. Consistency – Check, double check, and triple check that your resume is consistent. This means that all font is the same size, all spacing is the same, and dates, company names, and job positions appear in the same place in the same format throughout your resume.
5. Text Position – I think the text format that provides the easiest flow, and gives you the most bang for your buck in terms of available space on your resume, is left aligned headings with text appearing underneath (not to the right) of the heading.
Job Advice for New College Grads 