indiana university resume help

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

For Students

• For Employers
• What is Handshake?
• Handshake Login

Career Services

Personalized career advising

Wherever you are on your path to discovering your ideal career, we have the expertise to help.

• The Career Development Center (CDC) is your go-to resource if you aren’t yet part of a specific IU school. Our exploration process provides you with support and guidance each step of the way—from beginning to think about your future to launching your career.
• If you are in the exploratory stage, we also encourage you to visit career centers for schools in which you have an interest, in addition to the CDC.
• Once you declare a major, you’ll work with the career center dedicated to your school for advising tailored to your academic discipline.
• Learn more about our recruiting policies for employers , including our disability disclosure guidance for students.

Make a connection

Looking for upcoming career events? Ready to start your job search? Most of our schools and career centers use Handshake, IU Bloomington’s job search and career event system. Maurer School of Law Career Services and Kelley School of Business Graduate Career Services do not use Handshake, so be sure to check their individual websites listed on this page.

• Log into Handshake
• Learn more about Handshake

Career centers

Find detailed information about each of our career centers below, including contact information. Keep in mind that you may benefit from working with more than one of our career centers.

Career Development Center

Website : http://cdc.indiana.edu/index.html

Phone : 812-855-5234

Email : iucareer@indiana.edu

Office hours : 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday

All University Division students have an assigned career coach. To schedule an appointment with your assigned career coach, go to Handshake . Drop-in career coaching hours are offered during fall and spring semesters from 12 p.m to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday in the OVPUE office suite in Wells Library 002.

What we do : At the Career Development Center, our mission is to be the gateway to career services on the Indiana University Bloomington campus by providing University Division students with a strong foundation for career development success.

We are a student-focused center that provides opportunities for undergraduates to cultivate self-awareness, career and major exploration, and marketable skills. By offering comprehensive, high-quality services and opportunities, we aim to help students successfully identify and pursue their academic interests and achieve their career aspirations.

Who we serve:

The Career Development Center works primarily with students who have not been admitted into a specific school on campus. The CDC focuses on helping students explore and identify their career options, search for student employment and internship opportunities, and prepare resume and job application materials. Additionally, the CDC hosts student employment, internship, and graduate school fairs to better assist students in identifying their career options, open to all students.

Once you are certified into a school, you will be work with your new career office on building industry-specific employer relationships to be prepare you for life after graduation.

The College of Arts & Sciences Walter Center for Career Achievement

Website : https://careers.college.indiana.edu

Phone : 812-856-4278

Email : iuwalter@indiana.edu

Office hours : 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday

What we do : At the Walter Center for Career Achievement, we’ll show you how to use your liberal arts education to find a career you love. Come see us as soon as you’ve declared your major. We’ll get you started, and we’ll be with you every step of the way—from finding experiences that make you marketable to deciding on a career that matches your values, interests, and strengths. You’ll be able to join career communities that will connect you with industries you’re interested in.

The greatest work you’ll ever do is loving who you are and feeling empowered by what you believe in. Let us help you translate your degree from the College of Arts and Sciences into a challenging, fulfilling career.

Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture, + Design

Hamilton lugar school of global international studies, iu alumni association.

Website : https://alumni.indiana.edu/enhance-career/

Phone : 800-824-3044

Email : careers@alumni.iu.edu

Office hours : 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday Coaching sessions by appointment

What we do : Indiana University Alumni Association is here to help you manage your lifelong career journey. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, IUAA can help you on your professional path.

We’ve got powerful resources to meet you where you are. Work one-on-one with an experienced career coach to develop a targeted job search strategy, hone your competitive edge through career-management guidance, and strengthen leadership performance. Make meaningful professional connections within IU’s powerful global network and learn from the experts to enhance your skills. Expand your career possibilities by connecting with employers seeking talented IU graduates, gathering advice from successful alumni in your field, and accessing on-demand career tips and resources. At IUAA, we've got your back!

To learn more, please contact us at 800-824-3044 or careers@alumni.iu.edu , or visit our website at iualumnicareers.com .

Who we serve: IUAA is pleased to serve IU alumni from all campuses and academic programs.

Jacobs School of Music Office of Entrepreneurship and Career Development

Website : https://blogs.iu.edu/jsomoecd/

Phone : 812-856-5719

Email : jsomoecd@indiana.edu

What we do : The Office of Entrepreneurship and Career Development (OECD) provides one-on-one career advising, multiple online tools, an alumni mentorship program, and departmental career days, as well as mentorship to student organizations, emerging ensembles, and projects.

An undergraduate Certificate in Music Entrepreneurship (15 credits) is offered in partnership with the Kelley School of Business.

Kelley School of Business Graduate Career Services

Website : https://kelley.iu.edu/gcs/index.html

Phone : 812-856-5052

Email : gcs@indiana.edu

KelleyLink : https://iugsb-csm.symplicity.com/sso/students

What we do : You expect a business school to provide an education in ethics, operations strategy, financial accounting, marketing, and management. At Kelley, our education also includes developing the skills students need to find the right career for them and be ready to apply the real-world skills employers demand.

Kelley’s team of career coaches help students define a job search strategy they can refine and re-use for an entire career.

The work begins before students even arrive on campus—exploring and understanding their skills, interests, and values as they focus on specific functions and industries. We offer tips on how to network more effectively, how to prepare for different types of interviews, and how to choose a career where students can naturally excel. And we offer continual, personalized feedback on what students can do to be stronger job candidates.

With preparation like that, it’s no wonder employers find that Kelley students are better prepared to become leaders in a diverse, global workplace.

Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Career Services

Website : https://careers.kelley.iu.edu/

Phone : 812-855-2482

Email : [email protected]

What we do : UCS is place where talent meets opportunity. Our team of experienced career development professionals is here to help Kelley students learn the skills they need to find the right career. From job search coaching to resume assessment and interview skills training, we help students translate their classroom experiences to the workplace. We also offer a flexible range of services for employers who want to hire Kelley students, including job postings, on-site interviews, virtual recruiting, and customized recruitment plans that enable companies to partner with faculty and students to build lasting relationships.

Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering Career Services

Website : https://luddy.indiana.edu/career-services/

Phone : 812-856-4903

Email : [email protected]

Who we serve : Career Services at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering serves undergraduate students, master’s students, Ph.D. students, and alumni within our school, as well as any undergraduate student interested in learning more about opportunities within the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.

What we do : The primary mission of Luddy Career Services is to provide opportunities and resources that will empower students to define their career goals, develop professional life skills, obtain related experience, and realize their career potential.

Career Services at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering meets with undergraduate and graduate students to help them with career-related topics, including self-assessment and career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation (including technical mock interviews), job offer negotiation, and more. Current students (undergraduate and graduate) can schedule appointments through Handshake .

Exploratory students and pre-majors interested in learning more about majors, minors, certificates, or other opportunities in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering are welcome to schedule an appointment with one of our associate directors of academic and career planning.They are also encouraged to take the course Y100: Exploring Informatics and Computer Science.

Maurer School of Law Career Services Office

Website : http://law.indiana.edu/what/professional-careers/career-services

Phone : 812-855-0258

Email : lcareers@indiana.edu

CareerNet : https://law-indiana-csm.symplicity.com/students

What we do : The Maurer Career Services Office partners with law firms and legal organizations to place our talented graduates, who are proud, professional, and practice-ready. We remain in close contact with our alumni, so you can reach both entry-level candidates and a pool of experienced attorneys. You can meet our students by visiting campus, collecting resumes, videoconferencing, or by posting a job on CareerNet , our electronic job board. For more information about any of our recruiting options, call our office at 812-855-0258, send us a recruiting registration form, or e-mail us at lcareers@indiana.edu .

Media School—Walter Center for Career Achievement

O’neill school of public and environmental affairs.

Website : https://oneillcareerhub.indiana.edu/

Phone : 812-855-9639

Email : careerhb@indiana.edu

What we do : The O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Career Hub provides comprehensive career services to a diverse group of students and stakeholders. We establish partnerships, build networks, and advise students in professional development and career preparation for a competitive global environment. Our office supports student and stakeholder success by providing exceptional and innovative career and employment services.

School of Education Career Connections

Website : http://edcareers.indiana.edu

Phone : 812-856-8506

Email : edcareer@indiana.edu

What we do : The Career Connections team maintains strong relationships with students, alumni, employers, and faculty. Our network helps to inform our services, including professional development workshops, resume reviews, job search advising, and on-campus recruiting opportunities for education students and alumni.

Who we serve : Career Connections serves all IU Bloomington School of Education undergraduates, grad students, and alumni. In addition, we provide services for education majors from other IU Bloomington schools.

School of Nursing

Phone : 812-855-1736

Email : [email protected]

School of Optometry Placement Service

Website : http://www.opt.indiana.edu/JobPlace/default.aspx

Phone : 812-855-1917

Email : iusojobs@indiana.edu

What we do : Career services are provided by faculty and staff, and include resume writing, practice advice, contract negotiations, and assistance in residency application.

In addition, we offer an online placement system that allows students, alumni, and potential employers the opportunity to connect. We estimate that over 95 percent of our students have secured employment after graduation.

School of Public Health Career Services

Website : https://careers.publichealth.iu.edu

Phone : 812-855-2032

Email: phcareer@indiana.edu

Office hours : 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday

What we do : We provide a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment in which each student is able to develop a meaningful career path. We provide career coaching, resources, workshops, career fairs, and employer connections that will enable you to be ready for your next step after IU.

School of Social Work Career Services Center

Website : http://socialwork.iu.edu/career/

Email : jmrangel@iupui.edu

What we do : We believe that preparation is critical for our students’ career success.

Our team begins working with students as early as their first year at the IU School of Social Work (Bloomington) to prepare them for the challenges social workers encounter in the practice world.

We provide the tools necessary to prepare our new graduates and alumni to become licensed professional social workers and to make a difference in their communities and the world.

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Indianapolis Indiana University Indianapolis IU Indianapolis

• Our Mission and Values
• Meet Our Team
• Search the Job Board
• On-/Off-Campus Earnings Calculator
• Begin your Search
• Fraudulent Jobs
• Internships
• Hire Achievers
• What is Work-Study?
• Work-Study Resources
• Work-Study Earnings Calculator
• Leaving your position
• OSE Podcast
• Current Success Stories
• Past Success Stories
• Tips for Success
• Campus Resources
• National Student Employee Appreciation
• Student Employee of the Year
• Part-Time Job Fair
• Cover Letter
• Interviewing
• Orientation
• Refer a Student
• Book an Appointment

Office of Student Employment

• Events and Resources

Building a resume

A resume is a brief summary of your education, skills, and experiences. Employers will read it to understand quickly how you are prepared to fulfill job responsibilities.

Required resume sections

Contact information.

This section should be placed at the top of your resume. It will provide the employer with your professional contact information. For example, provide your IU Indianapolis email address that includes your name instead of [email protected] .

Ensure you include your:

• Mailing address
• Primary phone number
• Professional email
• LinkedIn profile (optional)

This section provides a quick picture of your current educational pursuits. Now that you are in college, you won’t need to list your high school degree. You should include your:

• Degree type and major
• School and its location
• Anticipated graduation month and year
• Degree concentration and minor (if applicable)
• GPA (optional)

This section uses action statements (see below) to highlight any experience that has helped you gain skills valuable to the position for which you are applying. This can include any of the following:

• Volunteer work
• Significant leadership roles
• Paid or unpaid experiences that demonstrate your skills

When listing experiences, include:

• Title of your role
• Company or organization for which you worked or volunteered
• City and state of company or organization
• Time frame that you worked
• Specific action statements to highlight your completed duties

Final tip: List experiences that have ended using past tense and experiences still happening using present tense. Also, if an experience hasn’t ended, list “Present” in place of the end month and year.

Optional resume sections

In addition to the required sections, you may want to include some of the information below. Include optional sections only if you think it will showcase your particular skills or qualities as a potential employee.

Objective or summary statement

If you decide to include this in your resume, keep it concise. This brief statement should summarize the type of work you want and a few skills you bring to a position.  

The goal is to showcase your particular skills in the action statements you list with your experience. If you include this section, focus on technical, language, or professional skills that you have refined in some way. These might be skills you have acquired through academic coursework, trainings, special projects, or leadership roles.

Trainings and certifications

You might include this section if you have completed relevant trainings or earned related certifications or licenses. For example, if applying as a research assistant, you might want to include if you have received Internal Review Board (IRB) training. If applying to a position in education, you might want to include if you have received a teaching license or first-aid training.

Organizations and involvement

You can include this section to highlight involvement that will showcase your skills and interests related to the position, but are not in your experience section. If you had a particular role within the organization, you should include that with the organization. Your list of organizations might include some of the following:

• Student organizations
• Community organizations
• Professional organizations
• Volunteer groups
• Honor societies

Honors and awards

You can include this section to showcase any particular achievements for which you have been recognized. When listing awards, be sure to note who presented the award and when.

Not sure how to start?

Complete resume example.

Check out this example of a finished resume to help you get started.

Resume tailoring tip sheet

Need help tailoring your resume to a specific position? Check out our tip sheet here.

Best practices for formatting

Consider these strategies for formatting your resume.

• Start with a fresh document. Avoid fill-in-the-blank templates because they can be challenging to edit once more content is added.
• Use standard, professional fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri).
• Be consistent. If you bold one position title, do not italicize the other. This will create a clean, easy-to-read document.
• Choose 11- or 12-point font sizes for content. Use no more than 14-point font size for section headers.
• Only use bold, italics, underline, and horizontal lines to emphasize important information and to separate your sections.
• Ensure that the spacing between each section is the same. Margins, sections, and bulleted statements should be uniform.

Building a successful action statement

Use action statements to describe your experiences. These will communicate what you did, how you did it, and why it was important.

What? Job Duty

Who? People

Why? Result

Example: Developed marketing materials using Adobe InDesign to promote the Office of Student Employment .

Action verb list

Top five things to know about resumes.

• Organize content in each section of your resume from most recent to least recent.
• Be sure your resume is only one to two pages in length. This means you should only include information that is relevant to the position for which you’re applying.
• Make tailoring your resume to different positions easier by saving a draft of your overall resume with all of your past and current information.
• Save your resume as a PDF before uploading into Handshake or sending to an employer. This will ensure that your formatting stays the way you intended it.
• Change the file name to LastName_FirstName_Resume when sending a resume. Doing this helps employers keep track of your materials.

Need additional help with your resume?

Schedule an appointment or submit your resume for review below!

Make an appointment

Meet with us for resume assistance here.

Submit your resume for review

Don’t have time to schedule an appointment or attend drop-in hours? Submit your document(s) for review here.

Additional links and resources

• Search for jobs
• Schedule an Appointment
• Job Search Resources
• Chat With Us
• Supervising Resources
• Recruiting Resources
• Community Work-Study

Quick Resources

• Work-Study Funds Tracker
• Payroll Schedule

Partner With Us

• Request Presentation

University College / Division of Undergraduate Education

(317) 274-0857 | [email protected]

University Tower, Suite 202 | 911 W North St. | Indianapolis, IN 46202

In Person: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

• Bias Incident Reporting Form
• Paying it forward
• Our commitment
• Leadership and support
• Initiatives
• Student recruiting
• Faculty and staff diversity
• Trailblazing alumni
• University resources
• Adjunct faculty
• Other IU faculty
• Promotion and tenure guidelines
• Faculty intranet
• Strategic planning

Consumer information (ABA required disclosures)

• Commencement
• Academic calendar 2023-24
• Degree requirements
• Legal research and writing
• JD/MBA programs
• Experiential learning
• Tuition and financial aid
• How to apply
• More information
• Cybersecurity
• Information and Library Science
• Media Arts and Sciences
• Outside Minor
• Public Health
• Earning a joint degree
• Visiting students
• Your first year
• Scholarship partners
• Global and IU partners
• JD learning outcomes
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• LLM with English for Law Two-Year Program
• LLM Learning and Working (LAW) Program
• Master of Comparative Law (MCL)
• Doctor of Juridical Science
• Graduate certificate in legal studies
• American law
• Business and commercial Law
• Financial regulation
• Information privacy
• Comparative law
• Intellectual property
• Why Indiana Law?
• Graduate Legal Studies brochure
• Paths to a JD degree
• Meet our current SJD candidates
• Administrative Law
• Business Law
• Civil Rights
• Constitutional Design
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law
• Environmental Law
• General practice
• Information and Communications Law
• International Law
• Property Law
• Stewart Fellows global partners
• Summer study abroad
• Exchange programs
• Dual degrees
• Postgraduate Snyder Visiting Scholarship
• Public interest
• Conservation Law Clinic
• Cybersecurity Clinic
• Elmore Entrepreneurship Law Clinic
• Intellectual Property Law Clinic
• Domestic Relations Course (currently offered) and Viola J. Taliaferro Family and Children Mediation Clinic (not currently offered)
• The Reentry Clinic
• Civil Protection Order Clinic
• Criminal law
• Judicial externships
• Private practice
• Public Interest
• Rural Justice Initiative
• Washington, DC semester
• Intellectual property externship
• Access to Justice
• Incarcerated Individuals Legal Assistance
• Indiana Laws
• Protective Orders
• Will Preparation
• Habeas litigation
• Independent film production
• Student Legal Services
• Child representation practicum
• Family office program
• Cybersecurity certificate
• Information privacy certificate
• Center for Constitutional Democracy
• Faculty and staff
• Center for Intellectual Property Research
• PatentConnect
• About the Center
• Workshops and colloquia
• Jerome Hall Fellows
• Scholars-in-Residence
• Bradley Fellows
• Environmental
• Student experience
• Collaboration
• Program faculty and research
• Your 1L year
• Upper-division opportunities
• Co-curricular opportunities
• Theory into practice
• JD admission
• Summer Institute for International Lawyers and Law Students
• LLM, MCL, SJD, PhD
• Exchange students and visiting scholars
• Certificates
• Financial info
• Scholarships
• Let's get acquainted
• Dean's welcome
• Orientation
• How to prepare for law school
• Summer programs
• Courses and academic advising
• Living in Bloomington
• Office of Graduate Legal Studies & International Programs
• Academic regulations
• Registration materials, policies, and procedures
• Attendance, class cancellation, and campus policies
• Examination policies
• Records, transcripts, and grade tables
• Bar exam information
• IU technology
• Student complaints
• Disruption or protests
• Cost of attendance
• Service opportunities and work-related funding
• Federal student aid
• Private loans
• Summer financial aid
• Paying your bill
• Health Insurance
• Judicial clerkships
• Externships and fellowships
• Contact Career Services
• Planning your event
• Socctoberfest
• Barristers' Ball
• Internal Competitions
• Moot Court judges' information
• External Competitions
• Javier Becerra '17
• Terrance Stroud '03
• Board of Visitors
• Law Alumni Board
• Global Board
• Young alumni steering committee
• Academy of Law Alumni Fellows
• Distinguished Service
• Publications
• Get involved
• Class notes
• The Lauren Robel Scholarships
• You can make a difference
• The Fromm Emergency Fund
• Transformation gifts
• Ways to give
• Faculty legacies
• Partners in Excellence
• Make your gift
• Harmful Language
• Visitor information
• Jerome Hall
• Virtual Tour
• Research Tools
• Scan on Demand
• Interlibrary Loan
• Renew Books
• Recall Request
• Distance Lending
• Report Missing Book
• Study Rooms
• For Faculty
• HeinOnline Alumni Access
• Other Digitized Collections
• Foreign and International Law
• U.S. Government Documents
• Rare Books and Archives
• Audio Visual
• Faculty in the media
• Extraterritoriality in international law
• Featured and endowed lectures
• Spring 2024
• Spring 2023
• Spring 2022
• Spring 2021
• Spring 2020
• Spring 2019
• Spring 2018
• Law School calendar
• Request an event

Maurer School of Law

• News, events & media
• Current students

Perfect Your Resume

Your resume should provide a brief, targeted glance at your accomplishments and give employers a concise yet realistic, honest, and positive impression of you.

No recruiter will spend  more than 30 seconds initially reviewing your resume. A good rule-of-thumb is one page for every 10 years of experience. When you’ve updated or drafted your resume using the guidelines below, make an appointment to have your resume reviewed by our directors.

There are certain kinds of information, organized in a particular way, that legal employers expect to see on your resume:

Always put your contact information at the top of the resume for easy reference.

List in reverse chronological order (law school, other graduate or professional programs then undergraduate college).

Usually listed in reverse chronological order, but exceptions should be made if an earlier job was more impressive, professional, or relevant. Focus on the work experiences you have had which required writing ability, supervisory       experience, counseling skills, case management, negotiating skills, information management, regulatory knowledge, research skills, public speaking experience, and analytical skills. Be specific. And don’t list every job you’ve ever had, particularly those that aren’t applicable.

The practice of law requires excellent written communication skills. Virtually any of your writing that’s been published, including outside the legal field, should command space on your resume.

The practice of law is complex and always changing. Being a good lawyer requires more than just a thorough grounding in legal principles; it requires everything you have to offer. Be sure to list specific relevant skills, such as foreign language fluency, advanced computer expertise, or non-legal professional certifications or licenses. If you can’t decide       whether a skill should be listed, ask yourself if it is job related.

List your home address as permanent address if:

• You are originally from another state and wish to return there for work after law school
• You are from Indiana and you know the firm to which you are applying likes to hire people from Indiana
• You are from the hometown of the person to whom you are writing

To Include or Not to Include?

Generally printed at the top of the resume following name and contact information, objective statements express the applicant’s goal. While they can be useful for experienced hires, they are inappropriate for most entry-level positions and may work to your detriment. Some employers use these statements to screen out applicants. We suggest not using an objective statement.

Including personal information such as age and marital status wastes space and invites discrimination. Remember, the resume stands alone until you get the interview. If you do not make the first cut, you will not get an interview.

If your outside interests complement your professional skills, it is appropriate to list them (for example, you are an aviation lawyer and your avocation is flying). Otherwise, listing hobbies is mainly just a way to break the ice during an interview. Be judicious about what you list; substantive work experience always takes priority over interests.

Military service can be a positive addition to your resume, but only if the service has been recent (within four or five years), and you had a position of leadership or authority, or received awards or commendations.

Do not include salary demands or salary history.

Approach with care. Your goal is to make the initial cut and score an interview. How the organization reacts to your political, social, and religious affiliations may be important, since it might have an effect on your “fit” with the organization, but you do not want to be screened out initially because of such affiliations.

Obviously, your name or certain group affiliations can provide hints about your minority or female status, and an employer could, consciously or subconsciously, discriminate against you. List them anyway, with confidence.

Do not indicate relocation preferences on the resume. The employer will assume that if you are applying for the job in Warsaw (make sure that you know whether it’s Poland or Indiana), that you are willing to move there. Use the cover letter to draw a connection between the job’s location and your career interest.

Don’t waste precious resume space by listing references (or the obvious “References Available Upon Request”). Use a separate sheet references sheet with your name at the top, followed by a list of your references (include name, title, company, address, phone number, and e-mail address of each person). Hand this sheet to employers when they ask for your references.

Common Failures

Inexcusable. If you cannot produce a one-page document free of errors, what employer will believe that you have the requisite intelligence, education, and diligence to be a good lawyer?

Your resume must be easy to read. Arrange the information so that it flows. Allow enough “white space” so that it does not look difficult to read. Avoid sentences, paragraphs, and prose.

Everything contained in your resume must be up-to-date and accurate. If you list class rank and/or GPA, you must change your resume immediately when the numbers change. Employers are aware of resume fraud: a hint of suspicion can be sufficient to end your promising application.

If you do send your resume by mail, use high-quality paper, 20- to 24-pound stock, in white, or a close relative of white (ivory, cream, or eggshell). Size: 8.5 x 11 in.

You will often forward your resume electronically. When you do, consider using a PDF format so that your carefully crafted resume is not inadvertently modified by different computer software. Be sure to name your electronic file with your actual name (e.g., JohnSmithResume.pdf) rather than a generic “resume.”

The type size should be at least 11 pt. and the font conservative (Geneva, Palatino, Times, or Bookman). The Office of Career and Professional Development has a laser printer and computers that you are welcome to use to print your resume.

Content is vital, but appearance counts too. Your margins should be at least .8 inches; the page should look neat, straight, and balanced; and the overall effect should be pleasing to the eye.

You are not required to disclose things you would rather not discuss in an initial interview. If you are concerned about incidents in your past that are potentially embarrassing, talk to our staff. You are not the first to experience these problems, but you must learn how to handle this now.

Hiring partners from the National Association of Law Placement (NALP) say: “In an effort to make a resume brief, students should not simply list a series of job titles. Hiring officials look for descriptive evidence of leadership skills through employment, extracurricular activities, team sports, and serious volunteer efforts examples of candidates working with the public, solving problems, and getting results.”

Maurer School of Law social media channels

Indiana University Maurer School of Law Bloomington

Thanks for clicking. That felt good.

The Education section highlights your degrees completed and degrees in progress. Including a high school degree is optional, but should not be included beyond your sophomore year of college.

Formatting Suggestions

Content suggestions.

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

• Arts & Culture
• Environment
• Health Care
• International, Foreign Affairs
• Public, Societal Benefit
• Human Services
• Best Practices
• Volunteer Corps Board
• Find an Opportunity
• Partner With Us
• Meet with Us
• Staff Directory
• Volunteer Central
• Track Your Experience

Resume Resources

Show your experience.

Just finished a volunteering activity? Learn how you can show your newfound skills and impact of your actions on your resume! You can find links to IU's many resume resources below to guide you. 

Kelley School of Business

School of Public Health

College of Arts + Sciences

Maurer School of Law

O'Neill SPEA

IU Corps social media channels

• What is a Career Community?
• Community Health & Human Services
• Health & Life Sciences
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Sports, Events, Tourism, & Recreation
• Meet with a Career Coach
• Appointments
• School of Public Health Career Courses
• Career Kickstart
• Application Materials
• Career Planning
• Diversity Resources
• Graduate School
• International & Global
• Internships & Experiences
• Interviews & Offers
• Networking & Professionalism
• Video Resources
• All Resources
• News & Articles
• Student Experiences
• Organizations
• Featured Classes
• Internships
• Recruit with SPH
• Employer Resources

• Share This: Share Resume on Facebook Share Resume on LinkedIn Share Resume on X

This handout outlines useful resume tips, provides an example resume, and guides you through activities to build an effective personal marketing tool.

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Indiana University IU

• Career Coaching + Education
• Peer Coaches
• Marketing + Communications
• External Relations
• Career Studio

Walter Center Success Network

• Professional Portraits
• Interview Rooms
• Virtual Tour
• Who We Serve
• Our Approach
• Diversity + Inclusion
• Undergraduate Career Coaching
• Graduate Career Coaching
• Connect With Employers
• Connect With Alumni

Career Planning Guide

• All Careers Considered Podcast
• Internship Scholarships
• Internship Course Credit
• Research Opportunities
• Peace Corps
• Application Process
• Interview + Negotiation
• Choose A Program
• Application Checklist
• Financial Aid
• Career Coaching
• Hire College Students
• Get Involved
• News + Events
• Contact + Visit
• Hire Our Students
• Attend Events
• View Employer Policy
• Career Connections Fellowship
• Career Competencies
• Liberal Arts Impact Events

THE COLLEGE OF ARTS + SCIENCES

Walter Center for Career Achievement

• For Employers
• For Faculty

Let’s explore the possibilities

The Walter Center for Career Achievement is here to guide you through your unique academic and professional journey. Let’s work together to leverage those in-demand liberal arts skills and design a life you'll love.

Not sure where to start?

It’s never too early or too late to begin working with us. We’ll meet you wherever you are, whether an undergrad, graduate student, or alum! Here are a few great places to start:

Get one-on-one guidance

No clue where life is leading you? Wherever you are is where you should be! Our career coaches will help you find inspiration and discover your interests.

Level-up your experience

Learn more about all the ways the Walter Center can help you gain meaningful experience, expand your skills, and build beautiful relationships.

Visit the Career Studio

With our friendly, laid-back staff, comfy spaces to relax, and all the free coffee, tea, and snacks your heart desires—it’s no wonder the Career Studio is the prime spot to hang out on campus.

The ultimate career prep toolkit

We’ve curated an impressive collection of all the tools you’ll need throughout your career-planning journey. From creating a resume to applying for grad school, we’ve got it covered.

Career courses

Earn credit + explore careers

Our career courses give students an opportunity to fully explore the career possibilities and prepare for life outside of the College, all while earning academic credit.

Alumni involvement

We’re here for you, too

Our legacy of generous support from our talented alumni is why our students thrive. And we’re here for you, too—alumni can access our services up to three years after graduation!

Upcoming events

Memorial Day

Juneteenth National Independence Day

Independence Day

First Day of Classes

Powerful tools

Browse and apply for internships and jobs.

Connect with College of Arts and Sciences alumni.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Resources for students of underrepresented identities.

Not a student?

Get involved

For employers

Hire our students

For faculty

Partner with us

Walter Center for Career Achievement social media channels

• Student Policies

• Report Employment
• Economic Consulting
• Information Systems
• Operations Management
• Professional Sales
• Public Policy
• Real Estate
• Supply Chain
• Co-Majors at Kelley
• Kelley Workshops
• See Featured Jobs
• See All Jobs on Handshake
• Student Code of Conduct
• Employer Recruitment and Offers & Acceptance Guidelines
• Interview Late Cancellation & No-Show Policy
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Application Process for International Students
• Internship-Related Course: BUS-W499 (Zero Credit)
• Career Exploration
• For International Students
• For First-Year Students
• Identity Resources
• Interviewing & Offers
• Networking & Job Search
• Resumes & More
• Salary Links
• Labor Market Insights
• All Resources
• Career Coaches
• Peer Coaches
• Social Media Team
• Request A Coaching Appointment
• Salary Statistics
• Top Hiring Companies

First-Year Resume Example

• Share This: Share First-Year Resume Example on Facebook Share First-Year Resume Example on LinkedIn Share First-Year Resume Example on X

Fulfilling the Promise

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Indiana University IU

• IU License Plate
• IU Credit Card
• Alumni Awards
• Become a Member
• Alumni Board
• Scholarships
• Become a Sponsor
• 10X Campaign
• Get Involved
• Distinguished Latino Alumni Award
• Keep your IU connection strong
• Groups Alumni Association Board
• LGBTQ+ Mini Grants
• IU LGBTQ+AA Distinguished Alumni Award
• Distinguished Asian/Pacific American Alumni Award
• Game Watches
• Parade Guide
• Stay Updated
• Weekend U: D.C.
• Candidate Statements
• Launching a Trustee Candidacy
• Trustee Election Guidelines
• Planning a Trip
• Request a Brochure
• Work with a Career Coach
• CareerNorth E-Courses
• University Resources
• Professional Development Events
• Recruit Alumni
• Work in Indiana
• Bloomington Remote Program
• Make a gift
• Get Started
• Recruit Students to IU
• Gertrude Rich Award
• President's Award
• Distinguished Alumni Service Award
• Maynard K. Hine Award
• IUAA Volunteer Leadership Award
• Organizational Plan
• State Disclosures
• Financial Reports
• Executive Council
• Alumni Trustees
• Board of Managers
• Corporate Support
• Rates & Specifications
• Grads in Indiana
• Grads by campus and school
• Definitions and Resources
• Annual Report
• Submit a Class Note
• Submit a Letter to the Editor
• Contribute to the Magazine
• Virtual Alumni Network
• Staff Directory
• Campus Offices
• Find People

Alumni Association

Career Resources

We have what it takes to succeed.

The Indiana University global alumni network is nearly 775,000 strong. That means we have access to a diverse pool of skilled professionals with connections in every field, all around the world.

Attend online events hosted by career experts

Through the IU Alumni Association’s professional development events , we are able to connect and network with a wide variety of IU alumni, as well as develop job search strategies and design fulfilling careers.

Check out the events calendar

Take self-guided career courses

Maximize your job search efforts anywhere, anytime with our free CareerNorth e-courses . These self-guided courses cover topics including resume tips and tricks, personal brand building, interview prep, and much more.

Learn more about CareerNorth

Bring your talent back to Indiana

TMap works to identify and engage with IU alumni who may have an interest in moving back to Indiana—creating a talent pipeline for businesses that are actively hiring throughout the state.

Have a great remote job? Communities across Indiana are paying remote workers to relocate through TMap's initiative MakeMyMove .

Learn more about MakeMyMove

Find success through career coaching

Whether you’re kicking off a job search, pursuing a promotion, or trying to build a personal brand, the IUAA’s team of expert career coaches can advise you through every stage of your career journey.

These one-on-one coaching sessions involve thought-provoking conversation and career-elevating exercises—all tailored to you.

Invest in individual coaching

Work remotely in Bloomington

Love your remote job but don’t love where you live? Consider moving to Bloomington. The Mill’s Bloomington Remote program makes the transition easy.

Learn more about Bloomington Remote

Utilize alumni resources

Access IU-centric content, special discounts, and the IUAA’s core courtesies.

Alumni Association social media channels

• Volunteer Intranet

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Southeast Indiana University Southeast IU Southeast

Career Development Center

The key instrument used in the job search process is still the resume. After creating your resume as a Word document, click the green " Get Your Resume Reviewed " button on the right side of the page to have your resume reviewed by a Career Development professional.

Sample Resumes

• Blank Resume - Word | PDF
• Beginning Student Resume – Word | PDF
• 2nd-3rd Year Resume – Word | PDF
• Internship Resume – Word | PDF
• Professional/Graduating Senior Resume – Word | PDF
• Education Resume – Word | PDF
• Nursing Resume – Word | PDF
• Purdue Programs Resume – Word | PDF

If you need an accessible format, please contact the Career Development Center at (812) 941-2275 or [email protected] .

Need a cover letter ? References page ? We've got you covered.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's Check and double check to ensure there are no typographical or grammatical errors. Use numbers to tell employers how many people you supervised, by what percentage you increased sales, how many products you represented, etc. Remember the Number Rule: Numbers one through nine must be spelled out; numbers 10 and larger use numerals. List your jobs in reverse chronological order – current job first. Customize your information to each job description. Make sure job titles and dates of employment are correct and included for each job description. Two-letter abbreviations for states are correct: KY, IN, etc. Be certain telephone numbers are correct. Use action-verb phrases, not sentences. If your résumé has a second page, put your name and page 2 at the top or bottom of the second page. Always have your resume reviewed by one or more people before submitting. Don'ts Don't use a Resume Wizard. Rather, create your resume as a Word document, which is the most favored style when uploading to employer’s online sites. Don't go beyond one page unless you have several years of relevant experience. The resume is NEVER more than two pages. Don't state past salary or wages, reason for leaving past employment or any personal information such as height, weight, marital status, etc. Do not use personal pronouns (I, me, my). Do not use headers and footers when creating your resume. These are too difficult to adjust and cause formatting problems.

Resume Resources

• Resume Guide with Action Verbs
• Power Phrases List

Using action verbs make your resume come alive. Sentences are not used on a resume; therefore, information should begin with a bullet point and an action verb. Use present tense verbs for current positions and past tense verbs for prior jobs.

Employers seek talented candidates who are creative thinkers. Keep in mind that a "fill-in-the-blank" resume undercuts the very image you are attempting to create.

Request an Appointment

With your career coach

View jobs and internships

Students and Alumni Click Here

Post jobs and internships

Employers Click Here

Get Your Resume Reviewed

Campus news.

IU Southeast Baseball Rallies With 12 Runs In 9th To Stun Indiana Tech on Goodwin’s Walkoff Home Run In NAIA Opener; Schafer’s Gem Sends IU Southeast past Top-Seed Missouri Baptist 4-0

IU Southeast, Hanover College Create Graduate Admissions Pathway

IUS and Community Montessori Charter School Partner in the Indiana Commission for Higher Education Teacher Residency Grant Program

Indiana University Southeast Celebrates Class of 2024 at Commencement

Senior Spotlight – Freshour Excels In Class and In the Arena

IUS Graduate Headed to Maurer School of Law on Full Scholarship

Twenty-five IU Southeast non-traditional students inducted into the Pinnacle Honor Society.

Senior Spotlight – Fiona Vonderheide

Career Development Center Events

South Eats Fresh!

May 20th, 2024

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

CampusWell Wednesdays by Student Health 101 (May edition)

May 22nd, 2024

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Canoeing/Kayaking at Cave County Canoes

May 24th, 2024

11:45 AM - 6:00 PM

May 29th, 2024

CampusWell Wednesdays by Student Health 101 (June edition)

June 5th, 2024

Indiana University Southeast

View the website in Español

About Email at IU

Outlook Web Access

For Prospective Students

Request Information

Schedule of Classes

Map and Directions

Academic Calendar

Accreditation

IT Services

Non-Discrimination Notice

University Police

Required Disclosures

Bad Weather Policy

Emergency Information

Accessible Educational Services

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Kokomo Indiana University Kokomo IU Kokomo

• Career Center

Indiana University Kokomo

• Cost + Value
• Scholarships
• Visit IU Kokomo
• Dual Credit
• High School Student
• Returning Student
• Adult Student
• Guest Student
• Advanced Placement Articulation
• CLEP Scores
• Cambridge Assessment International Education Credits
• International Baccalaureate Articulation
• Web Wednesday
• You’re In; Now What?
• Test optional FAQ
• Contact Admissions
• Majors and Programs
• Schedule of Classes
• Academic Bulletin
• Academic Calendars
• First Year Experiences
• Honors Program
• Kokomo Experience and You
• Graduate Programs
• Online Degrees
• Student Life
• Federally Required Disclosures
• Mission Statement
• Connect with IU Kokomo
• Statement of Commitments
• Vision Statement
• Offices & Services
• IU Foundation
• 2024 Campus Campaign
• Give Now Options
• Ways to Give
• Women of the Well House
• Student Activities and Events Center
• Fundraising Guidelines
• Advancement Staff
• Board of Directors
• Update Contact Information
• Distinguished Service Award
• Alumni Hall of Fame
• Life After IU Kokomo
• IUAAK Scholarships
• Legacy Magazine
• Alumni Angle Podcasts
• Alumni Cooking Classes
• Advisory Board
• Administrative Council
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Council
• Student Government
• Past Chancellors

Perfect your resume and cover letter

Having a dynamic resume and cover letter is vital to the employment process. Not only are they the first impression you provide to potential employers, they can help you prepare for interviews and communicate to the employer how your skills, accomplishments, and abilities fit their position.

The Career Services Center at Indiana University Kokomo is here to help you put your best foot forward when searching for employment, starting with a well-written cover letter and resume.

Online Resume Critique

Submit your resume for review by the IU Kokomo Career Center.

Submit Here

How to write a ‘YES’ resume

The format of resumes vary from person to person based on education, experience, and where you are in your professional career. There’s no specific model for a resume, but there are some guidelines worth following:

• Start with a first draft and expect to do several revisions.
• Try to keep your resume 1-2 pages in length.
• Use clear fonts and keep your design crisp, well-balanced, and pleasing to the eye.
• Use your complete, legal name – no nicknames – and include your city and state, and phone number.
• Do tailor your resume to each position you apply for. Different portions of your experience will appeal to different employers.
• Use brief phrases, not full sentences. Be clear and specific.
• Use the correct tense. For past jobs: “developed,” “organized,” “initiated.” For a current job: “initiate,” “lead,” “maintain.”
• List community activities and awards if they enhance your work experiences (demonstrating leadership, organization, etc.).
• Proofread your final product for correct spelling and punctuation, as well as any grammatical and typographical mistakes.
• Print your resume on high-quality paper (water bond, cotton, etc. in white or eggshell; sized 8.5 x 11 inches).

Steps to avoid in resume writing include:

• Do not use abbreviations – and only use professional and technical language when relevant.
• Do not use odd-sized, bordered, or colored paper.
• Do not list personal or professional references in your resume; include those on a second document, or provide them when asked.
• Do not use non-standard fonts or pictures.
• Do not repeat words and phrases; instead, highlight how those accomplishments cover multiple related areas.
• Do not italicize.
• Do not list your GPA or any collegiate honors unless you are a recent graduate and your rank is above a 3.0/4.0.
• Do not use excessive detail when discussing job experience. Keep your entries short.

Cover Letters

Cover letters are an additional, yet important, component of a resume. It is important to customize each cover letter to each company and/or position that you apply for.

• Address your letter to the person listed on the position advertisement, or a person that you know has the authority to hire.
• Format your cover letter like a letter.
• State which position you are applying for, and where you heard about the opening.
• Show enthusiasm in your writing, and briefly explain why you are the best fit for the job.
• Explain why you want to work for this company/organization, and why your skills, experience, and qualifications directly relate to the position.
• Briefly highlight the examples you believe will set you apart from other candidates.

Resume Samples

Have you ever written a resume or cover letter before? Don’t know how to start? Our sample resumes can provide you with the inspiration you need to finish your next job application.

• Biology/Chemistry/Biochemistry
• Chronological
• Criminal Justice
• Entry-Level Information Technology
• Federal Government
• Health Sciences
• Informatics
• Medical Coding

Indiana University Kokomo resources and social media channels

Contact, address, and additional links.

• Outlook Web Access
• IU COVID-19 updates
• Non-Discrimination Notice
• Information Privacy Policy
• Majors and Degrees
• IT Knowledge Base
• IT Services (UITS)

• Cover Letters
• Job and Internship Search
• Internship Requirements
• Interviewing
• Negotiating Offers
• Graduate School
• Get Involved and Build Your Skills
• Undergraduate Career Core
• Internship for Credit (V381/H466)
• LevelUp Career Program
• Graduate Internships Requirements (V585/E589/Y750)
• What Are Career Communities?
• Business, Administration, and Management
• Creative Arts Engagement
• Environment, Energy, & Sustainability
• Policy, Service, Advocacy
• Graduate Students
• Asian-American and Pacific Islander Students
• Black and African American Students
• DACA Students
• First Generation Students
• Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx Students
• International Students
• LGBTQI+ Students
• Middle Eastern Students
• Native American and Indigenous Students
• Non-Traditional Students
• Students with Disabilities
• Full-time Jobs
• Internships
• Greater Good Internship Fund and O’Neill Internship Scholarships
• For Employers
• Job Market Data
• Services and Contact
• Meet The Team
• Director’s Message
• Social Media

Graduate Resume Standard

• Share This: Share Graduate Resume Standard on Facebook Share Graduate Resume Standard on LinkedIn Share Graduate Resume Standard on X

Tailored Graduate Resume Standards

Using this standard format, the Career Hub has created tailored resume standards for these O’Neill graduate academic programs (dual degrees too!):  MPA , MAAA , MES , MSES , MIA , MPA-MAAA , MPA-MSES .

Each tailored resume is a word document so you can revise to specific opportunities.

Fulfilling the Promise

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

IUPUI IUPUI IUPUI

• What is KICS?
• Meet with Us
• Use Handshake
• Human Resource Management
• International Studies Co-Major
• Real Estate Co-Major
• Supply Chain Management
• Cover Letters
• Interviewing
• Job Acceptance & Negotiation
• Internships
• #KelleyHired
• International Student Employment
• Student Guidelines
• Graduate Accounting Career Services
• Evening MBA Career Services
• Kelley Alumni
• KelleyCareers powered by Handshake
• Career & Salary Statistics
• Plan a Campus Visit
• Start an Internship Program
• Report Your Hire
• Advisory Board
• Employer Recruiting Policies & Procedures

Kelley School of Business

• Centers & Institutes
• News & Events
• Kelley Store
• Career Services
• Recruiters & Companies
• Student & Alumni Services
• Undergraduate Career Services
• Career Resources

Six seconds.

That's how long recruiters spend in an initial scan of your résumé. You want every second of their attention to assure them you are the right fit for their positions. Review our résumé guide and résumé example below to help make your first impression a memorable one.

View and download the résumé guide and example.

Craft a Kelley Résumé

Kelley résumé example

Need help preparing your résumé?

Make an appointment with Kelley Indianapolis Career Services.

Schedule an appointment in Handshake.

Meet with us

Contact KelleyCareers