iu kelley resume help

Resume Tips From Kelley Indianapolis Career Services

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Teresa Mackin

By:  Kelley Indianapolis Career Services

Arguably, the most important part of the job search process is drafting a professional resume. I say draft because we never stop working on our resumes. We continue to update and edit them throughout our careers. In the spirit of this process, the KICS offers some tips on how to make your resume the best it can be.

Do Target Your Resume

A big mistake many people make is thinking of their resume as a literal translation of their work experience. They include every duty they’ve ever completed in their work history. This isn’t necessary. You can edit your resume so that your bullet points reflect skills required by the position you’re applying for. This highlights to employers that you have the experience to be a strong candidate for the position. Targeting your resume in this way allows them to see this fact quickly during an initial scan.

White Space – Use It Well

Another common mistake is to over-format your resume. This often happens when you use templates like the ones found in Microsoft Word. Most of these templates don’t utilize margins that allow you to get the most out of your page. And you do only have one page. It is rare that an undergraduate seeking an entry-level position has the work experience that makes a two page resume necessary. On the flip side, you also don’t want to have solid text from margin to margin. Recruiters don’t want to read War and Peace ; they want a resume they can scan quickly.

An Objective – Do or Don’t?

There is a growing trend in campus recruitment that an objective isn’t a necessary section of a resume. This is especially true if you are putting the same information into the opening paragraph of your cover letter. If you are going to include an objective on your resume, it’s best to keep it to one sentence and omit buzz words (ex. I’m a dynamic, motivated team player looking for…). Recruiters read sentences like this all day long. The goal of your resume is to make you stand out from the crowd, not blend in.

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Indiana University Indianapolis

Office of career development.

Resume and Cover Letters

In your first year of college, you’ll begin crafting a resume, refining and updating it as you actively participate in various experiences and acquire new skills. This process of refining not only reflects your academic journey but also underscores the importance of maintaining a professional approach throughout your college career, especially when it comes to the development and presentation of your resume.

Your resume and cover letter work together as essential documents, strategically showcasing your identity and accomplishments. This synergy becomes even more critical in a college setting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of professionalism, particularly when crafting and presenting resumes. These documents serve as powerful tools to effectively communicate your qualifications and experiences to potential employers.

Your resume is your personal marketing tool, advertising what you can do for a prospective employer. It summarizes the unique skills and experiences that set you apart from your competitors. The goal of a resume is to get the reader interested in you as a candidate. Remember to customize your resume for each job application, emphasizing the most relevant qualifications and experiences for the specific position.

Your cover letter showcases not only your personality, purpose, knowledge, and writing capabilities but also your professionalism. Serving as a complement to your resume, it provides a valuable opportunity to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of a prospective employer.

A few things to remember:

• A resume is a piece of a person on paper. One person could be proud of their resume because it best represents them while another person may not care, both ways are perfectly fine. It is our job to make sure each person feels represented by their resumes.
• There is no perfect resume. Typically, we use chronological resumes, however there are multiple types: chronological, functional, combination, or targeted resume. Each resume is a little different in size, color, formatting, etc. based on the person that creates or edits it. Just ensure the major components are there: Name, contact information, education, and experiences.
• Nearly any experience is a professional experience, we just have to find the words to explain them.

The following are tips for constructing a powerful and professional resume. Use this sheet and the example on the back as a guide while collaborating with your career coach to create a resume that is perfect for you and your job.

PERSONAL BRAND

The top of your document should list your contact information, including your name, address, email, phone number, and LinkedIn domain link.

The formatting you use for this section creates a look you will use throughout your application materials (cover letter, references, etc.). Consider your use of font, font size, color, and spacing to create a professional look. Make sure your name is the most visually prominent piece of the whole document.

In this section, list all relevant education in reverse-chronological order. For each relevant college, university, or certificate program you have completed:

Write the name of the institution, the name of the degree/certificate/diploma, the location, and the date of completion.

Consider including the following if they are relevant to the position for which you are applying or if they have been requested by the employer: GPA (if ≥ 3.5), awards or recognitions, scholarships, student organizations, leadership positions, relevant coursework.

In this section, list all relevant experience in reverse-chronological order. For each a job position, internship, volunteer position, military service, or leadership experience:

Write the name of the organization, the position title, dates of employment/service, and location.

Construct 3-5 concise bullet points which describe the most valuable and relevant skills you gained and demonstrated in this position.

Start each bullet with a strong action verb.

Highlight skills, not responsibilities.

Be quantifiable whenever possible (e.g. generated 15% sales increase).

Use the employers own language to show that you fit what they are looking for.

REVIEWING YOUR RESUME

Employers prefer resumes to be ONE FULL PAGE or never more than TWO FULL PAGES. Arrange the text size and formatting so your text fills the page(s).

Carefully proof-read your document and have a friend or career coach review it for grammar and formatting.

Do not use jargon or informal vocabulary.

Your resume should change depending on what position you are applying for. Be sure your resume is tailored to the relevant position.

Are you fluent, proficient, or conversational in a second language? If so, ask your career coach how you can best highlight this skill in your resume.

Personal statements (a.k.a. objectives or summary statements) are generally obsolete. Include one only if you have a clear career goal that is very relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Many resume templates include a “skills” section. Only include this section if you are otherwise unable to fill one full page or if you have particularly relevant skills that you have not displayed elsewhere.

Project Coordinator

Assess patients for participation in, and coordinate the Pulmonary Rehab program

Monitor and supervise physical conditioning keeping physician informed of patient progress

Provide respiratory-related skills training and coordinate the skill training provided by Pharmacy, Dietetics, and Chaplaincy departments.

Information Specialist

Developed and implemented cross-training for administrative duties to mitigate risk and ensure success

Yielded membership inquiries, comments, and concerns in a high volume, fast-paced call center

Processed data including new membership applications, changes to member information, and dues payments

Advise the new co-presidents on how to structure and organize events, lead an executive board, and discuss ideas on how to strengthen the chapter

Lead and recruit peers by offering challenges and support to event volunteers as they complete tasks

Created new member initiative increasing member success 50% from previous year

Facilitated events held by the School of Liberal Arts. Represented the school’s values by encouraging and teaching new and current IUPUI students the benefits of a liberal arts education

Medical Response Team

Provide first aid in medical emergencies and non-emergencies in and round Indianapolis

Initiated first responder program increasing patient numbers 35% as compared to previous year

Increase organization’s recognition with outreach and communication

Translate the organization’s services for the Spanish community

The following are tips for writing a powerful and professional cover letter. Use this sheet and the example letter on the back as a guide while collaborating with your career coach on how to create a cover letter that is perfect for the position you are pursuing.

As with a resume, your cover letter will be headed by your personal brand which contains your basic contact information, including your name, address, email, phone number, and LinkedIn URL. Mirror or copy the personal brand from your resume to create a clean and unified professional look.

Directly under your header include the date.

Address your letter to the person who will be reviewing your application. If this information is not accessible, consider calling the company to find it. If possible, include their name, job title, organization/company name, and company address.

PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION

The focus of this paragraph is introducing yourself and demonstrating your knowledge of the company/organization.

Briefly introduce yourself.

Show that you have done your research. Connect with their company goals, mission, or values. Tell them why you are excited about or impressed by their organization or this position.

If you have a connection with the organization, do not be afraid to name-drop.

PARAGRAPH 2: YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The focus of this paragraph is the skills that you bring to the position.

Highlight 2-3 skills that you would bring to their team.

Use their language and show that you know what they value. Be sharp and to the point.

Do the work of connecting your skills to their team and their organization. Show them that you fit.

PARAGRAPH 3: CLOSING

Tell them what you would like to happen next (e.g. an interview or opportunity to talk about the position further).

Provide information about how you can best be reached.

Thank them for their time and consideration. Close with a salutation and signature.

REVIEWING YOUR COVER LETTER

Even if the application does not require a cover letter, consider submitting one anyway (unless it specifically says not to). This extra effort shows the employer your sincere interest and could put you a step ahead of your competitors.

Check your grammar and make sure that you’ve tailored your letter to the appropriate position.

Dear Mr. Hiring:

I first heard about Indianapolis Children’s Home as I was preparing for the Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Annual Career Fair. As I began to research your program, I was immediately interested in your goal of providing service to children in great need here in Indiana. In conversation with Mr. George Recruiter at the Career Fair, I realized even more clearly how you provide practical services while focusing on fostering positive relationships with your youth and their families. This spring I will be graduating from IUPUI with a Bachelor of Science in Education and I am interested in working on your team as an Activities Coordinator after graduation. Throughout college I have been involved in Indiana Urban Outreach and improved the lives of over 950 members of our community here in Indianapolis. This opportunity has granted me experiences building relationships with people from a variety of demographics. Because of this experience coupled with my education, I am confident that I have the ability to identify the needs of and foster positive relationships with your children and their families. In addition, I have two years of experience as a lead teacher for an after-school program at a local grade school, which has offered me the ability to plan and lead educational activities and has effectively prepared me to lead in the role of an Activities Coordinator. I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss what I can bring to your team as an Activities Coordinator for the Indianapolis Children’s Home. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, SIGNATURE Your Name

Resume Reviews

Need more help with your resume or cover letter?

The Office of Career Development is conducting weekly resume reviews every Wednesday from 2 pm to 4 pm in Cavanaugh Hall, Room 243.

Can’t make it in person? No problem! To have your r esume reviewed via email , students can send their resume to libacdo@iupui.edu. Our team will review it and provide feedback within 3-5 business days. Please ensure to monitor your IU email address, as that is where our staff will send the reviewed document(s).

Ask questions or schedule an appointment by visiting our office in Cavanaugh Hall, Room 243, calling 317- 278-1224, or use our online Student Appointment Scheduler (SAS) .

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When you have to convey your whole professional self in one page or less, every word counts! For resume best practices, check out some of our resources here to make sure you have the most compelling portrayal of your brilliant self imaginable.

Need more? Be sure to stop by the Career Hub (SPEA Suite 200) any time Monday – Friday, 11am – 3pm for guidance. No appointment needed!

Getting Started

Not sure where to begin? Start with our resources below to craft your general resume. You’ll want to focus on clean formatting, strong actions verbs, and detailed yet concise accomplishment statements. Upload your general resume to the resume platform, Quinncia, to receive dynamic resume analysis and personalized guidance.

Undergraduate O’Neill Resume Standard

The Undergraduate O’Neill Resume Standard is straight forward and has everything your future employer needs to know in a simple, easy-to-scan format.

Graduate O’Neill Resume Standard

The Graduate O’Neill Resume Standard includes more details and has the option to reach two full pages. It is still straight forward and has everything your future employer needs to know in a simple, easy-to-scan format. You can also choose a resume standard specific to your degree.

Effective Accomplishment Statements

The Effective Accomplishment (bullet point) Statements resource helps you create a marketable resume. Too often resume bullet points become a list of job tasks or basic duties without any connection to skills employers seek or accomplishments to demonstrate performance ability. This will help you stand out against the competition.

Resume Action Verbs

The Resume Action Verbs list will give you ideas of strong actions verbs to start off your accomplishment statements. Action verbs help keep your statements concise but impactful.

Adding Impact & Quantifying

Adding Impact & Quantifying is extremely important in giving your resume a distinctive edge. This resource helps guide you as you develop each of your accomplishment statements.

Quinncia Resume Review Platform

The Quinncia Resume Review Platform should be utilized by all O’Neill students and students who are enrolled in O’Neill School courses. You’ll receive tailored advice and suggestions to strengthen your resume.

Top Soft Skills for 2023 [+90 Examples for Your Resume]

The Top Soft Skills for 2023 are core skills sought after in every profession. Soft skills consist of a combination of people, social, and communication skills, character traits, attitudes, and mindsets, as well as social and emotional characteristics, among others, which are sought for in all professions. Some examples include: teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.

Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills are common soft skills found in nearly every job posting. Employers have expressed hard skills can be taught, but they want candidates to learn soft skills before applying; we have found them to be consistent across the board as far as skills they seek.  These skills deserve space on your resume.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Standard – For teaching/research positions

The Curriculum Vitae (CV) Standard is a comprehensive document of your background and academic credentials. The CV is typically used when applying for positions in academia, the sciences, graduate or professional school and various areas of research.  The CV is different from the resume in that readers will take extensive time to read the document.

Tailor Your Resume for an Application

A tailored resume is a general resume that has been edited (tailored) to a specific industry or job/internship posting. Whenever you apply for a position, the resume you submit should be tailored to that role and organization by using keywords and phrases you noticed in the position posting.

How to Tailor Your Resume

How to Tailor Your Resume gives you a brief overview of how to alter your resume to fit the position you’re applying for. Whenever you apply for a new position, you will want to tailor your resume.

Tailored Resume Worksheet

The Tailored Resume Worksheet will help you brainstorm and get started on tailoring your resume towards a specific role. Having a great general resume is important, but in today’s world it’s not enough to land the job you want. You have to research the company, the role, and the job description combing for key words and tie what they are looking for into the experiences you’ve had.

Accomplishment Statement Examples (Student Employment & Campus Involvement)

Accomplishment Statement Examples for Student Employment & Campus Involvement will help you highlight your university involvement on your resume.

Federal Resumes

Are you applying for a federal internship or job? You’ll need a Federal resume, which is a bit different from your general resume. For formatting, we recommend using the Resume Builder in your USAJobs.gov profile.

Federal Resume Example with Notes

Federal Resume Template with Notes is a useful tool to use when you need to create a federal resume. Download the document and refer to the notes that are included to understand why and how a federal resume is different from a traditional resume.

Federal Resume Template

Federal Resume Template is a downloadable document to help get you started. We also recommend using the resume builder within USAJobs.

Federal Resume Tips

Federal Resume Tips from the United States Office of Personnel Management will help you write an effective federal resume.

USAJobs.gov

USAJobs.gov is where you’ll go to create your profile and utilize the recommended Resume Builder. The FAQs Page includes great information regarding what to include in your federal resume and what to leave out. The Events Page includes a plethora of resume writing virtual sessions that are free, so be sure to sign up for those if you feel stuck.

Other Resume Resources

Need more? Check out other relevant resources below. And be sure to stop by the Career Hub any time Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm for guidance on resume writing!

O’Neill Professional References Sheet Template

The O’Neill Professional References Sheet Template will help you prepare your list of professional references. Employers will oftentimes request a list of professional references from you at some point in the application/interview process.

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Can’t make it to the Studio during Drop-In hours? Virtual appointments are available upon request via Handshake.

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