resume writing for jobs and internships

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Resume Writing for Jobs and Internships

Stefano VerdesotoGraduate Assistant

UB Career ServicesUniversity at Buffalo

259 Capen Hallub-careers.buffalo.edu

(716) 645-4499


Before We Get Started…• What’s your name?• What’s your major/field of study?• Have you ever written a resume?– If so, what was it for?


What is a Resume?• A concise, complete document that

outlines your unique work-related education, skills, accomplishments, and experience

• Helps secure you an interview• Usually 1-2 pages– Especially for someone just starting out!


Resume Layout• Layout– to (most important to least)– Reverse chronological order (present to

past)– Avoid overusing bold and italicized text!


Resume Format• What do you think is the most common

mistake?– Inconsistency! In formatting and spacing• Margins should be the same• Format all sections exactly the same• No spelling errors


Consistent Resume Format


Contact Information• Really important!• Should be visually appealing – brand

yourself!• Make it easy to contact you• It’s okay to have 2 addresses• Have a professional voicemail and email– No “Sexy and I Know It” ring-backs– No [email protected]


Objective• Optional!• If you do have one, make sure it’s SPECIFIC– Target a specific company and position– List 2-3 specific skills you will bring

• Avoid “dedicated,” “motivated,” “hard-working”• You can find the specific skills they’re looking for

on the job postings!

– Example: To obtain the Marketing Internship at Shea's Performing Arts Center to utilize my public relations experience and promotional writing skills.


Contact Information and Objective


Education• Start with most recent – UB!• Write out the full name of school and degree• List your GPA if it’s over a 3.0

University at Buffalo, The State University of New YorkBachelor of Arts, Sociology, Expected May 2017GPA 3.8/4.0

• List other colleges if you received a degree• After your sophomore year, ditch HS stuff


Experience• Include employment, internships, leadership

experience, volunteer work, etc.– Write bullet points describing skills developed

and achievements– Start your bullet points with “action words”

(pg13)

– Use “buzz words” the company is looking for– Consider breaking up experience section

• Related Experience• Leadership Experience• Work Experience• Marketing Experience… etc.


Writing Action Statements• Focus on what you learned or

accomplished rather than just stating your duties

• Avoid using passive words such as “assisted”

• Quantify your accomplishments when possible


Strong vs. Weak Action Statements

• Weak: Took orders for customers.• Strong: Provided excellent customer

service to a high volume of customers by taking orders, promoting new specials, and preparing food.

• Weak: Assisted people with their diets.• Strong: Prescribed individual exercise

programs and offered nutritional advice to 10 clients.


Other Common Sections• Skills: languages, computers, etc.• Professional Affiliations/Certifications• Projects: especially important for more

technical majors• Relevant Coursework: 300/400 level• Publications: published research with

professors• Honors and awards: academic and community• Campus Involvement: member or officer of

clubs


Key Points to Remember• Tailor your resume to each employer• Show what YOU can do for THEM• 10-15 seconds on average• Be specific and quantify when possible• Make it look professional – no errors!


LinkedIn• Once your resume looks professional,

create a LinkedIn profile!• What is LinkedIn?– Professional networking website

Showcase your experiences/skills on your profile (like a virtual resume)

Network with and learn from other students, alumni, and professionals

Look through job postings – see what it takes!

Join professional and field-specific groups


Mini LinkedIn Tutorial

http://www.linkedin.com/


Any questions?


Get Started!• Write a resume• Bring it to UB Career Services– Express Career Consults• Same-day, 20-minute appts.• Monday through Friday• 12pm to 4pm


Thank You!• Quick and easy survey time!• Please be sure to sign in• Any questions or want to schedule an

appt.?• Come to our office or give us a call

259 Capen Hall(716) 645-2231

resume writing for jobs and internships

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