Update your Resumefor Engineering Students

Leslie Rand-Pickett, Asst. Director

Liaison to CSC & ECE departments2100 Pullen Hall * 2112 EB2

515-2396 * www.ncsu.edu/careerleslie_randpickett@ncsu.edu

How are resumes like newspapers or magazines?

My answer?• They both have a few short seconds to capture your

attention• They utilize headings or headlines to engage readers• Their articles are written so that the most important

information is first• They are aesthetically pleasing and well organized for

quick reading• They reflect the interests and preferences of their

readers

Quick Tips on Resumes

Resumes should…• Be brief (probably one page)

– You have 30-60 seconds to engage the reader• Display your most important qualifications at the top &

to the left of the page• Be directed to the type of position for which you are

applying

Your Resume Might Include

• Objective/Summary• Education• Relevant Experience• Computer or Technical

Skills• Course Projects• Language Skills

• Volunteer Experience• Honors• Additional Work

Experience• Relevant Coursework• Campus Activities

Sample Engineering

Resume

A few samples…

A Few More Hints

• Within each section, use reverse chronological order

• When describing experience be sure to begin your phrases with action verbs

• Focus on your accomplishments• Give ##’s and results when possible• If experience isn’t relevant, focus on the

transferable skills used

Common Resume Issues• No relevant experience (intern/co-op, etc)

– Solution: describe projects from classes, list relevant courses taken, and demonstrate transferable skills from un-related jobs

• Resume doesn’t fit on one page – Solution: eliminate unnecessary information (old

achievements or less notable items) or re-format. Use your horizontal space efficiently. Adjust margins to .75-1.00” ** use 10-12 pt. fonts

Suggestions for each section

• Skills: be sure to organize this section, give it subheadings if necessary & make good use of horizontal space

• Projects: use action verbs to describe what YOU did on the project. Incorporate technical terms to show application of skill.

• Experience: use space to describe your accomplishments. Use varied action verbs

sample skills sections

•back

sample projects sections

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sample experience sections

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Resumes for On-line Applications• Copy & paste your “pretty” resume into a separate

document• Justify all items to the left• Remove bullets, bold, italics and underline• Use only keyboard characters (* - ), ALL CAPS, and white

space to show separation• Copy & paste the file into the text box on web applications• This can also be used when an employer requests you

send your resume via email, but not as attachment

SampleOnline-ApplicationResume

ALEXANDRA MAYBERRY 2100 Pullen Hall * Raleigh, NC 27695 * 919-515-2396 * abmayber@ncsu.edu OBJECTIVE To obtain an internship position related to computer and electrical engineering. EDUCATION North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC Bachelor of Science- Computer Engineering, May 2008 Bachelor of Science- Electrical Engineering, May 2008 GPA- 3.3 * Dean’s List- 3 semesters RELEVANT COURSEWORK Microprocessors, Programming Concepts, Electrical Circuits, Fundamentals of Logic Design, Linear Systems, Microelectronics, Embedded Systems, Introduction to Computing- Java COMPUTER SKILLS Languages: Java, Verilog, Assembler, C, PSpice, Visual Python, HTML, MySQL Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, and Unix Software Packages: Adobe Suite, Macromedia Flash, Microsoft Office Suite WORK EXPERIENCE Intern, NCSU WolfTech Raleigh, NC * August 2005-present Supported the Electrical and Computer Engineering departments’ computer needs by assisting with software installation, systems upgrades/patches and basic troubleshooting. Provided support to over 800 desktops, laptops, and printers. Counselor, Sailing Instructor and Lifeguard, Camp Don Lee Arapahoe, NC * Summers 2002-05 Supervised all activities and safety of 16 campers each week, ages ranged from 4-16. Planned group team-building activities and led classroom instruction on the sport of sailing. Led groups of campers and counselors on overnight sailing/camping trips along the Neuse River and in the Pamlico Sound. HONORS AND INVOLVEMENT Eta Kappa Nu-Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society, 2003-05 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc (IEEE), 2003-05 University Scholars Program Kappa Sigma Sorority 2004 – Present New Member Educator - Fall 2005

It’s all about BALANCE

• Think critically about your own skills, experiences and qualities.

• What will the EMPLOYER see as most valuable to their organization?

• Choose to include information THEY will view as important, and ARRANGE it so that it is easily read & understood.

Test Yourself

• Hold your resume out at arm’s length• What jumps off the page?• Do you quickly see your most important

qualifications?• What impression does it make?• Trade with a friend to see if they can determine

what your strengths are.

CV vs. Resume

• Resume for business * CV for academia• Main difference, CV can be longer and includes

more info on research, teaching, publications & presentations

• CV’s should still follow some resume rules, like keeping the most important info first, and keeping details well organized & consistent

Sample CV’s available

• http://chronicle.com/jobs/tools/cvdoctor/2006/• Additional info on statements of teaching

philosophy & other elements of an academic job search available @

• http://www4.ncsu.edu/~lcrandpi/index.htm

Upload & Publish to ePack

• Allows you to apply for positions with on-campus interviews

• Allows employers to find your resume, and for Leslie to refer your resume out to employers who contact the Career Center

• Is a secure place to store your resume!• www.ncsu.edu/epack

For More Information• Visit the University Career Center

– 2100 Pullen Hall– Or our website, www.ncsu.edu/career

• Leslie’s walk-ins in EB2 2112– Monday afternoons & Thursday mornings

• Counselor Drop-In Hours in 2100 Pullen Hall – Monday through Friday 11-2

• Leslie is also available by appointment – call 515-2396

• Leslie’s website –http://www4.ncsu.edu/~lcrandpi/index.htmfor today’s PPT and other tips just for tech students