Resume & Application Materials

Did you know that the staff in the CCLD can help you target your resume so that you are actually getting calls for interviews?  We can help when you are applying to full-time jobs and internships as well as part-time jobs.
Not sure if you need a resume or a curriculum vitae when applying to graduate school?  We can assist with that process as well!
Getting Started with Your Resume
No matter where you are in your program, it's a good idea to regularly update your resume to keep track of your new experiences and skills.  When you have updated your resume, it's a good idea to have a career advisor look at your document to make sure you are speaking to the skills and experiences of the job you want.  Remember that the goal of your resume is not to get the job, it's to get the interview.  Once you have built a general resume, you will want to begin targeting your application materials to fit the duties and requirements of each job.  Each time you apply for a new opportunity, your resume and cover letter should speak specifically to the job or internship you want.
Do Brand or not to Brand - The Truth about Branded Resumes
We know you're finding templates and other resources online that may be encouraging you to add your headshot, images, icons, infographics, and bright colors.  We know these might look exciting online, but you have to consider your audience and how they will interpret the information. For most professional fields, the traditional resume that focuses on your transferable skills as it relates to the position is your best bet.  Many employers will say that photographs can create unintentional bias because it detracts from your professional content. In addition, bright colors and icons may not communicate the same to each reader.  Infographics and rating systems of your skills take up extra space and may not accurately depict what you bring to the table.  If you are in a creative field and believe you need a branded resume, be sure to talk to us about having a branded resume that still focuses on content as well as one that will work with an applicant tracking system (ATS).
Preparing Your Resume for an ATS System
All of the Fortune 500 and many other large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to search your resume for keywords from the job description to determine if you are a fit.  If you use rating systems, icons, images, and other unreadable text to articulate your skills and experience, the ATS will miss you as a competitive applicant.  If a human is looking at your resume, they are also looking for keywords in addition to plain language to tell them you have the skills and experience for the job.  To learn more about ATS systems, check out resources by Jobscan.
Use the resources included on this page as you begin to implement a targeted job search. 
We have provided a list of sample resumes below. Although they are categorized by major, you may find that a particular sample's format or categories suit you better.  
Federal Resume Handout (modified from USAJobs.gov)
Cover Letters
Graduate & Professional School Resources
Curriculum Vitae (CV) Sample (Academic research-based programs; resumes are appropriate for professional degrees).