Resume Guide

What is a Resume?

A resume is a brief summary of your qualifications, education, and experiences relevant to your career objective. It is your primary marketing document in a job search.

Employers typically spend less than 30 seconds reviewing a resume. Your goal is to make an impression strong enough to secure an interview.

Standard Resume Sections

Header Information

Your header should be prominently placed at the top and include:

  • Full name
  • Email address (professional)
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address (city and state at minimum)
  • LinkedIn profile URL

Objective (Optional)

A concise statement of your career goal. Include the specific position you seek, the skills you bring, and the field or industry you're targeting. Not all resumes need an objective — consider whether it adds value for your situation.

To obtain a summer internship in the biotech industry where I can apply my coursework in molecular biology and laboratory techniques.

Seeking a full-time position in management consulting that utilizes my analytical skills and business experience.

To secure a software engineering role at a mission-driven organization where I can leverage my experience in full-stack development and data systems.

Education

List your educational background with the most recent degree first. Include:

  • Institution name and location
  • Degree earned and major/minor
  • Graduation date (or expected date)
  • GPA (if 3.0 or above)
  • Relevant coursework, honors, or academic awards
  • Study abroad or overseas experience

Experience

Describe your relevant experience using action verbs and measurable results. Each entry should include:

  • Job title
  • Organization name and location
  • Dates of employment
  • Bullet points describing your responsibilities and accomplishments

Experience can include paid employment, internships, volunteer work, academic projects, and leadership roles in organizations.

Additional Information

This optional section can include:

  • Computer and technical skills
  • Languages (indicate proficiency level)
  • Volunteer work and community involvement
  • Professional memberships
  • Relevant interests or hobbies

Resume Formats

Chronological

The most common format. Lists experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. Best for candidates with a strong, direct work history in their field.

Functional

Focuses on skills and abilities rather than a sequential work history. Groups experience by function or skill area. Ideal for career changers, those with gaps, or candidates whose strongest experience is non-traditional.

Combination

A hybrid of chronological and functional formats. Groups experience by skill area but lists positions in reverse chronological order within each group. Offers flexibility while maintaining a clear timeline.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • ✓ Use action verbs to describe your experiences
  • ✓ Quantify results whenever possible
  • ✓ Keep your resume brief (1–2 pages)
  • ✓ Use quality resume paper for printed copies
  • ✓ Include a cover letter with your application
  • ✓ Have others review for grammar and spelling

Don'ts

  • ✗ Use margins smaller than 1 inch
  • ✗ Use a font size smaller than 10pt
  • ✗ Use personal pronouns (I, me, we)
  • ✗ Include personal information or photos
  • ✗ Write "References available upon request"

Email Submission Tips

  • • Send your resume as a PDF attachment and paste a plain-text version in the email body as a backup.
  • • Name your files clearly: LastName_FirstName_Resume.pdf
  • • Keep formatting simple in the email body — avoid tables, columns, and special characters that may not render correctly.
  • • Use a professional subject line that includes the position title and your name.