Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

 

Phil Druker University of Idaho, English Department

Experience-Based Résumés
(Chronological Résumé)

 

Here is a basic outline for experience-based (chronological) résumés . You can change the order of the sections to meet your needs. Place the most important points first. Be sure to check the hints at the bottom of the page.

Objectives

This is optional. Provide a one sentence statement that describes your current employment goal: be specific but not so specific you eliminate yourself from jobs you might want.

Education

University. Place. Degree title (major and minor). When attended/expected graduation date. GPA.

Relevant Courses

List special course work that qualifies you, that differentiates you from other candidates.
Omit the course numbers. Give exact course titles if appropriate.

Special Projects

Employment

Job title. Where. When. Brief description of your work.

Examples:

Tutor. Mathematics and Statistics Assistance Center. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.

Assisted lower division mathematics students in the course work. (Fall 1996)

General Laborer. H and H Construction. Moscow, Idaho.

Worked on site excavation, concrete, masonry, framing, plumbing, electrical wiring, and roofing. Used and followed relevant codes. (Summers 1994 – 1997)

Note: Use a parallel form for these descriptions. In this case, the parallel form uses verbs.

Special Skills / Technical Skill / Computer Skills

Honors

Scholarships

Elected Positions

Special Activities

Interests

References

 

Hints:

  1. Avoid using boilerplate formats from word processors. They are difficult to modify, might not meet your needs, and are used so often they might appear bland or unoriginal.
  2. Use headings and make them specific.
  3. Place the most important points, the most important sections first.
  4. If you are a college student applying for an entry level job, emphasize education by placing it first. If you are not a college student and want to emphasize your employment record, place employment first.
  5. List items from most recent to least recent.
  6. Use a parallel form (see the note above under the "Employment" heading).
  7. Emphasize all your strengths.
  8. Use font size and bolding to emphasize headings.
  9. Consider length. Some people say a résumé should be no more than one page.
  10. Use 1 inch margins if possible. Pick a font size that is big enough to read easily.
  11. Omit "I," but otherwise do not use telegraphic English (do not omit short words like "the").

    Here's a link to the University of Idaho's Career and Professional Planning Office (CAPP). They offer great information about searching for jobs and applying for jobs.