Let's Talk. . . About Résumés

The résumé is potentially the most important document that you can submit to an employer: the résumé will give the employer the information that you will use to "sell yourself" to an employer, thus earning your interview and potential employment. A résumé should include your name, contact information, objective, education, relevant coursework, employment history, and other relevant experience.

Not all résumés look alike. Graduate schools, professional societies, and institutions of higher learning utilize a different kind of résumé, called a "Curriculum Vita," which covers not only the aspects of a regular résumé, but also includes research experience, professional experience, publications, presentations, affiliations, and any professional development.

Another difference is the layout of the résumé itself. Some people prefer to divide sections by underlining the heading, while others prefer to put the heading in a column to the left, thereby separating the information from its heading. Fonts can vary, though employers will probably follow the rule of MLA format: if it cannot be read, it will not be read.

For help with writing or revising a résumé, schedule an appointment with Career Services.