Build Your Resume Now
If you do not already have a resume, create one this semester. It is a requirement at Tuskegee. We have invested in a powerful AI career-development tool called Olive to help you get started. Visit Olive at https://www.olive.jobs/onboarding/tuskegee to build or strengthen your resume. Once completed, schedule a visit with the Career Center for guidance on next steps.
What is the Purpose of a Resume/ CV?
The goal and overall purpose of a resume/CV is to introduce your qualifications and skills to employers. It's an informational document that tells your career story, outlining all details in an easily read format.
Your resume/CV is a self-marketing tool. The purpose of a resume is to effectively communicate your assets in writing to an employer. You need to know what the employers want and then present it to them in a clear, easy-to-follow format. It is an art, and should be tailored to the job you are applying for.
- Convince prospective employers to interview you based on your qualifications
- Create a professional image of yourself and establish your credibility
- Provide a sample of your written communication skills
Resume Template for Career Planner:
Resume Templates
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Hybrid Style
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Chronological Style
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Functional Style
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Resume/CV Basics:
- Use white or cream 8 ½” x 11” paper, black ink, printed on one side only
- Use standard type faces such as Arial, Courier, Helvetica, Future, Optima, Times, Palatine, and Times New Roman
- Use font size of 10 to 14 points
- Place your name at the top of each page
- Use standard address format below your name
- Use complete school name, degree, and dates
- Use complete job information and dates
- Use bold face type and/or capital letter for section headings as long the letters don’t touch each other
- Dependent on key words –nouns that represent skills and experience rather than verbs/action words
- Find keyword job descriptions and job listings
- Describe your experience with concrete words rather than vague descriptions
- Increase your list of key words by including specifics, for example, list the names or software you use such as Microsoft Word and Lotus 1-2-3
- Avoid pronouns (e.g. I, my, us)
- Try to stick with one page, but use two pages if necessary
- Provide a laser printer original or a typewritten original; do not send copies or dot matrix printouts
- Do not fold, staple or paper clip
- Don’t condense spacing between letters
- Avoid two-column format or resumes that look like newspapers or newsletter
Other Reason for Resumes/CV
- Prepares you for the interview. Most employers will use your resume as a guideline when they interview you. They will ask you to explain in detail many of the statements you have made in your resume.
- Organizes you. Preparing a resume forces you to assess your skills. This in turn will help you evaluate the many employment options open to you. It will also help you plan an effective job search campaign.
- Gives you a sense of security. It’s a good idea to always have an updates resume on hand. You never know when you will want to seek a better job or just a change. Also, in case you unexpectedly lose your job, it is wise to have your resume updated and ready.
- Can be used as a calling card. It’s there when you want to conduct informational interviews to test potential opportunities.
Resume Format and Guide Web sources:
