1
00:00:11,149 --> 00:00:11,979
(MUSIC). Did, you know,

2
00:00:11,989 --> 00:00:16,209
creating a personal brand is critical to any career development process

3
00:00:17,129 --> 00:00:20,750
and crafting an impressive resume is one of its main components.

4
00:00:21,700 --> 00:00:23,850
So what exactly is a resume?

5
00:00:24,389 --> 00:00:28,000
It's a document that tells prospective employers exactly

6
00:00:28,010 --> 00:00:29,799
what you want them to know about you

7
00:00:29,920 --> 00:00:32,830
and why you would be a good fit for their open position.

8
00:00:33,459 --> 00:00:34,290
In a sense,

9
00:00:34,299 --> 00:00:37,029
it's a way for you to put your best foot forward,

10
00:00:37,060 --> 00:00:40,830
a way to sell yourself on paper to a potential employer.

11
00:00:41,139 --> 00:00:43,279
In order to sell yourself effectively,

12
00:00:43,290 --> 00:00:46,709
I'm going to run through a checklist of what you should keep in mind.

13
00:00:46,720 --> 00:00:50,619
Bear in mind everyone has a different opinion on what works,

14
00:00:50,630 --> 00:00:53,189
but there are some overarching principles that

15
00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:55,830
seem to work well in most industries.

16
00:00:56,159 --> 00:00:58,549
First, let's talk about formatting.

17
00:00:59,150 --> 00:01:03,740
You'll need to create the framework of your resume by creating effective headings.

18
00:01:03,750 --> 00:01:07,169
These can be your education and experience type sections,

19
00:01:07,319 --> 00:01:11,080
but could also include leadership, scholarships, or honors.

20
00:01:11,089 --> 00:01:15,059
It really just depends on what you want to present to potential employers.

21
00:01:15,069 --> 00:01:17,309
Once you know which sections you'll use,

22
00:01:17,400 --> 00:01:20,000
you'll also want to consider putting the sections in an

23
00:01:20,010 --> 00:01:22,739
order that best links your skills to an employer's opportunity.

24
00:01:23,919 --> 00:01:27,819
It's also good to keep in mind some general formatting rules. You want to

25
00:01:27,830 --> 00:01:31,389
have margins that are half an inch to one inch all the way around.

26
00:01:31,690 --> 00:01:34,980
It's also good to choose just one or two fonts and

27
00:01:34,989 --> 00:01:37,980
to keep the font at a 10- to 12-point size.

28
00:01:38,220 --> 00:01:41,690
Once you've gotten the framework set, you'll start filling in the gaps.

29
00:01:41,699 --> 00:01:43,110
Starting at the top,

30
00:01:43,120 --> 00:01:46,709
you want to provide your name and your accurate contact information.

31
00:01:47,029 --> 00:01:51,690
Some people also choose to include a link to their LinkedIn or other online profile.

32
00:01:51,980 --> 00:01:54,410
I'd recommend this if your online presence is up

33
00:01:54,419 --> 00:01:56,680
to date and helps to enhance your resume.

34
00:01:57,430 --> 00:02:02,610
The next section of a resume is often a summary of skills or an objective statement.

35
00:02:02,879 --> 00:02:07,290
This section can be really useful in providing context for the reader.

36
00:02:07,370 --> 00:02:10,440
Why are you applying? Why are you the best fit?

37
00:02:10,699 --> 00:02:13,789
You can use this section to paint that picture effectively

38
00:02:13,800 --> 00:02:17,589
and give context for what's to come in subsequent sections.

39
00:02:17,899 --> 00:02:20,679
After the summary of skills or objective statement,

40
00:02:20,820 --> 00:02:24,529
you'll often see an education section or an experience section

41
00:02:24,679 --> 00:02:27,199
depending on which is more relevant to the position.

42
00:02:27,770 --> 00:02:32,940
If you've been in a degree program recently and honed in on new relevant skills,

43
00:02:32,949 --> 00:02:35,130
you might lead with an education section.

44
00:02:35,350 --> 00:02:37,820
If you've been working in the field for many years

45
00:02:37,830 --> 00:02:39,809
and want to take a next step in the field,

46
00:02:39,820 --> 00:02:40,860
you're already in

47
00:02:41,029 --> 00:02:45,039
the experience section might make the most sense. In either case,

48
00:02:45,050 --> 00:02:49,389
you'll want the experiences outlined to be in reverse chronological order,

49
00:02:49,399 --> 00:02:53,059
highlighting your most recent education or experience first.

50
00:02:53,440 --> 00:02:55,979
When you begin to work on your experience section,

51
00:02:55,990 --> 00:02:59,009
be sure your bullet points include action verbs

52
00:02:59,020 --> 00:03:02,009
and tenses that reflect past or ongoing work.

53
00:03:02,470 --> 00:03:05,500
Try not to exceed 2 to 4 bullet points per position.

54
00:03:05,699 --> 00:03:10,419
Though this of course varies depending on your length of tenure at a position.

55
00:03:10,690 --> 00:03:13,300
Bullet points to demonstrate key skills

56
00:03:13,309 --> 00:03:15,990
and major accomplishments using numbers and

57
00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:21,419
percentages rather than routine tasks and duties after education and experience.

58
00:03:21,429 --> 00:03:23,759
It's a good idea to add other sections to

59
00:03:23,770 --> 00:03:27,240
flesh out one complete or two complete pages.

60
00:03:27,339 --> 00:03:31,500
Often students will consider a section called relevant course work and

61
00:03:31,509 --> 00:03:36,250
projects to draw out some meaningful work completed within the classroom.

62
00:03:36,259 --> 00:03:40,639
If you're still looking for additional sections to complete your resume,

63
00:03:40,669 --> 00:03:42,410
consider volunteer work,

64
00:03:42,570 --> 00:03:45,139
honors, or extracurricular activities

65
00:03:45,199 --> 00:03:49,259
placing special emphasis on any leadership roles you may have had.

66
00:03:49,440 --> 00:03:51,910
Finally and perhaps most importantly,

67
00:03:51,919 --> 00:03:54,190
your resume is the first impression you get to

68
00:03:54,199 --> 00:03:56,869
make on someone who could possibly hire you.

69
00:03:56,970 --> 00:03:58,220
So proof-free.

70
00:03:58,440 --> 00:04:02,589
You're looking for consistency of formatting and error-free content.

71
00:04:03,179 --> 00:04:07,529
Often, our worst enemy is having looked too long at our own work.

72
00:04:07,720 --> 00:04:11,389
So, ask a friend or two to give your resume a once over.

73
00:04:11,399 --> 00:04:15,509
Does it look complete, informative, professional, and pleasing to the eye?

74
00:04:15,520 --> 00:04:18,488
Does it make a compelling case for your candidacy?

75
00:04:18,720 --> 00:04:20,630
If so, you're ready to go.