WEBVTT 00:00:11.149 --> 00:00:11.979 (MUSIC). Did, you know, 00:00:11.989 --> 00:00:16.209 creating a personal brand is critical to any career development process 00:00:17.129 --> 00:00:20.750 and crafting an impressive resume is one of its main components. 00:00:21.700 --> 00:00:23.850 So what exactly is a resume? 00:00:24.389 --> 00:00:28.000 It's a document that tells prospective employers exactly 00:00:28.010 --> 00:00:29.799 what you want them to know about you 00:00:29.920 --> 00:00:32.830 and why you would be a good fit for their open position. 00:00:33.459 --> 00:00:34.290 In a sense, 00:00:34.299 --> 00:00:37.029 it's a way for you to put your best foot forward, 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:40.830 a way to sell yourself on paper to a potential employer. 00:00:41.139 --> 00:00:43.279 In order to sell yourself effectively, 00:00:43.290 --> 00:00:46.709 I'm going to run through a checklist of what you should keep in mind. 00:00:46.720 --> 00:00:50.619 Bear in mind everyone has a different opinion on what works, 00:00:50.630 --> 00:00:53.189 but there are some overarching principles that 00:00:53.200 --> 00:00:55.830 seem to work well in most industries. 00:00:56.159 --> 00:00:58.549 First, let's talk about formatting. 00:00:59.150 --> 00:01:03.740 You'll need to create the framework of your resume by creating effective headings. 00:01:03.750 --> 00:01:07.169 These can be your education and experience type sections, 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:11.080 but could also include leadership, scholarships, or honors. 00:01:11.089 --> 00:01:15.059 It really just depends on what you want to present to potential employers. 00:01:15.069 --> 00:01:17.309 Once you know which sections you'll use, 00:01:17.400 --> 00:01:20.000 you'll also want to consider putting the sections in an 00:01:20.010 --> 00:01:22.739 order that best links your skills to an employer's opportunity. 00:01:23.919 --> 00:01:27.819 It's also good to keep in mind some general formatting rules. You want to 00:01:27.830 --> 00:01:31.389 have margins that are half an inch to one inch all the way around. 00:01:31.690 --> 00:01:34.980 It's also good to choose just one or two fonts and 00:01:34.989 --> 00:01:37.980 to keep the font at a 10- to 12-point size. 00:01:38.220 --> 00:01:41.690 Once you've gotten the framework set, you'll start filling in the gaps. 00:01:41.699 --> 00:01:43.110 Starting at the top, 00:01:43.120 --> 00:01:46.709 you want to provide your name and your accurate contact information. 00:01:47.029 --> 00:01:51.690 Some people also choose to include a link to their LinkedIn or other online profile. 00:01:51.980 --> 00:01:54.410 I'd recommend this if your online presence is up 00:01:54.419 --> 00:01:56.680 to date and helps to enhance your resume. 00:01:57.430 --> 00:02:02.610 The next section of a resume is often a summary of skills or an objective statement. 00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:07.290 This section can be really useful in providing context for the reader. 00:02:07.370 --> 00:02:10.440 Why are you applying? Why are you the best fit? 00:02:10.699 --> 00:02:13.789 You can use this section to paint that picture effectively 00:02:13.800 --> 00:02:17.589 and give context for what's to come in subsequent sections. 00:02:17.899 --> 00:02:20.679 After the summary of skills or objective statement, 00:02:20.820 --> 00:02:24.529 you'll often see an education section or an experience section 00:02:24.679 --> 00:02:27.199 depending on which is more relevant to the position. 00:02:27.770 --> 00:02:32.940 If you've been in a degree program recently and honed in on new relevant skills, 00:02:32.949 --> 00:02:35.130 you might lead with an education section. 00:02:35.350 --> 00:02:37.820 If you've been working in the field for many years 00:02:37.830 --> 00:02:39.809 and want to take a next step in the field, 00:02:39.820 --> 00:02:40.860 you're already in 00:02:41.029 --> 00:02:45.039 the experience section might make the most sense. In either case, 00:02:45.050 --> 00:02:49.389 you'll want the experiences outlined to be in reverse chronological order, 00:02:49.399 --> 00:02:53.059 highlighting your most recent education or experience first. 00:02:53.440 --> 00:02:55.979 When you begin to work on your experience section, 00:02:55.990 --> 00:02:59.009 be sure your bullet points include action verbs 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:02.009 and tenses that reflect past or ongoing work. 00:03:02.470 --> 00:03:05.500 Try not to exceed 2 to 4 bullet points per position. 00:03:05.699 --> 00:03:10.419 Though this of course varies depending on your length of tenure at a position. 00:03:10.690 --> 00:03:13.300 Bullet points to demonstrate key skills 00:03:13.309 --> 00:03:15.990 and major accomplishments using numbers and 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:21.419 percentages rather than routine tasks and duties after education and experience. 00:03:21.429 --> 00:03:23.759 It's a good idea to add other sections to 00:03:23.770 --> 00:03:27.240 flesh out one complete or two complete pages. 00:03:27.339 --> 00:03:31.500 Often students will consider a section called relevant course work and 00:03:31.509 --> 00:03:36.250 projects to draw out some meaningful work completed within the classroom. 00:03:36.259 --> 00:03:40.639 If you're still looking for additional sections to complete your resume, 00:03:40.669 --> 00:03:42.410 consider volunteer work, 00:03:42.570 --> 00:03:45.139 honors, or extracurricular activities 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:49.259 placing special emphasis on any leadership roles you may have had. 00:03:49.440 --> 00:03:51.910 Finally and perhaps most importantly, 00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:54.190 your resume is the first impression you get to 00:03:54.199 --> 00:03:56.869 make on someone who could possibly hire you. 00:03:56.970 --> 00:03:58.220 So proof-free. 00:03:58.440 --> 00:04:02.589 You're looking for consistency of formatting and error-free content. 00:04:03.179 --> 00:04:07.529 Often, our worst enemy is having looked too long at our own work. 00:04:07.720 --> 00:04:11.389 So, ask a friend or two to give your resume a once over. 00:04:11.399 --> 00:04:15.509 Does it look complete, informative, professional, and pleasing to the eye? 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:18.488 Does it make a compelling case for your candidacy? 00:04:18.720 --> 00:04:20.630 If so, you're ready to go.