Resumes are typically required when applying for part-time jobs, internships, and full-time positions. They capture all of your relevant experiences, so you want your resume to be the best representation of you on paper! Your resume is always a work in progress!
General Resumes
This sample is ideal for incoming first year students and is appropriate for seeking a part-time job on campus or in the community.
This sample is ideal for a 1st or 2nd year student and is appropriate for seeking a part-time job on campus or in the community.
This sample is ideal for a 2nd or 3rd year student and is appropriate for seeking an internship.
This sample is ideal for a 2nd or 3rd year student and is appropriate for seeking an internship.
This sample is ideal for a 4th or 5th year student and is appropriate for seeking a full-time job.
This sample is ideal for a 4th or 5th year student and is appropriate for seeking a full-time job.
This sample is ideal for a 4th or 5th year student and is appropriate for seeking a full-time job.
Program-Specific Resumes
Writing Bullet Points
Adding bullet points to describe your experiences is a great way to highlight your duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Writing strong bullet points can be tricky though, because they need to be descriptive, yet brief.
Think about adding the Who, What, When, Where, Why or How and use the formula below for writing detailed bullet points:
All bullet points should begin with a "power" or "action" verb that identifies your tasks
(i.e., managed, assisted, supervised, planned).
SKILL(power verb) |
+ |
What you DID(job responsibility) |
+ |
RESULTS/OUTCOME(how/why) |
Examples
Basic: Assisted with inventory (missing the what)
Great: Collaborated with team members to reconcile inventory discrepancies of 500+ medical supplies accurately (answers the what)
Basic: Provided quality customer service (missing the how)
Great: Provided quality customer service utilizing active listening skills to promptly resolve complaints (answers the how)
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Software — What Is It & How to Beat It
99% of Fortune 500 organizations use ATS software. Why? ATS is a software solution designed to help employers source talent, evaluate potential, track interview processes, assess performance, and make offers to candidates quickly.
Unlike applying in person, your resume is seldom sent directly to recruiters or hiring managers when you use it online. ATS is processing it first. You may have a chance to be seen by a human recruiter only if your resume has been optimized for an applicant tracking system.
Here is what to focus on:
- Use the right keywords—tailor your resume to the job description and use similar wording
- Create a simple format—use simple font, avoid multiple columns, logos, pictures, etc.
- Use standard section headings—Education, Work Experience, Course Highlights
- Utilize basic language and avoid acronyms
- ALWAYS submit as a PDF—it is okay to utilize a text box if that is part of the application
For more information on ATS and how it works, please visit these articles below:
How to Beat the Applicant Tracking System (ATS): A Checklist
How resumes are reviewed and evaluated is evolving fast. To get the interview, you must adapt to the new reality of candidate screening and beat the applicant tracking systems.
How Many Companies Use an ATS
How & why do companies utilize ATS in 2023? See how employers benefit from utilizing these systems and get crucial industry statistics and information that can help you think like an employer when creating your resume.
The Top 500 ATS Resume Keywords of 2023
By having these keywords on your resume, you’ll improve your chances of being noticed by a hiring manager and landing an interview.
Uploading Your Resume to Handshake
Once your resume is in tip-top shape, it’s time to add it to Handshake! Handshake is Iowa’s online recruiting platform where students can search for volunteer, internship, and employment opportunities. Follow the steps below to upload your resume onto your Handshake account:
1. Log in and then click on your name in the upper right hand corner
2. Click on Documents
3. Click on Add New Document
4. Be sure to set your document as visible if you would like an employer to be able to see it on your profile (you will also need to set your profile to public in your privacy settings)
If you receive an error message, make sure there are no special characters in the name and convert to a .pdf before uploading
We Offer Resume Reviews!
If you would like to have your resume reviewed, please schedule a meeting with a Career Coach or Peer Advisor! If you have a time sensitive request, come in to the Pomerantz Career Center (C310) during drop-in hours from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Thursday while classes are in session.