Resume Formatting Options
/Formats for Resumes:
1. Chronological
Possible Headings: Experience, Education, Activities and Skills (computer, language)
2. Functional or Skills
Possible Headings: Experience, Education, Skills (computer, language)
Professional Experience
A resume should begin with the job candidate’s experience in the field in which they are applying including jobs, internships or work for student media or the college attended.
All experience that reflects career goals, whether paid or unpaid.
Internships and assigned responsibilities.
Paid volunteer positions that reflect interests and skills, especially when it included a title.
Education
GPA only if 3.5 or above or not at all.
Coursework and papers can be highlighted as a special subsection under “Education.” For instance, one candidate was helped getting a position at CNN by taking classes in media ethics and law. For formal academic papers related to the field, include a one-sentence description of the length, focus, and scope of the paper or project.
Awards and scholarships including the Dean’s List, etc.
If your education was self-financed or you paid a large percentage of your college expenses.
Conferences or special meetings you've attended having to do with the area of the job for which you are applying.
If you worked while attending college.
International Experience
International experience, including semesters abroad and other significant travel. Living in another country or having spent time overseas shows a broad range of life experiences and the ability to adapt and interact with diverse groups.
Skills
Include a list of computer programs the applicant is proficient using. For instance, an ability to use Microsoft Word or Google Docs would be assumed but not experience with Adobe Premiere Pro.
Activities (or interests)
If you have any unusual skills or abilities, consider placing these under "interests" or a similar title. For instance, winning a chess tournament suggests the candidate is smart and possesses self-discipline.
References
The cliché "references available upon request" is not worth including. If a prospective employer wants references, they will ask. Just be ready to present them. Placing a list of references on a resume takes up vital real estate, especially when it's only one page. When a prospective employer asks for references, it's an alert that you are being seriously considered for the position.
If you include someone in your list of references, ask for permission to use them as a reference. Tell them who might be calling and which of your skills you’d like them to emphasize.