2021 Career Services Guide

RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
How to Write a Resume
An employer typically spends less than 30 seconds scanning a resume, so yours must clearly and
succinctly communicate that you are right for the job. It should describe your qualifications in terms
that address the employer’s needs. Need practice? Participate in CP&R’s annual Resume Refresh in
October and get resume feedback from CP&R.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to resume writing. If you’re interested in multiple/varying fields,
you will need multiple versions of your resume. Even within the same field, each resume should be
reviewed and tweaked as necessary for the unique reader. Take advantage of our drop-in hours and
career counseling, and let us help design a tailored resume that best represents you.
Library Assistant, Honnold Special Collections
–Helped people find books, updated catalog
Community Garden Intern, Lettuce Grow
–Weeding, planting, building garden beds, composting
Student Orgs: APA, Challah, Dance Comp.,
Challah For Hunger
–Leadership, Organizing Experience
English Tutor, English Language Institute
–Tutored students, chaperoned field trips
Resident Advisor, Scripps College
–Event planning, program design, emergency
situations, management
STEP 1 - Brainstorm
• Starting with your first year of high
school, list all the internships, jobs, volunteer
work, student organizations, leadership
positions, athletics and similar experiences
you’ve had.
• List significant awards, scholarships,
academic projects, and research.
• Identify specific responsibilities or skills
associated with the items on your list.
The image on the left shows the first
steps of a resume brainstorm.
STEP 2 - Create sections for your resume
There is no universal standard for resume sections, but there are key points of information that most
employers seek.
Choose section titles that best fit your experience and align with the industry to which you are
applying. For example “Writing Experience” might be a more effective title for the publishing industry
than the more general “Experience.” The more specific your section titles are, the faster your reader
gleans your unique qualities and experiences, but don’t force it. Work with CP&R on creating section
titles that work for you.
Need more inspiration?
For more tips to help you get started, and to learn about different types of resumes,
visit CP&R’s homepage.
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