AIChE Resume Workshop 2018
Professor Victor Breedveld
AIChE Faculty Advisor
Assoc. Chair Undergrad. Studies
Resume, the most important page of your life!
Why Write a Resume?
However, there is a little more to it:
– to convince prospective employers
that you deserve an interview
– to persuade your readers that you are
the best person for the job
– to construct a professional image of
yourself and establish your credibility
– to provide a sample of your written
communication skills
Silly question... to get a job of course!
Basic Resume Facts & Ideas
• Not your complete life story, but an accurate
summary of relevant skills and experience
• 1 page appropriate for BS level jobs
• Information tailored to the type of job and
potential employer
• Your resume should be a “living document”,
constantly being updated with new, relevant info
(don’t wait until details are harder to remember!)
• You can create a longer “master” resume that
contains all of the information as your life/career
progresses, and then edit the information down
into specific resumes when you need them
• Be efficient with words and use ACTION verbs!!!
Basic Resume Format
Approach When to use Drawbacks
A generic approach to writing
a resume involves creating one
version for a broad range of
readers.
• large number of
applications
• placing a resume on
the Internet or in a
job search database
• casts you as a "generic
applicant" with undefined
career goals
• makes it difficult for
recruiters to decide whether
you are the right candidate
• implies you are not
especially interested in the
organization or position
A tailored approach to writing
a resume involves creating
multiple
versions, each one
customized
for a single company
or position.
• whenever possible!
• for "top choice"
positions
• for small number of
applications
• previous contacts or
connections with the
organization
• takes more time to research
each company/position and
customize each resume
• increases chances to make
mistakes with multiple
versions
A combined approach to
writing a resume integrates the
above two approaches; tailored
resumes for "top choices" and a
generic resume for all others.
• when you want to
maximize your
chances for success
• can be difficult to keep
organized
Kinds of Resumes
Kinds of Resumes (2)
Type Advantages Disadvantages
Traditional print resumes
are printed on paper or as
PDF, usually to be mailed or
hand-delivered.
• allow you to use page
design and formatting to
emphasize your
qualifications and skills
• difficult for computers to
scan your resume
• requires knowledge of
advanced formatting
features in word-
processing or desktop
publishing programs
Scannable resumes are
often printed on paper as
well, but they are designed
to be scanned first by a
computer rather than a
human eye; they include
little visual and textual
formatting (columns, varied
font styles and sizes, etc.).
• can be scanned by a
computer so that
employers can search
for keywords
• required by some
prospective employers
(check job ad)
• easily sent via e-mail
• limits options for page
design and layout
On-line web resumes are
placed on a web server/site
so they can be accessed by
web browsers
• adds many
design/layout options
• allows links to other
sites/files
• often not easy to print
• requires basic web
design and authoring
skills, an Internet
connection, and server
space
Two Kinds of Readers/Reads
Skimmers:
Resume readers are usually very busy and will probably not
read every word. Especially on their first reading, busy
readers will scan for desired information. It is your job to
make such information easy to find "at a glance“.
Give your resume the 20-second test:
- What information stands out?
- What information gets lost in the rush?
Skeptics:
Once your resume has been skimmed, resume readers will
look at it more closely and critically. Your resume may leave
a good first impression on readers, but how will it look on
closer inspection? Do you provide evidence and details for
the careful reader? How can you make your resume look
convincing "under the microscope"?
What should be on your Resume?
– on your age and experience
* if you’re a senior:
”How can I possibly cram it all on one page?”
* if you’re a freshman:
“How can I possibly fill one whole page?”
– on the position you apply for
* what would your employer want to know?
That depends...
Key info employers are looking for
- Academics/education:
Major/exp. graduation date/GPA are critical info
Minor/certificate/study abroad/etc. are optional
- Experience (professional):
Major-related (co-op/internship/research)
Other (e.g. summer jobs)
- Leadership/involvement/initiative:
What are you doing outside classroom?
Have you shown leadership/initiative in those roles?
- Honors/awards/scholarships:
Endorsements by 3
rd
party enhance credibility
9
Info you want to communicate
- Success
Highlight things that make you shine
- Growth
Show that on the way from freshman to senior
you have grown professionally and personally
(employers may have last year’s resume too!!!)
- Coherent trajectory
How do the various elements on your resume
connect? Make it easy to see the story.
- Credibility
Make it easy for reader to check + confirm facts
(provide enough details on things like co-authored
papers, awards and co-op/internship)
10
Be a Journalist for Content
who?
write down position titles, names of your supervisors,
leaders, etc.
what?
list your responsibilities and duties, special projects;
describe the nature of your experience
(volunteer, intern, academic, work, etc.)
where?
indicate places where you acquired such experience
(the organization, program, department, division, etc.)
when?
include important dates
(starting date, ending date, dates of promotion, etc.)
why?
write down the goals (personal, professional, or
organizational) you were trying to achieve
Skills Lists
administering programs planning agendas/meetings updating files
advising people planning organizational needs setting up demonstrations
analyzing data predicting futures sketching charts or diagrams
assembling apparatus rehabilitating people writing reports
auditing financial reports organizing tasks writing for publication
budgeting expenses prioritizing work expressing feelings
calculating numerical data creating new ideas checking for accuracy
finding information meeting people classifying records
handling complaints evaluating programs coaching individuals
handling detail work editing work collecting money
imagining new solutions tolerating interruptions compiling statistics
interpreting languages confronting other people inventing new ideas
dispensing information constructing buildings proposing ideas
adapting new procedures coping with deadlines investigating problems
negotiating/arbitrating conflicts promoting events locating missing information
speaking to the public raising funds dramatizing ideas
writing letters/papers/proposals questioning others estimating physical space
reading volumes of material being thorough organizing files
Skills Lists (2)
remembering information coordinating schedules/times managing people
interviewing prospective employees running meetings selling products
listening to others supervising employees
teaching/instructing/training
individuals
relating to the public enduring long hours inspecting physical objects
entertaining people displaying artistic ideas distributing products
deciding uses of money managing an organization delegating responsibility
measuring boundaries serving individuals mediating between people
counseling/consulting people motivating others persuading others
operating equipment reporting information summarizing information
supporting others encouraging others selling ideas
determining a problem defining a problem comparing results
screening telephone calls maintaining accurate records drafting reports
collaborating ideas administering medication comprehending ideas
overseeing operations motivating others generating accounts
teaching/instructing/training individuals thinking in a logical manner making decisions
becoming actively involved defining performance standards resolving conflicts
analyzing problems recommending courses of action
Skills Lists (3)
preparing written communications
expressing ideas orally to
individuals or groups
conducting interviews
performing numeric analysis conducting meetings setting priorities
setting work/committee goals developing plans for projects gathering information
taking personal responsibility thinking of creative ideas
providing discipline when
necessary
maintaining a high level of activity enforcing rules and regulations meeting new people
developing a climate of enthusiasm, teamwork,
and cooperation
interacting with people at different
levels
picking out important
information
creating meaningful and challenging work taking independent action
skillfully applying professional
knowledge
maintaining emotional control under stress
knowledge of concepts and
principles
providing customers with
service
knowledge of community/government affairs
Use ACTION Verbs!!
The following job description uses a non-action verb:
“Was the boss of a team of six service employees “
The job description below uses an action verb:
“Supervised a team of six service employees”
The description using a non-action verb is less concise. It may seem
like a small difference, but details matter on a resume!
Resume Format
To make your resume readers' job easier, you should
consider developing at least a two-level text, using:
1. headings
to help skimmers find what they are looking for
2. details
to convince skeptical readers you really have the
qualifications you say you do
A common approach to organizing sections is to use
the following scheme:
• Objective Statement (optional)
(or Career Goal, Professional Objective, etc.)
• Education
• Work Experience
(or Work History, Professional History, Experience, etc.)
• Leadership and Involvement
(or Extracurricular Activities, Initiatives and Involvement, etc.)
• Honors and Awards (if you have more than 1 to list)
• Skills (only if there are specific, relevant skills there)
Resume Format (2)
What if you want to emphasize your extracurricular
leadership activities, your language proficiency,
volunteer work, publications, or technical skills? The
previous scheme doesn't leave a space for you to
emphasize such qualifications.
Simply create your own headings
to match the content of your resume and the job ad best. You can
do this by modifying, for example, Experience or Activities with
descriptive adjectives that describe your skills more accurately
(Supervisory Experience, Leadership Activities, etc.).
Alternative Headings
honors and awards
publications
language proficiency
presentations
in-house seminars
achievements
internships
military experience
qualifications
career profile
community service
relevant coursework
continuing education
advanced career training
specialization
special projects
career-related skills
familiar computer applications
technical training
licenses and certification
accomplishments
skills summary
volunteer work
memberships
Resume Format (3)
Options Sample Tips
headings and
subheadings
to make
it easier for readers to
find desired information
Managerial Experience
Assistant Manager
Management Intern
Education
B.S. in Aviation Technology
Relevant Coursework
• customize headings if possible
• make sure headings match section content
• use subsections and subheadings, if necessary
(for example, if you held two jobs at the same
place, create a subsection for each position)
bullets to break up
dense prose passages
that slow down the eye
and make it difficult for
readers to process
information
• developed department
inventory database system
• assisted students with technical
problems
• try to limit to 2-5 bullets if possible (6 or more
reduces effectiveness)
• use descriptive phrases rather than complete
sentences (periods, caps, etc. unnecessary)
• experiment with other kinds of bullets besides the
standard ones used here
indents and line
breaks
to indicate
your organizational
scheme
Field Experience
Westminster Village
Planned Activities
• minimize punctuation when using line breaks and
indents (white space "punctuates" instead)
• play with margins or tabs to indent more or less
than the standard 5 spaces
varying fonts
-font choice (Times
Roman, Geneva, Arial,
Helvetica, etc.)
-font size
-font style (bold, italics,
underline, caps, etc.)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant
New Crops and Plants Products
• limit yourself to a couple font choices: one for
headings (sans serif fonts-that is, fonts like this
-
work well because they stand out) and one for rest
(serif fonts like this
are a great choice because they
are more readable)
• avoid font sizes much smaller than 9 or 10 pt.
• avoid over-highlighting by, for example, using caps,
boldface, italics and underline all on the same text
Other Considerations
• Don’t be too creative:
engineers are expected to be boring
• Electronic version: create PDF file
• Paper still matters…
– Nicer, heavier quality paper gives a professional feel
– Off-white colors can also look good but be careful that
they are not distracting
– Make sure the resume copies/scans well on your
paper by actually trying it
20
Cover Letters: More Useful Than You Think
A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential
employers or organizations you seek to join
It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression
you will make. Take advantage of this important first impression and
prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why
you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will
contact him or her.
Cover letters do more than introduce your resume; they can also:
• Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works
with the information provided in your resume.
• Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills
and relate them to specific job requirements
• Show the employer that you are individualizing your application
• Provide a sample of your written communication skills
