Summer definitely feels like it is on its way out....

Students have been back to campus for only a week now and it feels like we are already in full swing for the fall semester!  Students are adjusting to their class schedules, making new friends and trying to get readjusted to the rigors of college life.  Summer seems like such a distant memory.  Also, it does not help that the Midwest weather has decided that cooler, fall temperatures are upon us which seems sooner than usual!

But, before the summer gets too far from us and we begin carving pumpkins and turkeys, this is a wonderful time of the year to update your resume with all of your summer activities including internships, jobs, research and related experiences.  When updating your resume, keep the following tips in mind:

Strong content.  Use action verbs, flowing statements, accomplishments and achievements to showcase your experience and talents.  The content is the MOST important part of your resume--make sure that it is well-developed and stands out (in a good way)!

Customized and relevant.  Your resume should be tailored for EACH position that you apply for--NO EXCEPTIONS!  Employers and organizations will stand up and take notice that you have gone the extra mile to make your resume relevant.  This will keep your resume from ending up in the "round file."

Absolutely NO templates.  Use a unique format that is different than everyone else's--do not copy your roommate's resume format!  Get creative and do not be afraid to use appropriate graphics, lines, font types and color.  Brand your other job/internship documents (cover letters, references, etc.) with your resume format as well.

Current and accurate information.  Make sure that your resume is up-to-date with your contact information.  Do not use "inflated" information that does not accurately reflect your experiences.

Review and proof.  Typos and grammar errors on a resume are the absolute kiss of death!  Make sure that you review your resume and have others review it too.  There is no such thing as too many pairs of eyes looking over your resume.

Follow the above suggestions and you are well on your way to having a great resume that will get you to the next step in your search.  Remember that the only winning resume is the one that gets you the interview!

Stacie Jeffirs, Director

Career Crossings Office

Saint Mary's College