Creating an Effective Student Resume

The job market is extremely competitive and in order to get noticed, a person needs a strong resume. A resume serves as the first impression to employers and for students, high school or college aged, looking for jobs, the task of writing of good resume can be a bit intimidating. However, students can create effective and interest grabbing resumes by following a few simple rules.

Function versus Chronology

There are two basic types of resumes- functional and chronological. A functional resume generally outlines a person's particular skills and experience. A chronological resume serves a sequential summary of employment history. For students with minimal work or volunteer experience, a functional resume may be the best type of resume to create. For those students, who are older and who have relevant work or volunteer experience, a chronological resume will serve them best.

Things to Include

While resumes are often seen as mini histories of work experience, a list of babysitting jobs or community service projects may not get much interest; however, skills learned in these jobs or projects might. Your resume should be used to get an employer interested. It should contain enough information to demonstrate that you are right for the job. Basically, your resume should effectively show that you have the strengths and potential to be a successful addition to a company or group. Consider your unique experiences, special background, or exceptional skills. As a general rule, your resume should include:

• Computer and technical skills;

• Coursework relevant to your desired position or profession;

• Awards, memberships or other accomplishments;

• Grade point average (optional if over a B average or 3.0);

• Internships, externship or volunteer experiences or summer jobs;

• Paid or volunteer work experience that demonstrated key job skills needed;

• Accurate contact information; and

• Indication that references are "available upon request."

Don't add useless information to your resume. While your award for being photogenic may be interesting, it will serve little purpose in getting you a computer programming position. While an award for oratory skills may be very useful in a position involving customer service or marketing. Your resume should show a prospective employer that you will be a good fit for his or her company, that you can add-value, and that you have the right skills for the job.

Resume Format and Design

The look of your resume can be just as important as the information contained in it. Creating an eye catching resume, some researchers suggest, is crucial. Pick your layout, font and format carefully. Playful or cutesy fonts can detract from a serious resume. Do not make fonts overly large or too small. Make sure that the resume does not look like a novelette and have too much information.

Grammar and Spell Check

A resume is a calling card and communicates more than work experience. It also demonstrates your ability to write. Experience and skills should be clearly written and formatted. Typos, poor grammar and poor organization can put a quick end to your application process. When in doubt, have someone review your resume before it's submitted for any job opening.

Other documents

While we are asked to not judge a book by its cover, resumes are not subject to the same rule. A resume may not be enough. A strong cover letter and sometimes, attached references can be a plus.

In your cover letter, never resuscitate your resume. Add information on a key experience or skill you have. For example, if you have volunteer with Special Olympics and are seeking counseling or teaching job, explain what skills you gained through your volunteer service. Your opening, middle and closing paragraphs should be clear and concise. In addition, if you were directed to this particular employer by someone you and the employer know, include their name in your cover letter.

For some positions, if you have relevant certifications, such as CPR or counseling, a copy of your certificates should be listed on your resume and included in your application package. If you have school transcripts, include those as well.

For students, finding that first job or that very special job can be exciting and nerve-racking. These rules for creating your resume will help you make that lasting first impression.

There are a number of books that offer guidance in resume writing, including Louise Kursmark's Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads (2005) and Simon and Curtis' The Resume.com to Writing Unbeatable Resumes (2004). The Internet also offers resources as well. For additional resources, check out the following websites:

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumesandcoverletters/l/blcollegeresume.htm

http://www.employmentspot.com/employment-articles/how-to-make-a-student-resume/