How-To Build a Resume with The MSUM Career Development Center
This week we’re doing something a little different. We’re having a student who knows the ins and outs of the Career Development Center show you the ropes of writing the perfect resume through her guest blog post.
I’m Presley Gonnerman, a Student Consultant at the MSUM Career Development Center. In the office, I help set-up appointments, as well as help students with their walk-in appointments for resume reviews. I am here to help encourage you to start building your resume!
The ultimate marketing document, first impression, and reflection of self all starts with that one piece of paper: a resume.
Getting started
- Write down all previous and present involvement including schooling, professional experience, volunteer experiences, relevant course work, etc. Having this information will help make the process go smoother.
- Choose the headings to include in a resume to highlight personal experiences. These headings may include: education, work experience, relevant experience, volunteer experience, leadership, skills, relevant course work, etc.
- Organize the information by headings and bullet points.
Use the following link as a reference and guide to building that first draft resume: MSUM Online Job Search Handbook.
Resume-making Tips
- One page
- Easy to read
- Avoid leaving white space
- Concise yet detailed information
Since a resume is often the first thing an employer will look at, it is important to make a good first impression.
“First impression. If you have that capability, make it reflect who you are as an individual,” encourages Samantha Gust, Assistant Director of Event Planning at the MSUM CDC.
Review and Revise
After coming up with the rough draft of a resume, have someone review the content. Reach out to faculty and advisors, the writing center on campus, friends, and of course the Career Development Center. When others look through the work it allows for them to catch things that may have been previously overlooked. The more input obtained from others, the better the resume can be.
Now what?
One never knows when an opportunity will arise, be prepared by having that resume on hand. As time goes on and more experiences are gained, continue to add to the resume.
“As professionals or as a student, you’re always evolving. So you’re not necessarily at the same stage in your life. Just like everything else, your resume needs to change too,” says Jami Crummy, Assistant Director of Employee Relations at the MSUM CDC.
Utilize the Career Development Center
Gain professional development skills with the help of the MSUM Career Development Center. Resources can be utilized even after graduation, “Once A Dragon, Always A Dragon.”
Some resources include helping you with:
- Resumes
- Cover Letters
- Mock Interviews
- Job Search
- Career Development
- Graduate School Applications
- Personal Statements
- LinkedIn and Handshake Profiles
- Etiquette Dinner
Set up an appointment today by calling (218) 477-2131, emailing careers@mnstate.edu, or stopping by Flora Frick 151.