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Resume Guide



Your resume isn’t your biography — it’s your marketing document. It’s meant to quickly communicate that you’re capable, driven, and ready to add value. Recruiters spend less than 30 seconds scanning a resume, so every line must count.

This guide will help you create a one-page resume that gets attention — with the right structure, strong content, and sharp, professional language.


1. Get the Layout Right


A clear layout helps your content stand out and makes a strong first impression.


Keep It to One Page

No exceptions. Whether you’re a first-year student or a final-year intern, a one-page resume is the standard. Cut what’s weak. Prioritize quality over quantity.


Stick to a Simple Format

  • Use black text on a white background.

  • No colors, photos, icons, or logos.

  • Choose a professional font (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman) and use consistent sizing (10–11 pt for body, 12–14 pt for headers).


Align Everything

  • Dates should be right-aligned.

  • Bullet points should be left-aligned and evenly spaced.

  • Headings and subheadings must follow the same formatting throughout.


Standard Section Order

Your resume should be structured as follows:

  1. Education

  2. Work & Research Experience

  3. Leadership Roles

  4. Skills and Activities

Avoid summaries or career objectives — they take up space and say little.


2. Get the Content Right


You need to prove that you’ve delivered value, even as a student. Focus on impact, not just responsibilities.


Education

List your most recent education first. Include:

  • Degree and major

  • Institution and location

  • Graduation month and year

  • GPA (if strong), scholarships, academic honors


Work & Research Experience

Include internships, part-time roles, or research assistantships. If you don’t have paid work experience, use project-based work or academic research.

Each entry should have:

  • Position title

  • Organization name, location

  • Dates

  • 2–4 bullet points describing what you did and achieved


Leadership Roles

This section shows your ability to take initiative and lead others.

Include student clubs, university committees, volunteer roles, or athletic leadership. Focus on your responsibilities and what you accomplished.



Skills and Activities

Round out your profile with relevant skills and selected interests.

Include:

  • Technical skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Python, SQL, Canva, Bloomberg, etc.)

  • Languages (with proficiency level)

  • Certifications (CFA Level I candidate, Google Analytics, etc.)

  • Personal interests or achievements (but only if you can speak about them confidently)


3. Get the Language Right


Your wording should be concise, professional, and results-focused.

Use Action Verbs

Start each bullet with a strong verb that clearly communicates your role.

Examples:Led, Created, Analyzed, Designed, Built, Researched, Presented, Coordinated, Optimized

Focus on Outcomes, Not Duties

Avoid generic phrases like “helped with” or “involved in.” Instead, describe what you did and what happened because of it.


Quantify Your Impact

Use numbers, percentages, or comparisons to demonstrate your results.


Before: Worked on a fundraising event
After:Coordinated fundraising event that raised $1,200 from 80+ students for local shelter

Avoid Filler and Repetition

No need to say “responsible for” — just say what you did. Be direct. Vary your verbs and phrasing.


Final Checks Before You Submit


Ask yourself:

  • Is every bullet specific and measurable?

  • Did I start every line with a strong verb?

  • Is there any unnecessary fluff or repetition?

  • Is the formatting consistent across the page?

  • Did I proofread it at least twice?

Better yet, ask someone to review it. One typo can ruin an otherwise great resume.


Conclusion


A strong resume tells your story with clarity and purpose.Make it easy to read, focused on what matters, and free from clutter.

By getting the layout, content, and language right, you put yourself ahead of most applicants — especially at the undergraduate level.

You don’t need the perfect experience. You just need to present what you’ve done in the most effective way possible.

Let me know if you’d like this turned into a Word doc or a one-page visual summary for easy distribution.


The 4 C’s of Writing Bullet Points

Principle

What It Means

Clarity

Use simple, familiar words.

Concision

Remove fluff. Keep bullets 1–2 lines max.

Completeness

Include the result or reason where needed

Consistency

Match formatting, structure, and punctuation


Pro Tips for Mentees


  • Start strong. Your top bullet under each experience should be the most impressive one. Don’t save it for last.

  • Tailor for each application. You don’t need to rewrite everything — just highlight different strengths depending on the role.

  • Avoid exaggeration. Focus on truthfully presenting what you did. Confidence is not the same as overstatement.

  • Proofread multiple times. One typo can cost you an interview. Read it aloud. Then send it to a peer.

  • Make it scannable. A recruiter should be able to skim your resume in 20 seconds and still understand your story.

  • Own your experience. Don’t undersell school projects or student club work. Show how they reflect real skills and real results.


Final Checklist


Ask yourself:

  • Is every bullet specific and measurable?

  • Did I start each line with a strong verb?

  • Is there any filler or vague wording I can cut?

  • Are dates, margins, and spacing consistent?

  • Did I proofread for typos, grammar, and formatting?

If you answer yes to all, you’re ready to hit “send.”

 
 
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