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Painting a Self-Portrait: Resume Writing 101 Career Planning Center Valparaiso University School of Law 656 S. Greenwich – Wesemann Hall #125 Valparaiso, IN 46383 www.valpo.edu/law/careers Phone: 219-465-7814 Fax: 219-465-7914 Email: [email protected] Valparaiso University Law School A Resume Is… A Resume Is Not… Valparaiso University Law School Remember…… • Your resume is a succinct glimpse into your achievements and distinct qualifications. • Resist the urge to dump everything into the resume. • Carefully choose the contents so that you reflect your best experiences and attributes. Valparaiso University Law School ONE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER! • Your resume should fit succinctly on to one page. • Employer feedback indicates that resumes longer than one page are not preferable. Valparaiso University Law School The general rule of thumb is that you refrain from using a font size smaller than 11 point. 12 is standard. You want the person reviewing the document to be able to read it without squinting. Valparaiso University Law School Your resume must be error-free. There are no exceptions! Proof-read, proof-read, proofread. A single error can prevent you from getting an interview. Valparaiso University Law School Chronological Style Resumes: Suggested Headings • • • • • Your Personal Heading Education Work/Professional Experience Volunteer Experience Language Skills Valparaiso University Law School Your Personal Heading Clark Caselaw 999 North Michigan Avenue, Apt. B Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219/555-1212 [email protected] Valparaiso University Law School Additional Heading Tips • It is okay to use a slightly larger font for your name. You can also use bold type. • In the event that you have a gender neutral name or a name that may make identifying your gender difficult, add “Mr.” “Ms.” or “Mrs.” prior to your name. • You may include both a local address and a permanent address on your resume. Valparaiso University Law School Education Heading (only post-secondary) EDUCATION: Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2013 • Class Rank: 37/140 GPA: 3.15/4.0 • Member, Student Bar Association, 2010-2011 • Semester Honors: Spring 2010, Fall 2011, and Spring 2011 • Class Honors: Business Associations, Fall 2010 • Glenn D. Peters Scholarship, 2010-2011 Valparaiso University Law School Education-continued Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana Bachelor of Science in Economics, December 2009 • GPA: 3.24/4.0 • Semester Honors, 2006-2009 • President, Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity, 2008-2009 • Member, Campus Leadership Society, 2009 Valparaiso University Law School Experience Heading EXPERIENCE: Schiff, Hardin, and Waite, Merrillville, Indiana Summer Associate, June 2010 – August 2010 • Researched topics arising under the Indiana Public Service Act and the Federal Power Act. • Participated in the representation of one of the largest combined electric and natural gas utilities in Indiana and its holding company. • Assisted in the preparation of pleadings filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and researched matters of administrative procedure before the commission. Valparaiso University Law School Experience Heading-continued Creekside Country Club, Bloomington, IN Event Coordinator, July 2008– April 2010 • Met with clients to confirm event details and discuss special accommodations • Provided high quality customer service • Set up rooms for events ranging in size from ten to two hundred individuals • Served as liaison to outside vendors • Recipient of Employee of the Month, February 2010 Valparaiso University Law School Additional Tips Experience • Job descriptions should be brief. You do not have to highlight everything your did in every position. You only need to tell enough to compel a potential employer to want to interview you. • Job descriptions should be written using action words, such as “Handled customer service complaints.” Avoid the use of personal pronouns. Valparaiso University Law School Additional Headings VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE ∙ Habitat for Humanity, October 2010 LANGUAGE SKILLS • Proficient in Spanish Valparaiso University Law School If you profess proficiency, prepare to prove it! Valparaiso University Law School Helpful Hints: • Print on professional white or neutral colored resume paper. • Do not add “References Available Upon Request.” It is assumed that you would provide them if asked. • Have your resume reviewed in Strategy by the Career Planning Center. • Attend the August 30th Info Session on Maximizing Your Job Search at 12:40 in Tabor. Valparaiso University Law School Career Planning Center Staff 656 S. Greenwich – Wesemann Hall #125 Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-465-7814 www.valpo.edu/law/careers [email protected] Valparaiso University Law School