Resumes & Letters

Resumes

The key instrument used in the job search process is still the resume. After creating your resume as a Word document, be sure and upload on CareerLink and one of our Career Development Center professionals will critique it for you.

The folowing documents provide tips for writing an effective resume.

Note: These files are in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. Accessible format is available on request. Simply contact the Career Development Center at (812) 941-2275.

Use Action Verbs

Using action verbs make your resume come alive. Sentences are not used on a resume; therefore, information should begin with a bullet point and an action verb. Use present tense verbs for current positions and past tense verbs for prior jobs.

Note: This file is in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. Accessible format is available on request. Simply contact the Career Development Center at (812) 941-2275.

Dos and Don'ts

  • Don’t use a Resume Wizard. Rather, create your resume as a Word document which is the most favored style when uploading to employer’s online sites.
  • Don’t go beyond one page unless you have several years of relevant experience. The resume is NEVER more than two pages.
  • Check and double check to ensure there are no typographical errors.
  • Use numbers to tell employers how many people you supervised, by what percentage you increased sales, how many products you represented, etc. Remember the Number Rule: Numbers one through nine must be spelled out; numbers 10 and larger use numerals.  
  • List your jobs in reverse chronological order – current job first.
  • Customize your information to each job description.
  • Don't state past salary or wages, reason for leaving past employment or any personal information such as height, weight, marital status, etc.
  • Make sure job titles and dates of employment are correct and included for each job description.
  • Two-letter abbreviations for states are correct: KY, IN, etc.
  • Be certain telephone numbers are correct. (People tend to change numbers frequently.)
  • Do not use personal pronouns (I, me, my).
  • Use action-verb phrases, not sentences.
  • If your résumé has a second page, put your name and page 2 at the top of the second page.
  • Do not use headers and footers when creating your resume. These are too difficult to adjust and cause formatting problems.  
  • Always seek the assistance of your Career Development Center professionals.

Resume Worksheet

Employers seek talented candidates who are creative thinkers. Keep in mind that a "fill-in-the-blank" resume undercuts the very image you are attempting to create. Suggestion: don't use a resume Wizard to create your resume. Instead, use the tips below to begin your new resume or to polish your existing resume.

Reference List

References are often required during the employment search. On your resume, you may wish to simply state: References: Available upon request. Then, on a separate sheet of paper, list at least three people who know you well and who are willing to be positive references for you. Be sure to obtain permission from each person you plan to use. Tell them what kinds of positions you are seeking and finally, as a courtesy, be certain to provide each of your references with a copy of your resume so they have accurate information to pass along to the employer.

Do not use relatives, personal friends, or students as references. Be sure to select references who are knowledgeable, articulate, and who can speak and write clearly. They will be representing you to the prospective employer.

Note: This file is in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. Accessible format is available on request. Simply contact the Career Development Center at (812) 941-2275.

Tips for Applying On-line and Getting Noticed!

In this day of high technology, many employers accept employment only via the Internet. Savvy job candidates must understand the ins and outs of this process. Online applications won't go away, employers say. An increasing number of employers want candidates to find job openings on company web sites or Internet job boards; they require online applications; they prefer to communicate with potential hires via e-mail.

Employers say that using their company's own online application system is the fastest way to get your resume into the right hands. Your focus should be on making your application unique; to avoid its being swallowed up in the technology abyss.

Letters

A well-written lucid focused communication with employers is a vital link in the application process. Although much information can be transmitted verbally there are certain circumstances when written communication is vital. Below are various docs relating to these issues:

Note: These files are in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. Accessible format is available on request. Simply contact the Career Development Center at (812) 941-2275.

Complimentary Copy of “Career Planning Guide”

Seniors stop by the Career Development Center Office for your complimentary copy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Choices: Career Planning Guide magazine with information on the latest higher trends in the U.S.

Student
Employer

IU Students and alumni MUST create an account to gain access to job postings. If you have questions regarding the level of postings you are able to view please contact us (812) 941-2275.

Note: Employers, please click on the Employer tab to login to post jobs.

Employers MUST create an account to gain access to post jobs.

Note: Students, please click on the Student tab to login to view job postings.

Resume Tip of the Week

Personal Information - Beware

We count on people to be open-minded but it doesn't always happen. Take caution in mentioning campaigns you have worked, organizations to which you belong, or religion in your resume.

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