Discover Develop Achieve

Resume Writing for Graduate Students

Stefano VerdesotoGraduate Assistant

Career ServicesUniversity at Buffalo

259 Capen Hallub-careers.buffalo.edu

(716) 645-4499

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Before We Get Started…• What’s your name?• What’s your field of study?• When did you last write a resume?

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What is a Resume?• A concise, complete document that

outlines your unique work-related education, skills, accomplishments, and experience

• Helps secure you an interview• Usually 1-2 pages– Yes, 2 is ok! However, aim for a full 2

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Resume Layout• Layout– Contact info, objective, and education at

top– After that, to (most important to

least)– Reverse chronological order (present to

past)– Avoid overusing bold and italicized text!

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Resume Format• What do you think is the most common

mistake?– Inconsistency! In formatting and spacing• Margins should be the same• Format all sections exactly the same• No spelling errors!

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Consistent Resume Format

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Contact Information• Really important!• Should be visually appealing – brand

yourself!• Make it easy to contact you• It’s okay to have 2 addresses• Have a professional voicemail and email

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Objective• Optional!• If you do have one, make sure it’s SPECIFIC– Target a specific company and position– List 2-3 specific skills you will bring

• Avoid “dedicated,” “motivated,” “hard-working”• You can find the specific skills they’re looking for

on the job postings!

– Example: To obtain the Marketing Internship at Shea's Performing Arts Center to utilize my public relations experience and promotional writing skills.

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Contact Information and Objective

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Education• Start with most recent – UB!• Write out the full name of school and degree• List your GPA if it’s over a 3.0• List other colleges if you received a degree

University at Buffalo, The State University of New YorkMaster of Education, College Administration, Expected May 2015• GPA 4.0/4.0Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Sociology, May 2013• GPA 3.8/4.0

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Experience• Include employment, internships, research,

leadership experience, volunteer work, etc.– Write bullet points describing skills developed

and achievements– Start your bullet points with “action words”

(pg13)

– Use “buzz words” the company is looking for– Consider breaking up experience section

• Relevant Experience• Work Experience• Leadership Experience• Marketing Experience… etc.

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Writing Action Statements• Focus on what you learned or

accomplished rather than just stating your duties

• Avoid using passive words such as “assisted”

• Quantify your accomplishments when possible

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Strong vs. Weak Action Statements

• Weak: Conducted market analysis.• Strong: Collaborated with group of 5 to

conduct market analysis on mobile application usage utilizing quantitative surveys

• Weak: Answered phone and made appointments.

• Strong: Provided excellent customer service to a high volume of clients by scheduling appointments in-person and on the phone

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Other Common Sections• Skills: languages, computers, etc.• Professional Associations/Certifications• Projects: especially important for more

technical majors• Relevant Coursework• Publications: published research with

professors• Honors and awards: academic and community• Campus Involvement: member or officer of

clubs/organizations

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Key Points to Remember• Tailor your resume to each employer• Show what YOU can do for THEM• Remember: 10-15 seconds on average• Be specific and quantify when possible• Make it look professional – no errors!

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80% of jobs/internships are found through making connections.

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Making Connections• Good resumes can get you an interview• Good connections can get you a job• Get your name out there!– LinkedIn– UB Mentor Program– The Career Mentor Experience

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Part 1Finding a MentorThursday, October 163:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.240 Student Union

Part 2Meeting a MentorThursday, October 233:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.235 Student Union

RSVP on BullsEye

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Now What?• Create and/or update your resume• Create and/or update your LinkedIn profile• Come to Career Services (259 Capen Hall)– Express Career Consults• Same-day, 20-minute appointments• Monday through Friday• 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Thank You!• Any questions? • Stefano Verdesoto: guidover@buffalo.edu• Quick survey!

Career ServicesUniversity at Buffalo

259 Capen Hallub-careers.buffalo.edu

(716) 645-2231