FIU Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 18
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR RESUME
Introduction
Creating a compelling resume is crucial for standing out in today’s competitive job market. Whether you are a
recent graduate, transitioning careers, or seeking new opportunities, a well-prepared resume can open doors to
exciting possibilities. To effectively demonstrate skills, experiences, and qualifications, it’s essential to follow
several key steps. By adhering to these steps, individuals can prepare a resume that enhances their chances of
landing interviews.
Steps to Creating an Outstanding Resume:
Choose the Right Format: Select a format that best showcases strengths and experiences. Common formats
include chronological ( listing work experience from newest to oldest) , functional ( emphasizing skills rather than
work history) , or combination ( a mix of both) .
Include Contact Information: Start the resume with name, phone number, email address, and, optionally, a
LinkedIn profile or personal website.
Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective: Write a brief statement that highlights career goals, key skills, and
relevant experiences.
List Work Experience: Detail work history with job titles, company names, dates of employment, and bulleted
descriptions of responsibilities and achievements.
Highlight Education: Include educational background with degrees earned, institutions attended, graduation
dates, and academic honors or achievements.
Showcase Skills: Create a section dedicated to relevant skills, including technical skills, language proficiency,
and certifications or licenses.
Tailor the Resume: Customize the resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences
most relevant to the position. Use keywords from the job description to ensure the resume passes through
applicant tracking systems ( ATS) .
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers, percentages, or other measurable metrics to
demonstrate impact in previous roles.
Proofread Carefully: Review the resume for spelling and grammatical errors and ensure consistent formatting
throughout. Consider also asking a trusted friend, family member, or career advisor to review it.
Save and Send: Save the resume as a PDF or Word document with a professional file name ( e.g.,
FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf) and send it along with a tailored cover letter when applying for jobs.
VMock offers a resume creation and review tool that helps users create recruiter-ready resumes tailored to specific
job descriptions or career tracks. The platform provides instant feedback 24/7, assisting in preparation for
applications reviewed by ATS systems. Users can access the AI-powered VMock SMART Resume tool at
https://go.fiu.edu/VMock.
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Florida International University Career Guide 2024-25
