St. Mary's College of Maryland

Visit the CDC!

Need Career Advising?
Our programs may provide
what you are looking for.

Check out our events page!

NEW! Walk-in Hours!
Most Fridays 12:00-2:00
 
Appointments are encouraged.
Click below to make yours!

Schedule an appointment online!

211 Glendening Hall
M-F 8-5
240.895.4203
careercenter@smcm.edu


Take Note!


ROAD TRIPS TO THE REAL WORLD

Jan 3-13

BOOK BAG TO BRIEFCASE
Jan 12-14

 


Click HERE for details
and more events!

Intern
of the Week 

Mark P.

Mark P.,   Spring '11,   Waldorf Real Estate
Waldorf, MD

“From my internship I feel that I have gained, and will continue to gain, a better feel of the current real estate market in the Southern Maryland region and how the economy is playing a role in that market.”

Click here for more interns!

Creating a Resume

A resume not only represents your education and work history, but also the quality of your work and your ability to communicate effectively. Because of this, you should expect to spend a LOT of time writing (and re-writing) it. Learn as much as you can, do your best to develop a draft, and then make an appointment with us for feedback.

Below is our own resume guide along with the most valuable resources that we have identified on the web. Be sure to also check out our resources on cover letters, vitas/CVs, and federal resumes.

SMCM Guide to Writing Resumes & Vitas
This 12-page PDF is a great place to start. It includes an overview of resume/vita styles, general guidelines, a worksheet to help you identify and describe your transferable skills, and relevant examples.

How to Write a Masterpiece of a Resume
This extensive resource is aimed at established professionals, so some of the guidelines won't apply to you. The real value of this site comes from its explanation of the importance of a standout resume.

OWL Resume Resources
The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) may be familiar to you as it is great source of writing tips and tools. This site covers the various sections on the resume in considerable detail.

National O*Net Occupational Database
This database includes lists of common responsibilities for thousands of occupations. Search for jobs you have had (e.g., lifeguard) and look for language that will help you enhance the bullets on your resume. You can also look for occupations of interest you (e.g., "editor") and use the list of tasks to help you reflect on relevant skills from your jobs, coursework, volunteer roles, and  activities that might enhance your resume.

Ten Outdated Resume Tips
Be sure the resume advice you  have received is current! What was true 5 years ago may not be true today, given changes in technology and the job market.

Quint Careers Resume Worksheets
Starting from scratch? Need a lot of structure? Not sure how to fill your resume? These worksheets are sure to help!

Plain-Text "Scannable" Resume 
If you need to cut and paste your resume content into a website text box, you'll need to simplify it a bit first. This link provides good tips and a useful example.

Looking for more information? Try these...

Resume Readiness Quiz Find out if your resume is ready to do the job you need it to do.
Guide to Resume Writing This 17-page guide is similar to our own, but does have additional examples and some additional suggestions about content and formatting.
Monster.comResumeArticles Including one with tips for new grads in particular.
About.com Resume Resources Various samples, templates, tips, articles, and links.

Writing Samples
If you are asked to submit a writing sample to an employer, the link above provides good samples and guidelines for doing so.

Job Skills Portfolio
When you are invited for an interview consider supplementing your resume with a more extensive portfolio (or put it online and add the URL to your resume!).

Aerial view of St. Mary's College of Maryland campus

St. Mary's College of Maryland
18952 E. Fisher Rd
St. Mary's City, MD 20686-3001
240-895-2000