How to Build a Strong Resume: Step by Step Guide

 

Your resume is your first impression with potential employers, so making it stand out is critical. Whether you’re a student crafting your first resume or a professional looking to revamp an old one, this step-by-step guide will help you create a resume that grabs attention and lands interviews. 

1. Choose the Right Format 

Start by selecting a format that best highlights your strengths: 

• Chronological Resume: Lists your experience in reverse chronological order. Ideal if you have a consistent work history. 
• Functional Resume: Focuses on skills and accomplishments. Best for students or career changers. 
• Combination Resume: Blends both formats. Great for those with some experience and relevant skills. 

Tip: Stick to a clean, professional design. Use simple fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and ensure plenty of white space for readability. 

2. Write a Strong Header 

Your header should include: 

• Full Name 
• Professional Email Address(e.g.,johndoe@gmail.comnot partyking123@gmail.com) 
• Phone Number 
• LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio（if applicable） 

Optional: Add your city and state but avoid including your full home address for privacy. 

3. Craft a Compelling Summary 

Typically this is the first section employers read. If you choose to include a summary, make it count!  

Summary: Use this if you have some experience. Highlight key skills, achievements, and what you bring to the role.   

  Example: “Detail-oriented nursing student with clinical experience, strong patient care skills, and a passion for promoting health and wellness. Seeking a school nurse position to combine my medical expertise with a commitment to children’s well-being.” 

4. Highlight Your Education 

Place this section near the top if you’re a student or recent graduate. Include: 

• Degree: Full name of your degree (e.g., Associate of Science in Nursing). 
• Institution Name: Kingsborough College, for example. 
• Dates: Expected graduation date if you haven’t completed your degree yet. 
• GPA: Optional but include it if it’s above 3.5. 

Tip: Add relevant coursework, honors, or certifications if they strengthen your case. 

5. Emphasize Relevant Experience 

Even if you’re just starting out, you likely have experience that’s worth highlighting. This could include: 

• Internships 
• Volunteer work 
• Part-time jobs 
• Leadership roles in campus organizations 

For each role: 

• List the position, organization name, location, and dates. 
• Use bullet points to describe your achievements and responsibilities. 
• Start each bullet point with an action verb (e.g.," Collaborated," "Managed," "Designed"). 
• Quantify achievements where possible.   

Example: “Provided compassionate care to 15+ patients daily during clinical rotations, resulting in improved patient satisfaction scores.” 

6. Showcase Your Skills 

Create a dedicated section for your skills. Include: 

• Technical Skills: Tools, software, or systems (e.g., Microsoft Office, EHR systems for nurses). 
• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, adaptability. 
• Certifications: CPR, First Aid, or other relevant certifications. 

Tip: Tailor this section to the job description by including skills the employer is looking for. 

7. Add Additional Sections 

Depending on your experience, consider adding: 

• Certifications or Licenses: Highlight industry-specific credentials (e.g., CNA for nursing). 
• Languages: Include languages you’re proficient in. 
• Volunteer Work: Show your commitment to community or professional growth. Hobbies or Interests: Optional but included only if they’re relevant to the job. 

8. Use Keywords from the Job Description 

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems （ATS） to scan resumes for keywords. To ensure your resume passes: 

• Use the exact language from the job posting. 
• Include industry-specific terms and skills. 

Example: If a nursing job mentions “patient care” and “team collaboration,” be sure these appear in your resume. 

9. Proofread Thoroughly 

Typos or grammatical errors can quickly disqualify you! Review your resume carefully: 

• Use spell-check tools. 
• Read it out loud. 
• Ask a friend, mentor, or career advisor to review it. 

10. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job 

Avoid sending the same resume to every employer. Customize it by: 

• Highlighting the most relevant experience. 
• Tweaking your summary or objective. 
• Emphasizing skills that align with the specific job posting. 

In conclusion,

A strong resume is your ticket to securing interviews and kickstarting your career. By following these steps, you’ll create a document that not only represents your qualifications but also leaves a lasting impression on hiring managers. Remember, your resume is a living document—update it regularly as you gain more skills and experience. 

Are you ready to take your resume to the next level? 

Stop by C-102 Career development office! We will help you out. 

Sources: 

https://onlinedegrees.scu.edu/media/blog/12-steps-to-a-strong-resume 

https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/career/career-services-students/resume-tips/ 

By: Tingbin Zhao

Tips for Interviews

 First impressions determine a lot of things in life, and it is also very essential when attending job

interviews. The best way to give off a good first impression is ensuring that you have made

sufficient preparation for any and every situation that you can predict or give an estimate on how

the job interview goes.

Your first impression to the interviewer is vital as it can help to stand as some sort of credibility,

i.e; you are able to present yourself in a way that reflects the skills and experience listed on your

resume. Without giving off a good first impression to the interviewer, you wouldn’t be able to

convey or portray yourself in a way that aligns with what the employer/recruiter is looking for.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW

1. Be on time: punctuality is an essential factor when it comes to attending interviews.

Typically, you’d want to arrive at job interviews 10-15 minutes early as interviewers are

often ready before the scheduled time of appointment.

 

2. Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile: Showing confidence and

politeness by a handshake with a smile shows the interviewer that you are prepared,

shows good mannerism, and also shows you’re not nervous.

 

3. Dress appropriately: This is self explanatory, but your dress code is essential in making

a good first impression. Now of course, the proper dress code for jobs is subjective to the

type of job interview you are going for. For instance, a job interview for a position at

Foot locker wouldn’t mind a casual attire being worn on the day of the interview, while

an interview for a position at TD Bank would require a business formal attire. Whatever

type of job interview you go for, always make sure you dress appropriately. For the

ladies, close all unnecessary openings, avoid fixing lashes or nails, and go with a decent

hairstyle. For the males, avoid sagging your clothes, avoid unnecessary jewelries or

accessories.

 

4. Go with a pen and a notepad: Even though you may not get to write much, it shows the

interviewer that you are constantly trying to gather information about the company, and

taking notes of feedback you receive from the recruiter.

 

5. Make a research about the company: Researching the company you are applying for a

job allows you to have background information about the company and its policies, and it

also helps answer questions like; “why do you think we should employ you?”How can

you contribute to our goals as a company?”

 

6. Convey a proper tone: avoid using words you don’t know the meaning of or how to

pronounce at an interview under the guise of trying to impress the recruiter, be sure you

are loud and clear enough for the recruiter to understand what you are saying, but not too

loud in a way that you’d come off as rude or aggressive.

 

Resources

https://ung.edu/career-services/online-career-resources/interview-well/tips-for-a-successf

ul-interview.php

https://skillroads.com/blog/tips-to-pass-interview

By: Carlson Nwawuru

Jobs with Pension Benefits: A Path to Financial Security

 

Pensions, although less common than they used to be, remain a valuable retirement benefit for many employees. A pension plan is a type of retirement plan where an employer contributes funds to a pool set aside for an employee’s future benefits. Pensions provide a guaranteed, lifelong income after retirement, making them especially appealing for those seeking long-term financial security.

Here's a list of jobs with pension benefits: 

1. Government Jobs 

• Federal, State, and Local Government Positions: Most government employees receive pensions through various plans, such as the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or state-specific plans. These pensions provide a steady income, often calculated based on years of service and average salary. 

• Public Safety Positions: Police officers, firefighters, and other first responders typically receive pension benefits. Due to the demanding nature of these jobs, pensions are a significant part of their retirement package, allowing early retirement options. 

2. Education Sector 

• Teachers and School Administrators: Public school teachers and administrators often have access to pensions through state or local programs, such as the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). These pensions help make up for the often lower pay in education compared to other fields. 

• University and College Staff: Public university employees, including professors and administrative staff, typically have access to pensions as part of state or institution-sponsored retirement plans. 

3. Healthcare 

• Public Hospital Employees: Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers employed by public hospitals or government-funded healthcare institutions often have pensions. While this can vary by location and institution, public-sector healthcare jobs generally provide retirement benefits. 

• Unionized Healthcare Roles: In private healthcare, unionized employees—such as those in large hospital systems—may have pension benefits negotiated as part of collective bargaining agreements. 

4. Military and Defense 

• Military Personnel: Active-duty and retired military members receive pension benefits through the U.S. Department of Defense. Military pensions are based on years of service, and those who serve for 20 years or more can receive a guaranteed lifetime pension. 

• Civilian Defense Workers: Civilian employees within defense agencies also typically receive pension benefits, aligning with federal government retirement structures. 

5. Utility Companies 

• Employees at large utility companies (like those providing electricity, water, and gas) often have pension benefits. Many utility companies have historically offered pensions to retain employees due to the specialized skills required and the essential nature of their work. 

6. Transportation Sector 

• Public Transit Workers: Public transportation employees, including bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit workers, are often eligible for pension benefits through government-sponsored retirement plans. 

• Airline Industry Workers: Some airline employees, especially those represented by unions, may receive pensions. However, the extent of pension benefits in this sector can vary significantly depending on the airline and position. 

7. Unionized Private Sector Jobs 

• Many unionized positions across various industries, from construction to manufacturing, come with pension benefits negotiated by unions. Unionized jobs in sectors like steel production, automotive, and telecommunications often include pensions, although this can vary widely. 

Considering a Career with Pension Benefits 

Jobs with pensions offer a pathway to financial stability in retirement, as pensions ensure a predictable income after leaving the workforce. However, pensions aren’t the only route to a secure retirement, as many employers today offer 401(k) plans or similar defined-contribution options instead. That said, if a pension is a priority for you, seeking out positions in government, unionized industries, or large, established sectors like education and healthcare may be a wise decision. 

Sources: 

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-with-pensions 

https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/articles/jobs-that-still-offer-traditional-pensions 

By Tingbin Zhao (Career Peer)