Utah State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 9
Creating Tailored Resumes
A resume has one main purpose: to get you an interview. To help create a great first impression
with the employer, it’s important to highlight your education, experiences, skills, and
accomplishments on a 1-page resume to showcase your qualifications.
Tailoring Your Resume
Tailoring your resume is the best way to make a great first impression with the employer. It’s
important to include the most recent and relevant experiences you’ve had that relate to the
position you are applying for. To assist you with tailoring your resume, keep these points
in mind:
1. Identify the employer’s needs by utilizing the information on the job description and
researching the company (website, social media, internet presence, etc.).
2. Incorporate key words and action verbs that are used in the job description.
3. Strengthen your bullet points using success statements.
4. Include sections on your resume that are relevant to the position.
Crafting Success Statements
Your bullet points or success statements should be more than just a list of duties and tasks.
They should be focused on your responsibilities and quantifiable accomplishments. To help you
create strong success statements, we recommend using this formula:
Action Verb + Skill/Responsibility + Action/Tools + Benefit/Result = Success Statement
Example action verbs: spearheaded, implemented, facilitated, coordinated, managed, achieved,
innovated, collaborated, executed, and demonstrated
Here are some great examples of how you can use the success statement formula to
demonstrate a variety of experiences and skills:
• Manage time effectively as a Division I student athlete to successfully balance academics
and athletics, maintaining 3.5 GPA or higher each semester
• Led and collaborated with executive council of Social Work Club to develop monthly
programs for 37 members
Federal Resumes
Federal resumes for government jobs are quite different than typical resumes,
they are more detailed and require more information. For the most updated
information, tools, and resources on creating a strong federal resume,
check out USAJobs.gov.
Federal
Resumes
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