Resumes
The key instrument used in the job search process is still the resume. After creating your resume as a Word document, click the green "Get Your Resume Reviewed" button on the right side of the page to have your resume reviewed by a Career Development professional.
Sample Resumes
- Blank Resume - Word | PDF
- Beginning Student Resume – Word | PDF
- 2nd-3rd Year Resume – Word | PDF
- Internship Resume – Word | PDF
- Professional/Graduating Senior Resume – Word | PDF
- Education Resume – Word | PDF
- Nursing Resume – Word | PDF
- Purdue Programs Resume – Word | PDF
If you need an accessible format, please contact the Career Development Center at (812) 941-2275 or webjob@iu.edu.
Need a cover letter? References page? We've got you covered.
Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Check and double check to ensure there are no typographical or grammatical errors.
- Use numbers to tell employers how many people you supervised, by what percentage you increased sales, how many products you represented, etc.
Remember the Number Rule: Numbers one through nine must be spelled out; numbers 10 and larger use numerals.- List your jobs in reverse chronological order – current job first.
- Customize your information to each job description.
- Make sure job titles and dates of employment are correct and included for each job description.
- Two-letter abbreviations for states are correct: KY, IN, etc.
- Be certain telephone numbers are correct.
- Use action-verb phrases, not sentences.
- If your résumé has a second page, put your name and page 2 at the top or bottom of the second page.
- Always have your resume reviewed by one or more people before submitting.
Don'ts
- Don't use a Resume Wizard. Rather, create your resume as a Word document, which is the most favored style when uploading to employer’s online sites.
- Don't go beyond one page unless you have several years of relevant experience.
The resume is NEVER more than two pages.- Don't state past salary or wages, reason for leaving past employment or any personal information such as height, weight, marital status, etc.
- Do not use personal pronouns (I, me, my).
- Do not use headers and footers when creating your resume. These are too difficult to adjust and cause formatting problems.
Resume Resources
Using action verbs make your resume come alive. Sentences are not used on a resume; therefore, information should begin with a bullet point and an action verb. Use present tense verbs for current positions and past tense verbs for prior jobs.
Employers seek talented candidates who are creative thinkers. Keep in mind that a "fill-in-the-blank" resume undercuts the very image you are attempting to create.
