Writing Resumes For Scholarship/admission Applications printable pdf download

Writing Resumes for Scholarship/Admission Applications

This information will get you started.

Produce a draft, and then get an advisor's help.

What is a Resume?

A resume is a data sheet that markets your credentials. It outlines your skills and

qualifications and prompts potential employers to talk to you further about the

opportunities they offer. A resume gets you in the door, but it doesn’t get you the job.

You’ll get a job offer as a result of successful interviews.

Create a Master List

The first step is to recall and list every experience you can think of including

volunteer/community service, internships, paid jobs, and major research projects. You

should also list campus activities, student organizations, and all of your educational

experiences. Don’t worry about the format yet. This master list will provide you with all

the information you need to create your resume and cover letter and prepare for

interviewing.

Elaborate On Your List

Next, write descriptions of the items on your list. Include information about your specific

responsibilities, skills used, and outcomes you obtained. Use action verbs in your

descriptions

(see the Action Verb list

below). Remember to tailor the descriptions to

the types of jobs and employers you’re targeting. Think about the skills you used in each

of your positions that will be of interest to potential employers. You’re trying to convince

an employer that your skills transfer to the type of position for which you’re applying.

Organize Your Resume

After you have written descriptions for your positions, you’ll need to decide how to

organize your experiences, and what to include in the resume. You do not need to

include every experience in your list. Be strategic. Focus on those experiences that will

be of most interest to your prospective employer.

There are a few sections that are common to most resumes:

CONTACT INFORMATION

It’s a good idea to include both your current school address and a

permanent address. Be sure that your phone numbers are correct, and

always include an email address. You only need to list one email address,

but be sure you check it frequently. If you use an email address other than

your Oberlin one, be sure to use a professional sounding address. Do not

include your social security number or date of birth.

OBJECTIVE

This is optional. If you choose to include one, make it a concise declaration

of the position you seek in a specified area, department, or industry i.e. a

summer internship in a public relations firm. You will elaborate on this more

fully in your cover letter, so if you can better use the space on your resume

Writing Resumes For Scholarship/admission Applications