Create a Resume
Get Ready for Success
A professionally written resume makes you 38% more likely to be contacted, 31% more likely to get an interview, and 40% more likely to land the job. You can also earn up to $5,000 more per year.
Let an MDC WORKS Career Coach assist you.
Let an MDC WORKS Career Coach assist you.
What is a resume?
A resume is a document used to highlight and summarize your education, experience, accomplishments, and skills. There’s no “right” way to write one. Just make sure the format is consistent, your experiences are relevant to the position, and your writing is clear and concise.
Getting Started
Before you begin writing your resume, it’s important to know what you’re trying to say. Start by asking yourself:
- Who is my audience? Why will they care about me?
- What are my professional career goals?
- What unique strengths do I bring?
- What experiences am I most proud of?
- Do my descriptions summarize what I’ve learned or accomplished?
- Which competencies and skills do I want to highlight?
Resume Do’s and Don’ts
DO
- Tailor your resume to the job/program
- Keep your resume to 1 – 2 pages.
- Use 11 – 12 size font in a professional style i.e. Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, etc.
- Use verbs and nouns similar to those found in the job posting.
- Use the MDC WORKS ATS Guide, to make sure your resume is compatible.
- Proofread! Check punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure.
DON’T
- Use random online templates. Contact MDC WORKS for assistance.
- Use contractions i.e. can’t, don’t, etc.
- Write it in first person, i.e. “I was responsible for…”.
- Have margins smaller than 0.5 inches
- Use acronyms. Write a name in its full form, then introduce the shorthand in parenthesis, e.g. Miami Dade College (MDC).
Need some inspiration?
Download a sample resume to help you get started:
- Resume template entry level
- Resume template
- Professional References
- Thank You Letter Guide
- Aviation entry level
- Aviation experienced
- Business entry level
- Business experienced
- Federal Government 1
- Federal Government 2
- Film entry level
- Hospitality entry
- Hospitality experienced
- Human Resources experienced
- IT entry level
- IT
- IT experienced
- Law entry level
- Logistics
- Paralegal 1
- Paralegal 2
- Medical entry level 1
- Medical entry level 2
- Military to Civilian workforce
- Supply Chain
Don’t forget a cover letter.
A cover letter is your chance to tell a potential employer why you’re perfect for the job. It should be professional but personable, and serve as an introduction. Use it to describe the value you’ll add to an organization. Showcase your ability to communicate effectively and link your experiences to the position you’re pursuing.
Cover letters should be:
- One page
- Saved as a PDF/Word
- The same 10-12 size font as your resume
Components of an Effective Cover Letter:
Opening Section: Who You Are & Why You Are Applying
- Use a strong opening sentence to grab the reader’s interest.
- Name the job you’re applying for and how you learned about it.
- Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company by incorporating their mission statement, motto, services or products.
- If someone formally referred you to the position, mention them by name.
Second Section: Your Skills & Qualifications
- Discuss the skills and strengths you bring to the job.
- Describe how your related achievements or experiences improve your qualifications.
- Show how your transferable skills have prepared you for the job even if you haven’t done the exact same tasks.
Third Section: Your Soft Skills and the Company
- State why you think you would be a good fit for the company. Emphasize how you can help the company reach its goals.
- Describe your soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership and communication, and how those will help you make a valuable contribution. Provide a good example of these skills in action.
- Focus on what you can offer the organization, not what you expect from it.
Closing Section: Wrapping Up
- State that you are available for a personal interview at your reader’s convenience.
- Make it easy for the person to contact you. List your email address and phone number.
- Thank the reader for their time.
Elevate Your Resume
Get a resume critique
Feeling confident? Upload your resume on your Handshake profile to receive a critique online.
Still need assistance?
Schedule a time to meet with an experienced Career Coach to help you organize your experience in a powerful way that get’s you noticed.
“A firm, hearty handshake gives a good first impression, and you’ll never be forgiven if you don't live up to it.”
P.J. O’ROURKE