University of California Berkeley Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 24
Resumes & Curricula Vitaes (CV's)
A chronological resume is the most commonly used resume format. Listing your experience in reverse chronological
order (with the most recent experiences first), this resume format accommodates all industries and levels of experience, and is preferred by the majority of employers. Because a chronological resume presents your experience from
most recent (relevant) to least recent (relevant), this format works especially well for students and entry- to mid-level
applicants to demonstrate a vertical career progression. See the resume section of our website for examples of effective
chronological resumes.
Although a chronological resume is often a safe bet for all levels, established professionals who have multiple gaps and/
or unusually large gaps in their employment history, who are aspiring to make a career change into a new industry, or
who want to promote a specific skill set may consider a skills/functional resume format or a hybrid/combination resume
format as alternatives to the chronological resume format. If appropriate, established professionals may also move
beyond a one-page resume.
While resume templates may be tempting, they tend to be inflexible; also, employers are often familiar with them and
may perceive you as lacking ingenuity. Find a format that works for you, and use your own words to develop content
that is unique to you.
THE RESUME BULLET: HOW TO SAY IT
Resume bullets should describe your skills and accomplishments, reflecting the order or priority that the employer has
stated in their position description and requirements. Write bullet points for jobs, internships, volunteer experiences
and activities where you’ve developed skills. Consider how these bullet points highlight skills and experiences that
match the position requirements. Action-oriented statements highlighting your accomplishments should use concrete
language and could include:
What: What task (transferable skill) did you perform? Use action verbs! (See p. 25)
Why: Why did you perform this task e.g. to fulfill a goal, serve a need or make your organization/company better?
How: Specifically how did you perform this task? What equipment, tool, software program, or method did you use to
accomplish this task?
Result: What was the positive result you achieved or impact you made by performing this task (quantitative or
qualitative)?
Adjectives: Spice it up with descriptors; sell yourself… go for it!
RESUME TIPS FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
• You may include work, leadership, and academic achievements from high school. By your third year in college, more
recent experiences should replace those from high school.
• Don’t worry about having limited work experience. Instead focus on transferable skills developed through other
kinds of involvement or accomplishments.
• Your first “college resume” may require extra time to assemble. Expect to spend a few hours creating a rough draft,
and make an appointment with a Career Educator or see a Peer Advisor to review your document.
• Be patient with the process! Resumes are always a work in progress.
Career Tip: View many sample resumes on the
Berkeley Career Engagement website at:
https://career.berkeley.edu/Tools/Resume
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