Build a résumé that earns the next 20 seconds
A résumé is not your biography. It is a fast decision document. Make it easy for a recruiter or manager to understand what you can do, where you have created value, and why your experience is relevant.
- Use a clean, easy-to-scan layout.
- Lead with relevant experience, projects, and accomplishments.
- Replace vague claims with concrete evidence.
- Keep dates, titles, punctuation, and spacing consistent.
- Proofread the exported PDF, not only the editable file.
Write achievement bullets
Strong bullets tell the reader what you did, the context, and what changed because of your work. Numbers help when meaningful, but scope, quality, speed, responsibility, and improvement also demonstrate impact.
- Start with a strong action verb.
- Name the customer, project, process, or responsibility.
- Explain what improved, changed, grew, or got completed.
- Use credible numbers or scale when available.
Make LinkedIn support the same story
Your LinkedIn profile should reinforce the résumé while giving you more room to show context, projects, organizations, coursework, and direction.
- Use a professional, current photograph.
- Write a headline that communicates direction or value.
- Use the About section to explain what you are building toward.
- Include projects, competitions, certifications, and student organizations when relevant.
- Customize your public profile URL.
Prepare a story bank before the interview
Good interview answers come from preparation, not memorization. Build a bank of examples you can adapt to different questions.
- Prepare examples of leadership, conflict, problem solving, learning, teamwork, failure, and results.
- Use a simple Situation–Action–Result structure.
- Practice aloud so your answer sounds conversational.
- Prepare thoughtful questions that show curiosity about the role and organization.
- Send a concise thank-you or follow-up message after the conversation.
Use these resources as a starting point. Your course Canvas site remains the official source for assignments, deadlines, grades, and course-specific instructions.