Let's Talk Résumés

For the graduate, it can look pretty scary when you face the job market for the first time. But it doesn’t have to be so if you are organized and ready. Most job finding today consists of a series of steps – applying (either online or by mail), sending in a résumé with and accompanying cover letter, then, if you are selected, one or a series of interviews.

Today, let’s just talk about résumés. You may also hear this referred to as a CV, or curriculum vitae, which is more often used in the academic world. Your résumé is an organized accounting of your qualifications for the job that you are applying for. It lists your name and contact information, obviously, but it also details your education, including any degrees that you have achieved; your previous job history, especially those aspects that may apply to the job in question; and other information such as achievements, hobbies or experience that show your full capabilities.

Constructing your résumé may seem daunting at first, but fortunately, there are many resources online that can help you decide upon and create the best résumé for you. Just remember that there are lots of different ideas as to what the best résumé consists of, so take your time, check out many different sources and decide which one seems to be the best match for you and the company you are applying to.

First, of course, are the resources of the Library. If you search the Library catalog for ‘résumés’ and then select ‘eBook’ from the format choices, you will find fifty-eight downloadable books to peruse. Not only do they give you the general principles in constructing the résumé that’s right for you, but they also give you many examples of successful résumés that have gotten people hired. Also, on our Webpage are our many subscribed databases. If you search either EBSCOhost or ProQuest for ‘résumés’, for example, you will find hundreds or articles and book chapters on résumés and job searching.

If you go to NHTI’s main website and click on Current Students at the bottom, you can scroll down to ‘Career Resources’ and ‘Exploring Your Career Interests.’ The first tool listed is ‘Career Coach,’ that has a built-in career assessment, detailed listing of various careers and their requirements, and a ‘Build Your Résumé’ link that will lead you step-by-step in creating a professional résumé.

And don’t forget the Academic Center for Excellence. The ACE has a Writing Center and people who are equipped to review and help you revise your résumé before you send it out into the big wide world!

When conditions allow, we will welcome you back to the NHTI Library and all its resources, but for now, take advantage of our online trove of résumé information.

Here are some eBooks* to get you started:

• Knock 'Em Dead Résumés: A Killer Resume Gets More Job Interviews
• The Elements of Résumé Style: Essential Rules for Writing Résumés and Cover Letters That Work
• Step by Step Resumes: Build an Outstanding Resume in 10 Easy Steps! 
• Careering: The Pocket Guide to Exploring Your Future Career

Good luck, and good hunting!

*Requires NHTI Login