Resume Information

The Career Development Office has a variety of programs and events to assist you as you prepare your resume for applications, internships, jobs, off-campus study, scholarships, fellowships, etc. Follow three basic steps to completing a resume:

STEP ONE: Write a draft of your resume

A Guide to Resumes & Cover Letters

The CDO publishes this booklet for students to take with them and consult as they create their own resumes and cover letters. Many sample resumes and cover letters are included, a few of which are available here.

Writing Resumes & Cover Letters Sessions

First year through senior students will find this presentation helpful if they are ready to learn how to put their skills, education, work, volunteer, and other experiences on paper in a resume format. Dates and times of resume sessions will be listed on the CDO web page, in the CDO newsletter, and in the Campus Memo.

Library and Online Resources

The CDO has an extensive lending library covering a wide variety of topics including books on resume writing. The CDO web page, www.grinnell.edu/offices/cdo, also contains information on preparing resumes and links to multiple resume writing help sites.

STEP TWO: Review the draft of your resume

48-Hour Resume Review

Students who would like a draft of their resume reviewed should email it to [career] (subject line: 48-Hour Resume Review). One of our Peer Career Assistants (PCAs) will review your resume draft for style and format, write comments on it, and return it via email. All of this will be done within 48 business hours from the time received during CDO regular office hours (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). For example, if you email your resume to [career] at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, it will be marked as "received" at 8:00 a.m. Monday morning and returned to your campus mailbox by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday. Note: This service is only offered to current students when classes are in session.

Walk-In Hours

(Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 am and Fridays from 1:30-3:30 pm) No appointment necessary. Students may "drop-in" for a 10-15 minute meeting with a career counselor.

STEP THREE: Polish your resume before sending it out

Career Counselor Appointments (Call 641-269-4940)

After having your resume reviewed at a walk-in or through the 48-Hour Resume Review, you are encouraged to make changes and meet with a career counselor for a longer appointment. The career counselor will help you critique your own resume for content, style, format, and final details before you send it out. In addition, you will learn how to tailor your resume for specific jobs, internships, fellowships, scholarships, etc.

SAMPLE RESUMES

SAMPLE COVER LETTERS