RESUMES
A resume is a physical representation of your skills and accomplishments. It needs to be both impressive in content and flawless in presentation or many employers may be immediately turned off. You generally have less than 30 seconds to grab an employer’s attention enough to want to know more about you.
Resume Approval in Handshake
In order to apply to positions with Mercy’s partner employers in Handshake, your resume must meet certain guidelines. Review the Handshake Resume Approval Guidelines before uploading your resume to Handshake. Resumes that don’t meet the “Must Have” items may not be approved.
Update to Mercy University
It’s time to update your resume! As of August 22, Mercy College is now Mercy University. Current students should update the University’s name on your resume ASAP; it’s important that your resume be accurate and current, especially when employers verify your credentials.
(If you already graduated from Mercy College prior to August 22, 2023, the best practice is to list your institution as Mercy University (Mercy College) to indicate the current and former name.)
Tailor Your Resume
Every job is unique and each will target different skills and experiences you may have. Do not rely on one catch-all resume for every job. Instead, tailor each resume to the specific characteristics of the job to which you are applying.
Make it Easy to Read
- Write your resume as simply as possible for the reader to briefly scan it and understand your key strengths
- Divide your resume into four sections:
- Education
- Experience (Internships and Work Experience)
- Activities/Community Service (Leadership)
- Skills (Computer Experience, Language Fluency, etc.)
- Your grades, experience, leadership activities and skills truly matter
Follow Proper Formatting
- Fit your resume onto one page
- Begin each bullet point with an action verb in the correct tense (view our list of action verbs)
- Reread it, spell check, reread it again and have others read it (for example, a PACT mentor, Career and Professional Development, professors)
- Use proper grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Be consistent with formatting
- Be honest and accurate
Resume Guidance: Freshman
- Focus on classes and get good grades; explore and learn
- Join a club or a community service activity to meet people
- You may list your high school/activities on your resume during your freshman year only
- If you work, think about what you are learning beyond the tasks
- Start or update your resume
Resume Guidance: Sophomore
- Stay focused on classes and get good grades
- Explore upcoming leadership roles in your club or activities
- Begin looking for an internship during your second semester and/or over the summer. An internship is a great opportunity to explore what you may be interested in career wise
- Update your resume
Resume Guidance: Junior
- Stay focused on grades
- This is a great time to experience and embrace leadership
- Apply for a relevant internship in your major area of study, either for academic credit and/or over the summer
- Update your resume
Resume Guidance: Senior
- Finish your academic career on a high note
- Build your professional network
- Update your resume, write cover letters, apply for jobs or graduate school
