You'll undoubtedly experience plenty of fun and personal growth during your U.S. studies, but your primary goal should always be preparing for the work force. A professional résumé (called a Curriculum Vitae or "CV" in other parts of the world), is an overview of one's experiences, accomplishments, skills, and educational background. Creating a personalized and thoughtful résumé is crucial in securing the job of your dreams after college.
Step 1: Learn the basics. The format, mode of delivery, and style of your résumé may vary depending on the type of employment you seek. A few "standard" items, however, should appear in every edition:
- Identifying information—Your name, address, telephone, and e-mail
- Objective statement—Brief outline of your goals and abilities
- Education—Academic background including institutions, associations, and achievements
- Work experience—Employment history relating to desired position (should include volunteer positions, campus/community activities, and internships)
- Skills—Technical/computer knowledge, languages spoken, etc.
- References—Professional/academic referrals (provided later, upon request)
- Cover letter—Attention-grabbing introduction and personal message
Step 2: Know your audience. Even within the same industry, career opportunities can vary significantly, so you'll want to tailor your message according to each place of business. Research each company and adjust your cover letter and objective statement to show that you are a good fit for their given set of goals and expectations.
Step 3: Maintain balance. It's fine to use a template or sample résumé when crafting your own, but be sure to emphasize your strong points so that potential employers are confident in both your academic and professional experience. If you have worked only a short time, emphasize any notable school projects or volunteer work that relates directly to your desired position.
Refrain from reporting any activities that have taken place prior to enrolling in college, unless you're under the age of 20 (in which case you should update your résumé immediately after completing college courses or other specialized training).
Step 4: Focus on writing. To have maximum impact, your résumé should be well written and feature language used throughout your chosen industry. If you're competing for a Web-based position, for example, you will want to showcase your knowledge of the most current Internet terminology. Also, avoid using first-person words like "I" and "me"—American employers prefer résumés written in the third person.
Don't worry if you're still mastering the English language—most universities house writing centers where international students can go for writing advice and editing services.
Step 5: Show the real you. Professional experience and academic prowess are great tools to possess when seeking post-graduation employment, but they will only get you so far. Employers, more than anything, want to know that the candidates they hire are trustworthy, dedicated, focused individuals.
You obviously won't want to bore a potential employer with stories about your personal life, but if you find a chance to let your personality shine through in your résumé or cover letter, take it. Your charisma just might be the edge you need in landing a lucrative career opportunity.