Reflections on 2007 Env S 190 Resume Assignment. By Eric Z.

1) Although Don stressed to the class that using resume templates is a major no-no, at least 8 students used one of two templates (one design was just horrible!).  These resumes stuck out like a sore thumb, lacking any unique or distinguishable features.

2) A resume is an applicant’s first, and sometimes only, opportunity to leave an impression upon a potential employer. If the document is not aesthetically appealing and easy to read, then it will garner little attention from a potential employer. When reviewing this quarter’s resumes I was not as concerned with content as much as their overall look or practical design. I read each resume as if I were a prospective employer and then assigned a grade based on its layout, first impression, and overall ability to grab my attention. 

My results showed that only about 20% were worthy to be called a professional resume.  The majority were good first attempts, but in need of some serious attention to detail and layout before being submitted to an employer.  Unfortunately, almost 30% were of such poor quality that if turned in to an employer they would most likely go straight to the recycling bin and never be read.

3) The good news is you have plenty of resources available here on campus to seek assistance with sprucing up a resume.  You are welcome to stop by my office and go over your ES 190 draft with me, or, take a copy in to a drop-in career counselor at Career Services for a professional critique.  There are also a number of online resources via the ES 190 website and helpful resume books available in the ES Peer Advisor’s office (Bren 4313).  I encourage all of you to spend some time polishing up your resume.

Here is a breakdown of how I would have graded your resumes if they were being reviewd for a potential job opening. Remember, these grades were just based on resumes presenation and organization, not specific content.

Grade	# Resumes	Comments (regarding format/layout only, not content!)
F	16	Failed miserably in regards to a making a good first impression. Poor layout and design makes the resume extremely difficult, if not impossible, to read.  The document is littered with typos, misaligned text, and poor use of font size.  It screams of a person who put little to no effort and thought into preparing their resume. Within 10 seconds of being picked up these would be in the trash.
D	13	Better first impression, but just barely.  Still needs major formatting overhaul and serious attention to grammatical details.  [One resume did not even have the student’s name on it.]  These resumes would be lucky to get a full glanced over, let alone be read.  95% of these resumes would find their way into the recycling bin.
C	30	Very average presentation, yet the formatting begins to resemble a resume. Provides just enough clarity an evaluator might spend 20 to 30 seconds reading it over.  With some serious attention to detail, these resumes could become useful.
B	48	Actually functions as a resume!  Divided into clearly defined categories, is aesthetically presentable, and easy to read without squinting one’s eyes.  The text is not wordy or full of unnecessary info, nor is the document too long.  All the critical information is there and the resume leaves the impression the applicant is serious about applying for the job.  Still has one or two flaws, but with some professional critiquing, would become a resume to be proud of.
B+/A-	20	Almost there. Just needs some fine-tuning on layout, correction of minor grammatical errors, and some additional action verbs to put it over the top.  The document is easy to peruse and aesthetically appealing.  Its successful presentation encourages an employer to want to learn more about the applicant.
A	4	These resumes are ready to go and will get the attention of the employer.  They are well organized, concise, and have clean lines.  They are absent of grammatical errors and full of short, powerful sentences containing lots of action verbs.  These resumes exude self-confidence and professionalism.  Next stop for these applicants, an interview!