Should I include a QR code on my resume?

While a QR code can make things convenient, it isn’t necessary or expected, and it often adds clutter to the resume or serves as a distraction.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

No, it is best practice not to include a photo on your resume.

Should I include color on my resume?

Minimal use of color can make a resume pop, but I recommend sticking with the traditional black and white. This is easy to read and looks professional, while color can be distracting and lead the reviewer to think you used a resume template rather than creating a resume from scratch. However, if you are in the field of design, the use of color may be expected to demonstrate your abilities and to reflect your skills and personality.

Should I write out or link to my LinkedIn?

Including a hyperlink to your LinkedIn makes it easy for recruiters who receive an electronic copy of your resume to view your LinkedIn. However, do not include a hyperlink when your resume will be distributed on paper, such as at a career fair. Further, do not write out the URL for your LinkedIn on your resume as it is long and distracting. If you simply include your name as it is used on LinkedIn recruiters will be able to find you easily. For example, including “LinkedIn: Your Name” in your letterhead is customary and helpful to recruiters.

Should I include my coursework on my resume?

I don’t encourage students to include their coursework on their resume unless the work they created was used professionally, or they received an award for it. For example, if you created materials for a class that were used by a business this may be something you would like to include on your resume. Or, if your coursework won you an award at a competition, consider putting this in an Honors and Awards section of your resume.

For the most part, your degree assumes standard course work has been completed, and employers are focused on what you have done professionally.

What if I don’t have any work experience or internships in my field?

If you don’t yet have relevant work experience in your field don’t panic. Now is the time to build experiences through the opportunities available to you on campus and in your community. Gain experiences you can include in a skills section along with volunteer experiences, campus involvement, and leadership positions. While these things can be helpful, employers value relevant work experience. Students can gain work experience with on-campus jobs and internships. Lastly, consider creating an unpaid internship to build skills and experience for your resume.

Employers do value general work experience. So, while unrelated work experience wouldn’t be included on a resume that is tailored to a specific job opening, it can help to include it in a bonus section titled “Additional Work Experience” or you can mention it in your cover letter.

Is a resume always one page?

The purpose of a resume is to provide a snapshot of your experience and skills to a potential employer, so they are usually one page. However, those with miliary experience or those further along in their career may go over one page.

Should I include references on my resume?

Neither, references, nor the comment “references available upon request” should be included on your resume. Create a separate page of your references to submit when requested, and bring a hard copy to your interview.

I have a portfolio of my work, should I include a link to this on my resume?

It would be appropriate to include a link to your portfolio on your resume. Include it near your LinkedIn on your letterhead.

Should I include foreign languages I speak and international experiences on my resume?

Yes, the ability to speak a foreign language can be very valuable to an employer, while international experiences show that you are willing to put yourself out of your comfort zone and that you are open to new experiences, traits that are highly valued by employers.

Consider using one of your bonus sections to highlight languages you speak and international experiences, or they may fit best in your education section, depending on the experience.

I am a student athlete. Should I include this on my resume?

While being a student athlete isn’t something that you should directly list on your resume, think about the skills and abilities that you have demonstrated as a student athlete that an employer would value and incorporate these into a bonus section. Did your team provide you with specific leadership experiences that you can highlight?

The Artificial Intelligence-Ready Resume

Adapted from Sarah Moore and Kathryn Lookado

An AI ATS-compliant résumé can help students from being overlooked, particularly when applying to large corporations which are increasing their use of artificial intelligence (AI) and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen job applicants

What’s AI ATS? AI ATS helps human resource departments and recruiters track and hire applicants. Almost all Fortune 500 companies use AI ATS to select initial candidates and perform interviews.

Here’s an example from Oracle of the HR side of AI ATS. The ATS lists the top five candidates and highlights the top two. Their AI pulled school information, most recent position, core skills, and strengths. If you had a non-compliant résumé in which AI could not read your most recent position, AI ATS would rank your résumé at the bottom of this list.

AI ATS résumé writing: https://youtu.be/bJ6BIxf9Hcw

Sources

Job Seekers Need to Know About Applicant Tracking Systems

Block, L. “My Personal Formula for a Winning Resume.”

My favorite assignment: An Artificial Intelligence-Ready Resume by From Sarah Moore and Kathryn Lookado