Resumes & Interviews

A resume is a summary of your relevant experiences and skills. It serves as your written presentation during the job search. The resume will stimulate organizations to request an interview, where you can elaborate on your background, experiences, and skills.

Each person's resume is unique. While there are various layouts and styles to use for a resume, there are basic guidelines you should always follow. You want it to be easy to read, highlighting pertinent information for the reader. You should focus on achievements and accomplishments. When writing, use action words within your descriptions.

Check out additional tips in the Resume Checklist.

To have your resume or cover letter critiqued, bring it to a Walk-In or set up an appointment with a Career Counselor through Handshake.

Attention Sophomores: As part of the Sophomore Plan, you will create a one-page resume draft and upload it to Handshake following the instructions below. Once you upload your resume draft, a Career Engagement staff member will review it and provide thoughts and suggestions. Your resume and checklist will be returned to you before the end of the semester. The feedback provided is for future reference as you continue to build your resume.

• Login to Handshake
• If you have not logged in before, complete your profile. This is important so you can get customized recommendations for jobs/internships, events, and resources.
• To upload your resume, click on your name in the top right and select “Documents.”
• Click “Add New Document.”
• Name your document with your last name, first name, and sophomore resume in this format—SophomoreResume_LastName_FirstName. You can upload multiple resumes in Handshake so this will ensure we review the appropriate one.
• Make sure the Document Type is "Resume."

If you need help getting started, check out the Resume Checklist and Sample Resumes below, visit Career Planning drop-in hours, make an appointment in Handshake, or attend an event. We are here to help you!

• Sample Resume #1: "May Dae," Bryn Mawr College student, science major with 360° experience.
• Sample Resume #2: "Brynn Ford," Bryn Mawr College student interested in education with study abroad experience.
• Sample Resume #3: "Lloyd Hall," Haverford College student, double major in economics and international relations, concentration in mathematical economics.
• Sample Resume #4: "Merion Rhoads," Bryn Mawr College student, major on psychology at Haverford, minor in economics.
• Sample Resume #5: "Rhys Carpenter," Bryn Mawr College student, major in chemistry.
• Sample Resume #6: "Taylor Hall," Bryn Mawr College student, major in biology with honors, concentration in neural and behavior sciences, minor in French.
• Sample Resume #7: "Nocah Mint," Bryn Mawr College student, major in computer science, minor in education.
• Sample Resume #8: "Miriam Canwyll," Bryn Mawr College student, major in English.
• Sample Resume #9: "Cambrian Dalton," Bryn Mawr College student, major in Growth and Structure of Cities.

A cover letter is a great chance to connect the dots for the reader and let them know essentials like how you found out about this opportunity, why you are interested in it and why you’d be a good fit for the industry/organization/position. It is also a great place to concisely show the employer your written communication skills. Because it shows your direct connection and framing to each unique employer and position, it is best to write a fresh cover letter each time. Make sure to proofread!

For more tips review the Cover Letter Guide.

• Sample Cover Letter #1: "Mae Day," Bryn Mawr College student, major in biology.
• Sample Cover Letter #2: "Brynn Ford," Bryn Mawr College student, major in psychology, minor in education.
• Sample Cover Letter #3: "Mary Jane Smith," Bryn Mawr College student, major in math.

"So tell me about yourself..." The interview is your opportunity to sell yourself in person.

Your cover letter, resume, and personal network have gotten you this far. Now is the time to verbally communicate why they should hire you. The most important key to succeeding in the interview process is being prepared.

Questions will usually cover five areas:

• Education
• Experience
• Career goals
• Skills and abilities
• Knowledge of the organization

It is critical to effectively communicate how your background complements the position and the organization's goals. The interview process is a two-way street; not only are you being interviewed, but you are also interviewing them.

Looking for a private space for an upcoming interview? The Student Interview Rooms (130 and 131) in the Student Life & Wellness Building are available for reservation between Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm for current students interviewing for jobs, internships, fellowships, graduate schools, and year of service opportunities. Each room includes a table and chairs, monitor, camera, microphone, and a landline phone for a phone or video interview. To reserve a Student Interview Room for your upcoming interview, please email cpd@brynmawr.edu with the following information:

• Full name
• Student ID number
• Date of interview
• Start and end time of interview
• Name of the organization/graduate school for which you are interviewing
• Title of the position for which you are interviewing