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Resumes
A resume is a one- (or two-) page summary of your skills, experience, and education. A resume is brief and concise and highlights the information most relevant to the job for which you’re applying to.
Writing a resume
When writing a resume, you must be thoughtful about the format and the content of your document. Here are some important things to consider.
Format
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Consistent format (i.e. if you bold your organization names, put all organizations in bold)
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No spelling or capitalization errors
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Text size: Keep in scale. Works well to have your name at 16-18 pt, and have the body text at 10-12 pt
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Margins: ½ inch (“Narrow” in Word) – 1 inch (“Normal”); keep consistent all the way around the page
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Length: 1-page is expected for most undergraduates. Graduate students can go to 2 pages IF they have enough relevant experience and it’s written concisely.
Content
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Always tailor your content to the skills the job description is asking for first. Then, highlight experiences where you have shown these 8 skills highly valued by employers.
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Start each bullet point with an action verb
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Make your resume an impact statement: From a recruiter who’s an SIS alum: “I always suggest that candidates make their resume metrics driven with a focus on impact rather than responsibilities so the resume reads as a branding statement focused on accomplishments rather than a list of job duties – i.e., what did you complete in X role and what was the outcome compared to what anyone would have to do in X role.”
AI Support
AI is a valuable, timesaving tool in the resume development process. It can be used to:
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Read a job description to pull out key words/skills
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"What are the top 10 skills/competencies/key words in this job description?"
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- Tailor your resume to a specific job
- "I am applying to a job [job title]. Here is the position description from the posting. What 10 key words should I be sure to highlight in my resume for this job?"
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“I am applying to a job [job title]. Here is the position description from the posting. Here is the resume I have written. How well does the resume match the job description?”
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Note: You can also use this AI Resume Match Analyzer one of our colleagues developed. It will compare your resume to a job description and give you a percentage of how well they match.
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Shorten your resume (especially helpful when shortening a federal resume to apply for non-federal roles)
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Use this AI Resume Condenser one of our colleagues developed. Remember to also upload the job description you are applying for.
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See #2 below for more on how to condense your resume effectively.
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Check your resume/cover letters for grammatical errors and language variety
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"Here is a copy of my resume/cover letter. Please check it for grammatical errors and formatting consistency."
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“Please show me where I have repeated action verbs at the beginning of bullet points.”
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“Please suggest new possible action verbs for [created].”
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Maximizing AI in your resume development process:
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Use it to revise and tailor your resume, not write the first draft. Since resumes need to be personalized to your experience—and only you know that experience well—we recommend you write the first draft of your resume. Then use AI for help revising and tailoring your resume effectively for specific roles.
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Have a conversation with AI to get your resume to the point where you want it.
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Know where you want to get your resume – what you want it to look like and what type of content (see our tips above and resume samples for undergraduate and graduate students under Resources)
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When using the AI Resume Condenser, for example, it’s almost certain that the first thing that it spits out will NOT be what you want to submit for a job. Continue the conversation and improve your resume with relevant prompts, such as:
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"Please remove the references line."
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"Please remove the street address (keep only city and state, no zip code)."
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"Please combine Professional Summary and Skills Section to create 'Summary of Qualifications' section at the top in bullets."
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"Please tell me key words from the job description already in my resume and suggest more that could be added."
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"Please revise my Summary of Qualifications section to better align with the job description, using the key words you suggested."
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"Please refine other sections of the resume to better align with the job description, using the key words you suggested."
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"Please show me the complete revised resume with the new Summary of Relevant Qualifications and Professional Experience sections."
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Find more on using AU effectively in your job search process here.
A final important note: AI is never completely accurate; it is your responsibility to review its responses and edit it as needed to put your best foot forward as an applicant.
Cover Letters
The purpose of a cover letter is to get you an interview, reflecting different information from your resume. While resumes are used to list all your relevant experiences, cover letters take a different approach. A great cover letter tells a few select stories of you doing the skills the employer needs well, so they can picture you in their context.
Writing a cover letter
There are many ways to write a cover letter well. That said, it can be hard to start, so it helps to have a structure you know works. Here’s the structure we recommend everyone learn. Once you’ve learned this “rule,” you can “break it” and write your cover letter in different ways that still accomplish the goals.
Common mistakes in cover letters
- Too generic or not tailored to a specific job
- Failing to show evidence of employer research and knowledge of the job
- Tries to include too much. Reads like a "greatest hits" for the résumé,
rather than painting a picture (through stories) of skills you can bring to them - Focusing on what you need or want versus what you can contribute
- Spelling and grammatical errors
- Making it too brief or wordy
- Omitting contact information
- Too long – your cover letter should one page long
Tip: Read your cover letter out loud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing.
AI Support
AI is a valuable, timesaving tool in the cover letter development process. It can be used to:
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Read a job description to pull out key words/skills
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"What are the top 10 skills/competencies/key words in this job description?"
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- Tailor your cover letter to a specific job
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“I am applying to a job [job title]. Here is the position description from the posting. Here is the cover letter I have written. What advice do you have to improve the cover letter to better match the job description?”
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- Shorten your cover letter (as it says in the guidelines above, we recommend a cover letter be a page in length, not longer)
- Check your cover letters for grammatical errors and language variety
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"Here is a copy of my cover letter. Please check it for grammatical errors and formatting consistency."
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“Please show me where I have repeated action verbs/other words.”
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“Please suggest new possible action verbs/words for [created].”
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Maximizing AI in your resume development process:
- Use it to revise and tailor your cover letter, not write the first draft. Since cover letters need to be personalized to your experience—and we recommend in our sample (Sample Job Description with Tailored Resume and Cover Letter under Resources) that you tell stories about your skills in a cover letter—we recommend you write the first draft. No one else knows your stories! Then use AI for help revising your cover letter effectively for specific roles.
- Have a conversation with AI to get your cover letter to the point where you want it.
- Know where you want to get your cover letter – what you want it to look like and what type of content (see our tips above and tailored cover letter sample under Resources). Give it prompts accordingly, like:
- "Please make the heading on my cover letter match the one on my resume (upload it)."
- "Please make this sentence/paragraph more concise."
- Know where you want to get your cover letter – what you want it to look like and what type of content (see our tips above and tailored cover letter sample under Resources). Give it prompts accordingly, like:
Find more on using AU effectively in your job search process here.
A final important note: AI is never completely accurate; it is your responsibility to review its responses and edit it as needed to put your best foot forward as an applicant.
References
How to choose professional references
What are employers looking for when they contact your references?
- To verify your work history
- To establish your integrity
- To evaluate your working style or personality
- To confirm their decision
Employers typically ask questions like these to references:
- What were your primary responsibilities?
- How did you get along with co-workers?
- What were your top skills?
- What were your limitations or weaknesses?
- What was your attendance record?
- Would the employer hire you again?
Whom should you choose as references?
Here are some suggestions:
- Someone who has witnessed you in responsible roles (e.g., an advisor, a professor, or an internship supervisor)
- A current or previous supervisor (if you haven’t informed your current employer that you’re looking for another job, indicate that on your list of references or in the interview, and ask that the employer wait to contact your current employer until further along in the process)
- A current or previous co-worker once you’re more established in your career
In general, don’t list family members, or friends who know you only in a social capacity.
Do you need to ask your references for permission?
Yes! Before including anyone on your list of references for any job, you must ask for permission. Asking permission will also:
- Allow you to check for accurate spelling and the most current contact information.
- Ensure that the reference is happy to speak for you and will say something positive.
- Give you a good opportunity to continue to network.
Many people will be happy to be a reference, but if any seem hesitant, politely let them off the hook. You want your references to be enthusiastic about you and your abilities! Let each reference know what type of position you’re seeking and what aspects of your background you’re emphasizing, and be sure to provide each of them with the latest copy of your résumé.
If it has been a while since you have connected with your references, take the opportunity to invite them for a cup of coffee and get reacquainted (it can be virtual!). They might even have some helpful suggestions for your job search!
What should your reference sheet look like?
- It should have a consistent look and feel with your other application materials.
- It should include your name and contact information.
- It should include each person’s full name, job title, relationship to you (e.g., former supervisor, faculty advisor), and contact information (including phone number and email address).
- It should be free of errors, and easy to read and understand.
Final tips
- You do not need to include “References available upon request” on your résumé. Employers expect you to have your list completed and available.
- Some employers will ask for references on the job application. Be prepared.
- Keep your references apprised of where your job search stands and who might be calling for a reference.
- When you get a new job, be sure to send a thank-you note to those who provided references.
In addition to its use as a networking tool, LinkedIn is very important as an application tool. When you apply to a job, recruiters typically look you up on LinkedIn. Focus on these key parts of your profile first to represent yourself professionally:
Profile Picture
Adding a picture ensures connections that you are a real person. Use a clear, professional photo with a neutral background and without any other people. Dress like you would for a networking event in your field. Your face should fill about 60% of the photo.
Headline
Your headline is what defines you. It says who you are, and what makes you someone that someone would want to hire. It should be compelling and clear, and highlight your current role, expertise and value proposition, and when starting in a new field, your career aspirations. Remember that searches read keywords from the headline—use thoughtful keywords for discoverability.
Examples
- International Studies Student at American University | Emerging Immigration Policy Professional
- International Development Master’s Student at American University | Aspiring Monitoring and Evaluation Intern
- Global Environmental Policy Master’s Student | Federal Policy Intern at Chesapeake Climate Action Network
- Peacebuilder focused on creating sustainable social impact in developing countries
Summary
Give a clear overview of your professional self with concise articulation of your experience, including internships, coursework, and relevant paid and volunteer work. Include aspirational statements related to the fields you would like to work in. Again, use thoughtful keywords (skills, job titles, coursework, industry terms) for discoverability. There is no one right way to do this, but here is one solid structure to consider:
- Use your elevator pitch as inspiration: in a clear, compelling, and concise way:
- Tell the reader what you’re doing now (including your academic focus, if currently a student),
- Share a few of your past relevant accomplishments via coursework, paid, and volunteer work (highlight relevant skills), and
- Connect the past and present to your main interests now, including what you want to be doing next professionally/are currently seeking.
Example
LinkedIn Summary Example – National Security Focus (UG Student)
As a junior at American University’s School of International Service, I am passionate about understanding and addressing the evolving challenges to U.S. and global security. My academic focus is on national security policy, cybersecurity, and intelligence analysis, and I am especially interested in how emerging technologies are reshaping the security landscape.
Through coursework in international relations, counterterrorism, and strategic intelligence, I have developed a strong foundation in threat assessment and policy analysis. I have also gained hands-on experience through my internship with the Department of Homeland Security, where I supported open-source intelligence research and briefed senior analysts on regional security trends.
I am driven by a commitment to public service and a desire to contribute to informed, ethical decision-making in the national security space. I’m currently seeking opportunities to deepen my experience in intelligence, defense policy, or cybersecurity—whether through internships, research, or mentorship.
LinkedIn Summary Example – Environmental Focus (Graduate Student)
As a graduate student at American University’s School of International Service, I’m focused on the intersection of environmental sustainability, global policy, and climate justice. Pursuing a degree in Global Environmental Policy, I’m passionate about advancing solutions that address the climate crisis while promoting equity and resilience for vulnerable communities.
My academic work explores the role of international institutions, environmental governance, and climate finance in shaping sustainable futures. I’ve complemented this with hands-on experience through internships with environmental NGOs and multilateral organizations, where I’ve contributed to policy research on climate adaptation and supported stakeholder engagement efforts.
I’m especially interested in how policy, science, and community-based approaches can work together to drive systemic change. Whether it’s through climate diplomacy, sustainable development, or environmental justice advocacy, I’m committed to building a career that bridges research and action.
I’m currently seeking opportunities to collaborate on climate policy, environmental research, or sustainability initiatives—especially those that center equity and innovation. Let’s connect if you’re working toward a more sustainable and just world.
*A note about contractions in your LinkedIn summary: Linked is generally seen to be a more familiar form of writing than one uses on a resume (e.g. many people use more contractions, as seen in the second example). That said, it’s still a professional social media platform—you never want to be too casual. Bottom line, you want to sound like yourself in a professional context.
Experience
Highlight the relevant jobs, internships, unpaid work, and volunteer experiences where you’ve built your professional skills, using key words from your field. While a resume typically needs to be 1-2 pages, your LinkedIn profile can act as your master resume with more experiences. Copy the bullets directly from the Experience section(s) of your resume. Fill out each section of the “Add experience” form on your LinkedIn profile. If the organization has a presence on LinkedIn, select it in the dropdown menu so the logo shows up.
Education
Including your education history will connect you to alumni, as well as ensure that you appear in searches where you meet educational requirements. Include any relevant details that could differentiate you, like a high GPA (3.0 +), any student activities not listed in the Experience section (including leadership in a student organization), or any honors or awards. Finally, list certifications and professional development courses in this section, especially those relevant to the industry.
Tips for an Advanced Profile
- Customize your LinkedIn URL (ideally the same as your name, with a dash in the middle) so you have no extra letters or numbers.
- Accomplishments and Projects: Add websites, articles that showcase your expertise and value across sections (Featured, Experience, Education)
- Interests: Connect to at least 15 top groups, companies, or voices connected to your industry to follow (the more the better, as you get established!)
- Groups: Join relevant groups in your field
- Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from former bosses, coaches, or professors to enhance your credibility
- Try to reach at least 30 connections to start. After that, LinkedIn will show you more people when you search the Alumni Tool and elsewhere.
- Follow our LinkedIn Profile Checklist for more details on the above to present yourself like a pro
AI Support
AI can be a powerful partner in building a strong LinkedIn profile and using the platform strategically. It can help you craft compelling content, identify keywords, and engage meaningfully with your network. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Write or revise your LinkedIn “About” (summary) section
- “Here’s a draft of my LinkedIn summary. Can you help me make it more concise and engaging?”
- “Can you help me write a LinkedIn summary that tells my career story and highlights my strengths in [industry/field]?”
- “What are some strong opening lines for a LinkedIn summary that reflect my interest in [career area]?”
- Tailor your headline to reflect your goals and strengths
- “Here’s my current LinkedIn headline. Can you suggest alternatives that are more aligned with my career goals?”
- “What are some examples of LinkedIn headlines for someone transitioning into [new field]?”
- Identify and incorporate relevant keywords
- “Here are 3 job descriptions I’m targeting. What keywords should I include in my LinkedIn profile to align with these roles?”
- “Can you review my LinkedIn summary and suggest keywords I should add to improve visibility?”
- Generate ideas for skills to list
- “What are the top skills for someone in [job title/industry] that I should consider adding to my LinkedIn profile?”
- Use LinkedIn strategically for networking and job searching
- “Can you help me find 5 professionals on LinkedIn who are alumni of American University School of International Service matching my career goals?” (Follow steps and scripts to connect here.)
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“What are some professional groups on LinkedIn aligned with my career goals that I might check out?”
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“What are some ways to engage with content on LinkedIn to build my professional presence?”
Maximizing AI in your LinkedIn Development Process:
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Use AI to improve your LinkedIn Summary section, not write the first draft. Since this section need to be personalized to your experience—and only you know that experience well—we recommend you write the first draft, then use AI to revise and tailor it effectively. Also make sure your profile reflects your authentic voice and goals.
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Use AI to brainstorm outreach messages, but personalize each one to the person and context.
Find more on using AU effectively in your job search process here.
A final important note: AI is never completely accurate; it is your responsibility to review its responses and edit it as needed to put your best foot forward as an applicant.
Handshake
One of the simplest, quickest things you can do to help facilitate your job search is to fill out 2 key areas of your Handshake profile.