So you’re looking to apply what you’ve learned in class to the professional world. Often, all that stands between you and your dream job or internship is a resume. So what exactly should a resume look like? What will increase the likelihood of being selected? Here are some helpful suggestions to keep in mind.

Information gathered from recruiters reveals that a majority of employers prefer a resume to be limited to one page.  It may seem difficult at first to compress all your information down to a page, so here are some helpful guidelines to maximize your space. 

Resume Structure: 

1. Half-inch margins are acceptable and preferred (Any narrower and it may not print properly)
2. Font size can be brought down to 11 if necessary
3. Consider removing the objective (Employers on average only spend six seconds looking at a resume, and you want this time to be spent on your accomplishments rather than an objective statement.)
4. Be conservative with indentations
5. Bullet points are easier to read and are more aesthetically pleasing than paragraphs

There is a general formula when it comes to constructing bullet point statements. Each point should begin with an action verb, followed by the purpose, and concluded with a result.

• For example: “Communicated with customers all promotions and specials to provide excellent customer service.”

Now that you have a basic format set up, it’s time to fill it with information.

Resume Content:

1. Contact Information
2. Education
   1. Provide information such as your GPA, graduation (or expected graduation) date, as well as the name of the academic institution you are attending
   2. Specify any degrees you have earned or are in the process of earning
3. Experience in reverse chronological order (most recent experience first)
   1. Professional, internship, volunteering, leadership, projects
4. Skills
   1. Technical (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.)
   2. Known languages
   3. If you’ve taken any courses relevant to the position you are applying for, disclose them here
5. Awards (scholarships, dean’s list, special recognition received)

Some things to note when filling out your resume:

• The Cal State Fullerton Career Center recommends not providing your full address. It is often unnecessary and could potentially compromise your safety. The city and state of residence should suffice.
• Be sure your email address is professional
• Make sure there is consistency in your format (Don’t have random periods at the end of certain bullet points, either every point gets a period, or none do)
• Instead of writing something like, “attention to detail,” on your resume, demonstrate that skill by having a clean and polished resume

Another tip: keep a master resume that grows as your experience and education expands. Continue adding skills and projects, and don’t worry about the one-page limit. You will rarely use this resume when applying for a position. Still, you will use it to tailor your resume for different recipients. 

Consider the position you are applying for and take only the relevant information from your master resume to submit. This way, you keep a record of all your experience/projects ready to be sent out to employers.

Finally, be aware of the resources available to you. The CSUF Career Center website offers 24/7 online virtual resume feedback. The process is free and available to all students. Simply navigate to VMock – Instant Resume Feedback from the Career Center’s website and upload your resume.

Drive-Thru hours are also available for quick in-person resume & cover letter reviews in the career center office.

Mon & Thu 10:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Tue & Wed 10:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Fri 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

What is your name, year, and major?

My name is Kaitlin Martinez, and I am a Communications graduate student– first year.

What sparked your interest in the field of PR?

I originally have a background in Journalism. While getting my undergraduate degree, I worked at the campus newspaper for three years, and I also worked a semester at the Daily Titan– so you know, go Titans! 

It was a really great experience, I enjoy writing and editing, but I just realized the pacing didn’t really fit me as a person. I wanted more structure in my workday, and I thought: okay, I’m willing to write for businesses that I care about and that I think are important for people to know about, so I thought that’s how marketing and public relations would be a good fit. 

I am currently taking professor Hagihara’s PR Writing II course, and I’m really enjoying it. We’re learning not just the format of writing for PR, but also applicable life skills in the field. He also recommended that we join PRSSA to gain access to all the different benefits provided and to do the Public Relations Certificate Program. So since that was something I really wanted to do to help build my professional knowledge of public relations, I became a member.

I also started with a focus on Journalism and made the switch to Public Relations. What inspired you to change?

I still appreciate and respect all that Journalists do. I just realized that I didn’t want to be entrenched in the industry. I feel like it’s the kind of industry where you don’t have the best work + life balance, and that’s something that I personally treasure. So I wanted a career that accommodated for that.

What are your goals for this year, and how can the PRSSA help you achieve them?

If we’re talking about the 2019-2020 academic year, my goal is to get an internship in PR, land a job in PR if possible, build my portfolio in terms of press releases and whatnot, and to take those next professional steps to solidify my career in PR.

I’m going to achieve that by getting more active in PRSSA in the spring. I’m also taking a PR for nonprofits class in the spring and doing different research projects to add to my portfolio. I’m trying to do all these things to get involved professionally in Public Relations and with PRSSA.

What is your favorite social media platform, and why?

Okay, I really love Facebook, and you’ll kind of hear why. So I joined this dog-spotting society kind of group on Facebook. It just has pictures of dogs you know people’s dogs, and then stories behind it. So I love it for the visual and the story component. For me, Instagram is mostly photos. So I like the balance that Facebook has as well as the variety of content.

How many years have you been at Cal State Fullerton?

This is my second semester, so my first year. Though I only have two more semesters left.

Where did you go for your undergraduate degree?

Whittier College, it’s a private liberal arts college.

How did you hear about the PRSSA?

I know for sure I heard about from Hagihara, but I also saw it in a booth and online. There was also a class presentation from a PRSSA member.

When not in class, where do you like to spend your time on campus?

I’m kind of a foodie, so I like going to Cafe Rio and Coffee Bean. Other than that, I think the library is a good spot. There are a lot of computers and charging stations, and because I’m doing research right now for my thesis, I’m spending a lot of time in the library.

What is your favorite class this semester?

This semester, I really like the PR class I’m taking with Hagihara because I like the variety of assignments we have with very real applicability for a professional career. I can say, “I did this,” and I can put this in my portfolio. I also appreciate my Communications Technologies class because it goes into tech and its social impact on us. It even talks about the politics of tech which is a really cool concept, and I appreciate that.

Can I start with your name, year, and major?

My name is Rebecca Metts. I am a junior, and I’m majoring in Communications and PR.

What sparked your interest in the field of PR?

Just the fact that it’s so broad. You can kind of do anything with it and go into government or your favorite organization or anything like that.

How did you hear about the PRSSA?

At Discoverfest, I met Bella and she introduced me to it. I’m a student that likes to get involved and try to meet friends and just meet people in general. She hooked me and so I just started coming to the meetings. Was that this year? It was this year. I’m a transfer so I’m new here. 

When you’re not in class where do you like to spend your time on campus?

I go to the rec center or the TSU like today, just doing homework.

What is your favorite social media platform and why?

I think Instagram just cause I use it most. I don’t have a Twitter so I think Instagram. Facebook is okay. I just have a lot of family that bug me on there haha

What is your favorite class this semester?

I’m really liking my Digital Foundations class because I’ve never learned anything about Photoshop or anything like that. So I’m trying something new and getting out of my comfort zone. 

How has the PRSSA assisted you in your professional or academic life?

Last week actually, they sent an email if anyone wanted to volunteer with Modern Luxury Magazine, and I was able to volunteer with them, and it was really fun. There was a lot of really great food.

You have been a member of PRSSA and have enjoyed the opportunities of going on exclusive tours, networking with your favorite companies and making life-long friends. Now as you make your way through midterms, mixers, and the late night study sessions, you realize graduation is right around the corner…

It will soon be time to take the next steps on your public relations journey. But what will launch your career in public relations, you ask? First, become a member of PRSA— PRSSA’s parent organization and then follow these three steps in how to immerse yourself within PRSA!

#1.) Utilize the PRSA Job & Internship Center

As a member, you have full access to the PRSA Job Center & the PRSSA Internship Center. These career resources are here to help you secure an internship before graduation and get jobs after graduation. The PRSA Job Center will help you design a professional resume, write a great cover letter, provide interview tips and build your personal brand. This database allows you to explore a variety of paths in public relations and to find out where your passion lies. 

#2.) Complete the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations 

CSUF PRSSA seniors will receive free PRSA membership with the completion of the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations. This Certificate represents your professional expertise, as well as your personal and professional dedication to the PR industry. In the highly competitive PR world, the Certificate will distinguish you from the competition of hundreds of other recent graduates in the job search. 

“After graduating, I was interviewed by several hiring managers. Eight out of ten said that the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations stood out to them as they screened my résumé.”

                 Kimberly Martin  Customer Service Communications Office

                                                                               

#3.) Become an active PRSA member by volunteering 

Volunteering is a great way to get involved and meet like-minded PR professionals. By volunteering at check-ins, greeting members, and assisting with guest speakers this allows you to become the face of your PRSA chapter. This exposure will give you a solid foundation to build network connections, develop interpersonal skills, and gain valuable work experience. 

“It’s not about simply adding ‘PRSA member’ to your resume. PR firms and companies want to know how active you are in the organization. Being an active member shows you are serious about your future in the industry.” 

      -Professor Kenneth Hagiahara, Marketing & PR Professional & Educator