Resume Format

FØB Zero

FØB Zero

Enthusiastically American
Joined
Jul 30, 2019
Messages
205
Hi,
I know for etiquette, it is proper to give a 1 page long resume. However, for college/university/SA admissions (or nominations in this case), I feel that they want to know as much as possible about each candidate. If my resume is 2 pages printed, should I cut out certain activities and awards to make it 1, so it’s easier to go through? (Even so, right now I feel like it is bulked together and needs spacing, so I would have to cut out a ton..)

Thanks! :thumb:
 
In my opinion, I suggest giving as much information as you can. The more they know about you the better. Considering how competitive getting a nomination can be, the more good info you can give the better. Just my thoughts
 
Hi (sorry if you’ve already seen this on the SA thread: meant to post this on here),

I know for etiquette, it is proper to give a 1 page long resume. However, for nominations, I think that they want to know as much as possible about each candidate. If my resume is >2 pages, should I cut out certain activities and awards to make it 1 page, so it’s easier to read through? (Even so, right now I feel like it is bulked together and needs spacing, so I would have to cut out a ton. Should I still space it out?)

Thanks! :thumb:
 
I agree with @Flyer2002 single page resumes may work for getting a job but with "holistic" reviews by colleges now days you can't fit everything on one page. I kept everything brief and to the point and it still covered four pages. Good luck!
 
Advice given to me by my ALO and admission counselor:
1)If you include a leadership role, make sure you include the numbers regarding how many people you led.
2) Be specific and tell them how many hours you spend doing something
3) You should include everything you've done. At the seminar, the counselors said that even if you do something like scooping an old lady's dog poop you should include that and they will add points.
 
JMPO, but cutting the résumé down to a single page forces one to highlight those items which are truly important and provides an opportunity to reduce the amount of "fluff" that may have accumulated. The nomination committees are potentially reviewing hundreds of applications, so provide a quick "easy" way for them to assess your passions and capabilities.

When highlighting ECs, more is not always better - a couple of long-term commitments for which you have taken a leadership role and made an positive impact to the organization is, personally, much better than being simply a "member" a dozen of clubs/organizations.

Good luck. Thank you for your interest in serving.
 
My two cents... may not be worth even that... but here you go -

Resumes are tricky. Most professionals will tell you that unless you have a significant amount of experience, you should keep your resume to one page... there are rare circumstances where you should have a resume that is longer than that... and in this process, I would recommend attempting to get your resume into a one page document.

That said, I am new at this - so take the above advice with a grain of salt.

However, I feel as if this process is really asking candidates to concentrate on what makes them 'shine' and stand out as leaders. What I have seen over the past few years as my son, and my daughter look at attending a SA is that there are specific criteria this process is attempting to identify:

1. Academics - Stats/Honors/Awards
2. Sports - Stats/Honors/Awards/Positions held on team
3. Leadership: Clubs/Positions held/Awards/Honors
4. Work Experience: What did you do... responsibilities... leadership
5. Other Extracurricular Activities
6. Anything else you think makes you stand out

You may not have all of these areas; however, I would ensure that whatever areas you believe you have - make sure they tell the right story about who you are and why they should choose you for this 'job'.

For example, If under Leadership you had National Honors Society, Vice President (11th) - I would add:

National Honors Society, Vice President (11th): Increased the number of volunteer hours by 36%. Focused on advancing reading levels at under privileged schools by coordinating student mentorship programs that encouraged tutoring in reading. Increased reading proficiency for participants by two reading levels by the end of the school year.

I guess what I am saying is... not everything you have done in school is worth mentioning on your resume... just the things you did that you feel make you stand out from the competition and would make you a better candidate for the 'job'.

Another note: The order in which you add details into your resume also differ from person to person... someone that has a strong academic resume should lead with your academics... if you had to work most of your 'career' - lead with that... or if you were an athlete and was honored/awarded due to your athleticism - lead with that... Everyone's will be slightly different - but each should help present you as the best candidate possible.

I know this is A LOT... however, this is your FIRST impression... so make it a good one... There should be NO errors on this document... this is the real world and this is your way of introducing yourself before they will even talk to you.

I do a lot of mock interviews at high schools... and I have said to many young adults that I have mocked interviewed... Your resume did not allow me to see the person I am talking to right now... if this was a real 'job' interview... I would have never given you a chance to talk with me about the this role and we both would have missed out on a great opportunity... as the resume was not good. So, make sure your resume makes the reader want to meet you and want to give you the opportunity to ask for the job...
 
FØB Zero said:
Hi,
I know for etiquette, it is proper to give a 1 page long resume. However, for college/university/SA admissions (or nominations in this case), I feel that they want to know as much as possible about each candidate. If my resume is 2 pages printed, should I cut out certain activities and awards to make it 1, so it’s easier to go through? (Even so, right now I feel like it is bulked together and needs spacing, so I would have to cut out a ton..)

Thanks! :thumb:
Click to expand...

PM me.
 
IMHO if you are effective with your headings (i.e. Academic Achievements, Community Leadership, Sports and Activities) it can be longer. Focus on highlighting achievements with numbers (led team to first national title in five years, increased club enrollment from 10 - 25 in first year, etc). Numbers supporting achievements demonstrate your impact! If you won an award, briefly describe context (1 of 3 nominated juniors from class of 600).

The resume may be a great exercise to consult with mom or dad (or coach or HS counselor) because we've probably done a few in our lifetimes, and also tend to be your biggest fans!

To answer your question more directly, in my opinion I would not feel pressure to slim it down if it includes clear and succinct descriptions, and without fluff. My DS had a 3 page one, but it was organized well (so reader could skip parts) and easy to read (short descriptors and bullet points). He felt proud of it and received positive feedback from BGO and others.

Disclaimer (to avoid a hand slap): This is just my DS' experience. I share this with you because I am not aware of any hard and fast rule regarding resume length. Hope it helps!
 
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Hello All!
Agree with all posts above! Excellent advice!!!

We should have a poll! I'd chose 2 pages as the Goldilocks length!

For SA/nom, unless specifically asked to limit, I would NOT, and use 2-4 pages as needed, and depending on how you are formatting.

For our OP but also those starting the process:
1. Have a big folder and put every accomplishment, no matter how small into that folder. For every line item, there should be a certificate, email, letter...something to document what you cite on your resume. EVERYTHING. Overlooked things are the simplest, like hours of practice, varsity letter criteria, etc. What you got and how you got it, when you're doing it.
2. Optional: A second folder. This is the folder you stick things in before adding to resume. Medals, certificates, anything you get along the way that you haven't yet processed and moved to the big folder #1.

Suggested resume variations:
1. Master working copy. This includes everything, not worry about format, and a PROFORMA/GOAL resume - put your dream items down - see it on paper, work towards some goals. Your thoughts, small vignettes or key words to remember stories. Unlimited pages.
2. 2 Page SA/Nom resume
3. 2 Page civilian college resume
4. 1 Page resume (if needed) - if and when specifically limited to 1-page resume. This DD did not need one.

Other suggestions:
Be creative and showcase yourself! In a free-form resume, it's up to YOU how to arrange and use every line.
Have someone else read your resume for content and documentation and for format (every single bullet, dash, indent, font, etc)
 
ALSO, should I print it double sided or single sided? I forgot to mention that mine came out as 2 pages (double-sided).
 
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