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Share your resume on Handshake

Once you have your resume ready, upload it to Handshake to complete your online profile. This online recruiting platform is used by hundreds of employers with postings specifically for CU students. By having a public account on Handshake, you can be found by more than 14,000 employers around the world with internship and job opportunities.

Handshake can be a valuable resource in your search for an internship or job. It uses algorithms to inform you about recommended jobs, trending questions from other students and jobs popular in your major.  

Many companies use automated systems to filter resumes when looking for job candidates. Additionally, employers often spend only about 30 seconds scanning a resume. Creating a concise resume that effectively shares your skills can help you make it past the automated systems and grab a hiring manager’s attention. Here are four tips to strengthen your resume. 

Be strategic with word choices

As you tailor your resume for each job application, take note of the words used in the job description. Adjust your resume to use the same words and phrases as you write about your skills, experiences and qualifications. 

When possible, use action words in your resume. Start each bullet point with verbs that highlight your skills. Here are some examples of action verbs that stick out to employers: 

  • Developed
  • Enhanced
  • Created
  • Adapted
  • Operated
  • Analyzed
  • Managed 
  • Accomplished

Review this list of action verbs you could use. 

Keep it short

A resume should be easy to read and the content should fit on one page. Be concise when writing out your qualifications. Sentences should not exceed 20 words, and avoid using first-person pronouns (I, me, my) and articles (the, an, a). 

For example, instead of saying, “I assisted customers with answering their questions and resolving their complaints,” you could say, “Assisted customers with answering questions and resolving complaints.”

Proofread

Typos and mistakes in your resume can influence the employer’s overall perception of you as a candidate. Go through your resume multiple times and check for errors. Reading it out loud or backward can help you discover typos. It also doesn’t hurt to have a friend or Career Services team member help with a final read-through.

Build a strong resume

The free AI resume editor by Quinncia leverages data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide personalized feedback on your resume based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices. Create an account, upload your resume and get instant feedback for making edits.

For more tips, check out programs and workshops from Career Services. These free workshops will share best practices for resumes, making progress in your job search and more.