Here are some helpful tips on writing a résumé:

• The purpose of a résumé is to secure an audition, job or internship interview
• Tailor your résumé to the specific job you are seeking
• Design your résumé so that it passes the 10 second rule: Your most important credentials can easily be found in 10 seconds, the average amount of time an employer spends scanning résumés.
• Keep your résumé to one page unless you are applying for a college level teaching position
• Format the résumé so it has clear headings and flows in a logical order
• List résumé categories in order of interest to the reader (example: If you are seeking a teaching job, list teaching experience before performing experience)
• List experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• Include volunteer work if it is relevant to the position you are seeking
• Select a typeface that is easy to read
• Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and work experience. (Examples: advanced, built, completed, delivered, guided, persuaded, recruited, served as, spoke, was responsible for, wrote)
• Have a friend proofread your résumé - it must be error-free
• Be prepared to submit a list of references. Do not include the names of your references or the phrase 'References available upon request' in your résumé.

For Samples:

See Résumés for Performing Arts Careers, VGM Career Horizons, for dozens of sample résumés and cover letters. There is a copy in the College of Music Library and the Career Services Library.

Click here to download a sample résumé. (The sample résumé is available in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, click here to download it free.)

For a résumé and cover letter review by a professional counselor, schedule an appointment with Judith Moore at Career Services in Willard Hall, 303-492-4131. This service is offered FREE to current CU-Boulder students and students who have graduated in the last six months.