Career Development Resources
Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume is often the first thing an employer, faculty member or graduate program learns about you.
Start with one of our templates, make it your own, and then have Eberly Career Development review it before you apply.
Resume templates
Each template opens in Microsoft Word. The guided template is an .odt file, which also opens in Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice.
Start here
Guided resume template
Prompts walk you through each section. A good choice if you’re writing your first resume.
Download the guided resume template (.odt)First-year resume template
For students early in college, drawing on coursework, activities and high school experience.
Download the first-year resume template (.docx)By field
STEM
For science and math majors highlighting lab, research and technical experience.
Download the STEM resume template (.docx)IT and computer science
For students showcasing programming languages, technical skills and projects.
Download the IT and computer science resume template (.docx)Criminal justice
For students pursuing careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts and related fields.
Download the criminal justice resume template (.docx)Social work
For students highlighting field placements, community service and client-centered experience.
Download the social work resume template (.docx)Don’t see your major? The guided or STEM template is a strong starting point for any field, and a Career Development Coach can help you adapt it.
How to use a template
- Download the template that fits you best and save a copy with your name in the file name.
- Replace every placeholder with your own information, and delete any section that doesn’t apply to you.
- Describe what you did, how you did it and why it mattered. Add numbers when they show scope or results.
- Tailor your resume to each posting by matching the skills and terms the employer emphasizes, as long as they truthfully describe your experience.
- Proofread names, dates and formatting, then save it as a PDF, such as Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf, unless the application asks for another format.
- Have Eberly Career Development review it before you apply.
Career coach tip
A template is a starting point, not a form to fill in. Employers can spot a copied layout, so make sure the content, order and emphasis reflect your own strengths and the role you want.
What to include
- Contact information and a professional email address
- Education, including your major, expected graduation date and relevant coursework
- Experience: jobs, internships, research and field placements
- Leadership, campus involvement and volunteer service
- Skills, such as languages, software and lab techniques
- Honors, awards, presentations or publications, if you have them
Most undergraduate resumes fit on one page. Focus on what’s most relevant to the opportunity you’re applying for.
See examples of turning experience into strong resume bullets
Cover letters
A cover letter explains why you’re interested in the role and how your experience fits. Customize it for every application.
Cover letter template
A flexible format you can adapt for internships, jobs and research positions.
Download the cover letter template (.docx)Want feedback on your resume?
Meet with a Career Development Coach for a resume or cover letter review, or help tailoring your materials to a specific opportunity.