Your resume isn't just a list of experiences — it's a strategic document designed to quickly show employers why you're a strong candidate. In a competitive job market, your resume format is can be just as important as what it says. A clean, intentional layout helps recruiters quickly find what they're looking for and increases your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

1. Match Your Experience

The most common (and recommended) format is the reverse chronological resume, which lists your most recent experiences first. This format is easy to scan and works well for most students and new graduates. If you're changing fields or highlighting specific skills, a functional format may be appropriate, but just know that most recruiters aren't as familiar with this layout.

2. Prioritize Readability

Recruiters typically spend 5-7 seconds on an initial resume scan. Use consistent fonts, clear section headings, and a good balance between text white space. Avoid overcrowding the page — margins, spacing, and alignment all matter when it comes to readability. Research by ResumeGo has shown that recruiters would rather see a two-page resume with room to breathe vs. an overcrowded one-pager. Should you go with two pages, make sure it is a full two pages that go to the bottom of both sides.  

3. Use Sections Strategically

Organize your resume so the most relevant information appears near the top. Common sections include Education, Experience, and Skills. Depending on the role, you might highlight technical skills or relevant coursework before unrelated experience. Break up your experiences into Relevant Experience and Other or Additional Experience to bring your most aligned experiences to the top of the document.

4. Bullet with Purpose

Strong bullet statements are concise, action-oriented, and results-focused. Start each bullet with a strong action verb and emphasize accomplishments over responsibilities whenever possible. Feel free to check out the sample GenAI prompts in the Career Guide if you need help drafting or editing your statements. Anyone can read your job description, so focus on describing how you've created impact in your role. Bring up relevant skills and metrics whenever possible, remembering the formula ACTION VERB + DESCRIPTION + IMPACT.

5. Keep It ATS-Friendly

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Stick to standard section titles (such as including "Experience" to sections about relevant work and course projects), avoid graphics or text boxes, and submit your resume as a PDF unless otherwise instructed. Incorporate relevant skill-based keywords from job descriptions as much as possible. Simple formatting ensures your resume is readable by both software and humans.

Get Expert Feedback at Resume Rescue

Formatting your resume strategically can make all the difference — and we can help! Join us at Resume Rescue on February 10 from 12 PM to 4 PM where Career Center staff will review your resume, offer personalized feedback, and help you fine-tune your format for success.

A strong resume starts with smart formatting, so make sure yours is working for you, not against you. You got this. 

As we kick off a new academic year, it's the ideal time to gear up for the fast-approaching fall recruiting season. Many industries — especially competitive ones like finance, consulting, and tech — begin hiring soon after the semester starts. Whether you're aiming for an internship or a full-time role, early preparation can make all the difference between being overlooked and landing an offer.

Why Being Proactive Matters

In sectors like tech and finance, applications often open in August/September, with interviews and offers coming as early as November or December for May graduates (1, 2). Missing this window could mean losing out on top opportunities before you even begin. In fact, many employers convert a significant portion of their interns into full-time hires, meaning your summer internship strategy can shape your future career path (3).

Get Ready Now

1. Clarify Your Career Goals
   Knowing what careers and roles interest you is the foundation of effective prep. This does not mean that you need to know every applicable job title. Reflect on your strengths and skillsets, and map out your internship or job preferences. Companies will be more interested and engaged when you can articulate why you're a strong match.
2. Target Companies Strategically
   Don’t cast a wide net without intentionally considering your options. Identify organizations that align with your values, culture, skill sets, and industry goals. Think about the kinds of problems you want to help an employer solve as well. Develop a shortlist of companies to follow closely. Tailoring your approach based on how your experience is relevant to an organization makes a stronger impression than generic outreach.
3. Polish Your Documents
   Your resume and LinkedIn profile should highlight tangible evidence and leadership  — whether that’s through academic projects, extracurricular achievements, or internship experiences. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame how to best showcase successes and skills. Quantify impact as much as possible.
4. Network Thoughtfully
   Since the Fall semester brings job fairs and info sessions the groundwork starts now. Reach out to alumni for informational interviews on LinkedIn or Retrievers Connect. Attend relevant workshops and events to build rapport and relationships before hiring ramps up.
5. Practice Interview Skills
   From behavioral questions to technical interviews, preparation for what’s ahead builds confidence. Use mock interviews through a Career Center appointment or Big Interview to improve your delivery and composure. Early practice ensures you're ready when opportunities surface. 

The Timeline: Fall Recruiting in Context

• August–September: Recruiters post internship and entry-level positions, especially in tech and consulting.
• September–October: Networking and career fairs are in full swing.
• November–December: Offers begin rolling out — often before the semester wraps up.

By following these tips and being proactive, you'll be ahead of the curve when competition heats up.

Act Now: Join Resume Rescue

Need help getting your resume polished and interview ready before all the action starts? Join us at Resume Rescue on September 2^nd or 9^th for tailored help on your resume. 

And be sure to subscribe to the Career Center’s myUMBC group to get notified of all our recruitment events.

Final Thought
Fall recruiting doesn’t wait — and neither should you. By setting clear goals, targeting the right organizations, and refining your materials and network now, you’ll be well-positioned to stand out and succeed. Make the most it and lay the foundation now for future success. You won't regret it. 

(1)   https://yello.co/blog/planning-your-fall-recruitment-season-and-heading-back-to-campus

(2)   https://www.levelall.com/blog-posts/fall-internship-recruiting-timeline-land-a-corporate-internship

(3)   https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/trends-and-predictions

Welcome back Retrievers! We hope you had a good winter break, but now it’s time to talk about something important — your future.

No matter where you are in your academic career, there is always the looming pressure of starting your career after graduation. Many students make the mistake of waiting too long to start their search, only to realize that opportunities have passed them by. Don’t be one of those students! Here are some steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success and launch your career.

1. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter
   Your resume should reflect your most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. It should also align with the top skill-based keywords found in job descriptions of interest. Remember, a well-formatted resume that is optimized for the job is more likely to make it past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and into the hands of a hiring manager or recruiter. Make sure it’s in good shape!
2. Strengthen Your Online Presence
   Believe it or not, recruiters are now checking LinkedIn profiles before looking at resumes and reaching out to candidates. Make sure your LinkedIn is up-to-date with a professional photo, an engaging “About” section, and relevant experiences with skills attached. You can similarly update your Handshake profile and share your profile link publicly with employers. To learn more about how to set this up, check out this article.
3. Research and Apply to Jobs Early
   According to Talentworks, Inc., there is an 8 TIMES ADVANTAGE to applying within the first 96 hours of a job being posted. In fact, the start of the new year is a peak hiring period, so don’t wait until after graduation to start applying. Set aside time each week to browse job search sites, attend career fairs, and tap your network for leads.
4. Practice Your Interview Skills
   Confidence in interviews comes with preparation and practice. Explore the practice question sets in Big Interview, record responses in real time, and send your videos to the Career Center for feedback. Then, schedule a Practice Interview appointment with the Career Center to get comfortable answering common questions and to brainstorm questions to ask the interviewer.

Don't let your job search become a last-minute scramble. Use your time wisely by being proactive and strategic. Whether it’s fine-tuning your resume, networking with industry professionals, or practicing interviews, every step you take now brings you closer to securing a job you love.

To get more personalized support, attend Resume Rescue on February 4 from 10 AM to 4 PM and get feedback on your materials.