Resume Resources
Your Complete Guide to Creating a Standout Resume
Your resume sets you apart in the eyes of employers by concisely showcasing your education, experience, and skills. It’s more than just a list of past jobs; it’s a promotional tool that positions you as the ideal match for their job requirements. Stand out by crafting tailored content presented clearly—void of any spelling, grammar, or formatting mistakes.
Quick Access Tools
Comprehensive Resume Guides
📚 Illinois Tech Resume Guide
Complete guide covering content, formatting, and best practices for creating an impactful resume.
View Resume Guide (PDF) →💼 LinkedIn Resume Guide
Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to complement your resume and expand your professional network.
Access LinkedIn Guide →Key Resume Principles
📏 Length
Aim for a single page. Two pages only if you have 5+ years of relevant full-time experience.
🔤 Font & Format
Use professional fonts (Garamond, Cambria, Arial) in 10-12pt size with consistent formatting.
📐 Margins
Use 0.5 to 1-inch margins with strategic white space for visual appeal.
✓ Accuracy
Zero tolerance for errors. Have 2-3 people review for grammar and spelling.
🎯 Consistency
Maintain uniform formatting for all similar elements throughout.
👁️ Scannable
Recruiters scan for 10-20 seconds. Make key information stand out.
Essential Resume Sections
- Contact Information – Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, location
- Professional Summary – 2-3 lines highlighting your value proposition
- Education – Illinois Tech degree, GPA (if 3.0+), relevant coursework
- Technical Skills – Programming languages, software, tools
- Experience – Internships, jobs, research (use action verbs + quantified results)
- Projects – Academic, personal, or hackathon projects
- Leadership & Activities – Student organizations, volunteer work
- Honors & Awards – Scholarships, competitions, recognitions
🤖 Using AI for Resume Writing
Smart Ways to Use AI Tools
✅ DO Use AI For:
- Generating action verbs and power words
- Improving sentence structure and clarity
- Identifying keywords from job descriptions
- Checking grammar and spelling
- Formatting suggestions
❌ DON’T Use AI For:
- Creating fake experiences or skills
- Writing your entire resume from scratch
- Generating accomplishments you didn’t achieve
- Final version without human review
Remember: AI is a tool to enhance your resume, not replace your authentic experiences. Always ensure your resume accurately reflects your genuine qualifications and achievements.
Need Personalized Help?
Career Services offers one-on-one resume reviews. Bring your draft and get expert feedback tailored to your career goals.
Career Services | McCormick Tribune Campus Center, Suite 106
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Phone: (312) 567-6800
