In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume serves as more than just a summary of work experience—it is a strategic marketing tool that showcases an individual’s skills, achievements and potential contributions to an organization.
On Tuesday, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., NMU Wellbeing partnered with Career Services to hold an event in the Jamrich Lobby to help students improve their resumes.
Some people see making resumes as a chore, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Building a resume is like crafting a personal advertisement—it’s your opportunity to highlight your strengths, experiences and potential to future employers. A great resume doesn’t just list your work history; it tells a story of growth, skills and achievements. Every word should serve a purpose, whether it’s showcasing leadership, problem-solving abilities or technical expertise.
“We like to put on a Toolkit Tuesday every week, where we offer resources and collaborate with other departments, where they can bring in their own resources,” said student Christina Kramer, who was helping to run the booth.
The best resumes are tailored to the job you’re applying for. This means using keywords from the job description, focusing on relevant skills and highlighting your best achievements.
“With Career Services, they’re offering help with resume building and job applications. That means for students, we are helping them build up their resumes while they are in college, so when they graduate, they feel more prepared when applying for a job and getting a career,” Kramer said.
A well-prepared resume can provide recent graduates with a sense of confidence as they transition from academia to the workforce. A strong resume not only highlights a graduate’s academic achievements but also demonstrates their ability to apply knowledge in real-world settings, making them a more competitive candidate in their chosen field.
“It’s important that we host our Toolkit Tuesdays because it’s a simple way for students to grab resources and connect with us without a major time commitment,” said Jessica Corkin, NMU Wellbeing promotions coordinator. “Most weeks, we collaborate with another group on one of the dimensions of wellbeing, and this week, we worked with Career Services for Resume Reboot.”
A well-crafted resume is a vital tool for job seekers, serving as a first impression that can determine career opportunities. As job markets continue to evolve, regularly updating a resume with new skills and experiences is essential for career growth. Ultimately, investing time and effort into developing a strong resume can significantly enhance a job seeker’s chances of success in an increasingly competitive workforce.
“Students can expect to find resources on the week’s topic, our campus wellbeing brochures and stickers, as well as the friendly faces of our peer educators and collaborators. We often have our whiteboard up so that students can interact with a prompt related to the week’s theme,” Corkin said.
When looking to better prepare yourself for the future, make sure to check the week’s topic for Toolkit Tuesdays on the Hub.