Resumes

Build, upload, and save resumes on your My Resumes page

If you have a CareerForce.MN.gov account, you have access to the My Resumes page, your own personal resume hub!

Use our enhanced resume builder tool to craft a master resume that you can use to store all of your information related to your professional experience.
Once you have your master resume, you can use it as a launching-point to create additional resumes that are targeted to specific jobs, industries, and employers, without having to start from scratch each time.
If you have an existing resume, you can upload and store it on your My Resumes page, so you can access and download it from any device.

Prepare yourself

Identify what kind of position you want to pursue and write your summary about why you would be a great fit
Gather all of your work, military and volunteer experience and education information, including timeframes you were at each location, going back three or four positions or ten to 15 years (depending how much experience is needed for the position)
Download and complete this Personal Data Record form so you can easily keep track of work and education history, as well as other information needed for resumes and job applications
Pull together your skills and accomplishments, then draft strong accomplishment statements to use on your resume

Start writing

Find a quiet place with a computer to begin your work
Download an editable resume template if you are starting from scratch and see resume samples to inspire you
Use a font that is readable by application tracking systems, including Arial, Calibri or Tahoma
Use 10 to 12 point font and keep your resume to one or two pages in length (if you don’t fill more than half the second page then pare it down to one page)

Finalize and target

Ask a friend or family member to review it and let you know if it is clear and easy to understand
Proofread your resume, use spellcheck and review for grammar errors
Make sure font style and formatting are consistent throughout your resume
Run through the resume checklist to make sure you haven’t missed anything
Finalize your core resume and then create versions targeted to specific openings in your area of interest
Optimize each targeted resume for applicant tracking system (ATS) review.

Use it

Even if you are also completing an application, send the prospective employer your resume to help you stand out from other applicants
Share your resume with people you’ve identified as your references, so they know what qualifications you want them to emphasize
Bring it with you to networking opportunities and share it with those you meet
When you get an interview, bring enough copies of your resume for yourself and whoever is interviewing you (if it’s a panel, bring a copy for every interviewer)