Skip to Quicklinks
Skip to Quicklinks
Contact Information

Disability Support Services
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone/Voice: 910.521.6695
Fax: 910.521.6891
TTY: 910.521.6490
Email: dss@uncp.edu

Location: D.F. Lowry Building, Room 107
Campus Map

 

 


resume writing strategies for college students with disabilities

 

Beginning the Resume Writing Process

A General Resume Outline

  • Name
  • Local/Permanent Address
  • Professional Objective
  • Education
  • Related Experience
  • Additional Experience
  • Honors
  • Activities
  • Skills
  • Personal (optional)
  • References

Types of Resumes (Select a Format)

  • Chronological Resume. The most commonly-used resume form that lists in reverse chronological order the person's work history.
  • Achievement Resume. This resume emphasizes achievements with less emphasis on experience.
  • Functional Resume. This format covers experience over a long period of time that can be grouped into skill areas, which highlights expertise rather than time frames.
  • Recent Graduate Resume. This resume is for recent graduates with little or no work experience, emphasizing training and education.

When Writing a Resume

  • Stick to the basics
  • Keep it short
  • Reveal only what the employer needs to know
  • Have a specific objective
  • Preferably one page, never more than two pages
  • Tailored to a specific job or a specific employer
  • Don't focus on your medical history
  • Advertise your skills and not your disability

Resume Writing Tips

Things to Do

  • Lead with your most qualifying experience
  • Consider a consolidated experience category
  • Emphasize accomplishments
  • Be generous with white space
  • Use bullets, bold type, capital letters, and underlining
  • Check continuity of history
  • Have at least two other people review it
  • Send your references a copy of your resume
  • Use good paper
  • Avoid anything negative, this may include disclosure of disability

Things Not to Do

  • Don't exaggerate or mislead
  • Don't state a salary
  • Don't include names of references
  • Don't include a photograph
  • Don't include religion, race, national origin, or political affiliation
  • Don't overstate your qualifications
  • Don't include a reason for leaving your last job
  • Don't use unusual abbreviations or acronyms

Resume Writing Considerations

Should I Disclose or Not

  • On the Resume: Often, your disability is reflected in your work history, education, and life experience. Stress your adaptability.
  • Cover Letter: Don't start the letter with details about a disability. Follow a format mentioning strengths and limitations.

Including a Cover Letter

A General Cover Letter Outline

A cover letter accompanies any resume mailed to a prospective employer.

  • The Heading: Your return address and date
  • The Inside Address: The employer's name; company name; and company address
  • Salutation or Greeting: Address the letter to a particular person by name. Avoid "Dear Sir/ Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern."
  • The Body of the Letter: The body of the letter should include three paragraphs.
  • Opening Paragraph: State what motivates you to write to this employer, the position for which you are applying, and how you heard about the position or the company.
  • Middle Paragraph: Include a description of your education and work experience. Indicate how these relate to the position.
  • Closing Paragraph: Inform the employer that you are available for a personal interview or to answer questions about your resume. Thank the employer for the company's consideration.

Cover Letter Writing Tips

Things to Do

  • Make each letter an original
  • Follow instructions in recruitment ads
  • Keep the letter to one page
  • Include your telephone number in the closing
    paragraph

Things Not to Do

  • Don't put your name in the heading
  • Don't tell all in the letter
  • Don't forget to follow up

Links

General Information

Career Information

For information or individual counseling contact:

Career Services
Chavis University Center
Career Services Center, Room 210
P 0 Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
Phone/Voice: (910) 521-6270
Fax: (910) 521-6166

Disability Support Services
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
Phone/Voice: (910) 521-6695
Fax: (910) 521- 6891
TTY: (910) 521-6490
Email: dss@uncp.edu


Appointments for career counseling may be scheduled during regular office hours Monday through Thursday. No appointments on Friday.

 

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

 

 

Updated: Thursday, August 11, 2011

Return to Brochures and Guidelines

 
Loading

© The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372-1510 • 910.521.6000