The content for this sample resume and the following tips have been contributed by Nistha Tripathi, author of MS Book - Smart Engineer's Complete Guide to MS in USA. She runs Scholar Strategy, an online application guidance service for MS/MIS applicants which has consistently helped students get into top programs such as CMU, UT Austin, UC San Diego and Cornell.
The resume was created using the beautiful Resumonk Charisma template.
1. Decide the areas/skills in your profile that your resume should be highlighting. e.g. If you are showing interest in research/applying for PhD etc, your highlight should be on your research projects and publications. Similarly, if you are applying for a MCS kind of program (geared towards landing corporate jobs upon graduation), your focus should be on professional skills, industry experience etc.
2. Do not include an objective section or a references section. And, you should not mention your gender or marital status.
3. Use phrases instead of full sentences and write in first person. Never use passive voice.
4. Lastly but most importantly – Your resume's length should not exceed 1.5 pages (2 if you have a lot of publications or projects).