UNITED STATES ACADEMIC DECATHLON
 INTERVIEW – Constructing a Resume`

USAD has discontinued using the activities form that has been used in the past for Interview.  In its place each decathlete is asked to construct a resumé that tells about himself/herself.  Each decathlete shall bring three copies of the resumé to his/her Interview.  The resumé will not be judged.  However, the content of the resumé will assist the Interview judges in engaging the decathlete in a successful interview.

A good resumé will go a long way toward helping make a good impression.  A bad resumé reflects poorly on the candidate.  Everyone has something to offer if he or she will analyze personal abilities, talents, interests, and activities and stress strong points.  First impressions count.

Content and layout of the resumé can vary widely.  However, keep the resumé simple and no more than one page.  It has to be scanned quickly by the judges. A good rule of thumb is to lay the resumé out so that it is easy to scan. Do not make the judge read through difficult paragraphs and awkward designs going from left to right rather than top to bottom. See the sample resumés after these pages.

TIPS FOR CONSTRUCTING THE RESUME:

1.                  Your resumé must be typed.  Use a good quality paper. Save your resumé on a diskette so that you can change it as needed. This gives you an opportunity to add, or delete, as you think about things you would like to include about yourself.

2.                  The resumé should be neat. Carelessness and misspelled words are inexcusable. Have some knowledgeable persons proofread your resumé and give you tips for improving it.

3.                  Some things to think about including in your resumé would be:  extracurricular activities in which you’ve been engaged in and out of high school, special interests or hobbies you have, leadership positions you hold or have held, work experience(s), and personal goals. A good way to start off a resumé is to identity your goal using the infinitive “to.” Keep this statement to one line if you can. The use of bullets often helps a judge focus in on what you want to highlight.

4.                  Grades are an important part of “your” picture, but not the only part.  Note areas of responsibility, recognition or honors that have come your way.

5.                  A demonstrated social awareness can be in your favor.  If you have participated in activities where you were recognized by awards or offices, mention these. Quality leadership is welcome everywhere.

Two sample resumés that follow are different in style, the first is easy to scan, the second is hard to read, and yet each seeks to highlight strong points in a straightforward fashion.  Construct your resumé in the style and type that best suits your interests and emphasizes your strengths, and yet how you lay it all out on the page may either distract or invite a judge.