Optimal Resume - Getting a Kickstart to Resume Writing!

When it comes to writing resumes one of the most time consuming and frustrating parts is often the formatting. Fortunately, Career Services has a tool that takes the guesswork out of formatting. Optimal Resume is an online tool that allows you to put your resume together in minutes. Simply type in your information and let Optimal Resume do the rest of the work!
To access Optimal Resume navigate to the Career Services website and click on the students tab.

Next, click on the Resumes, CVs & Cover Letters link and select “Build your resume with Optimal Resume”.

If this is your first time logging into Optimal Resume, you will need to create a new account. To do this, click on the Create a New Account button and enter your @colorado.edu email. Once you have done this, you will find the validation code to access Optimal Resume in your @colorado.edu email account.
Once you have accessed Optimal Resume, you will need to fill out some contact/login information. After you have done this, in the document center select Create New Resume

At this point, you may either upload a resume you already have or create a new one. To create a new resume, enter in the resume name and click on Start Resume. Once you have done this, you can choose to Browse Section Sets, Browse Samples or Start From Scratch. By selecting Browse Section Sets, you will be able to select the type of resume you want to create or the sections you’d like to include in your resume.

If you navigate to Start From Scratch, you will be able to type in your heading: be sure to include your name, address, phone number and email.

Next, select the Style Resume option and select a style.

After you’ve selected your style, you can use the styling palette to select your font, margins, line spacing, line style and bullet style. Next, you can add sections by clicking on Add Section. This option allows you to create several types of sections.

While creating your resume, there are numerous links under the tools section to guide you in the process, including resume tips and resume samples.

Once you have created the desired number of sections and filled in your information, select Download and choose the format you’d like. Note: PDF is the safest way to send your resume- it ensures that whoever receives your resume will be able to open and read it.

The resume will be downloaded to your computer and saved in Optimal Resume for your future use.

Now that you’ve created your resume, it’s time to have it critiqued! To do so, email it to pcahelp@colorado.edu or come in for walk-in hours at Career Services- 1:30 to 4, Monday through Thursday. Career Services also offers Resume Writing Workshops. Look for the Workshops on February 16, March 8 and April 5. More information is available on the Career Services website.