The end of winter semester often means the beginning of a job search.

Graduates will use their degrees to find employment, while many students will look for summer jobs.

No matter what job students are applying for, Career Services offers its assistance in resume building.

Samuel Tilmon, assistant director of Career Services, said a good resume is the most important tool to have during a job hunt.

Students can come to the office for help creating a resume from scratch or updating an existing one. They can get feedback on the document and make necessary changes.

“It’s kind of a learning process as well as a chance for critique,” Tilmon said.

Tilmon said students should leave their resume building session feeling confident.

He stressed that students’ resumes should be an accurate representation of who they are, and they should stand behind it.

“With a resume, you’re basically trying to paint a picture in your reader’s mind,” he said. “When they’re reading it, that’s the only aspect of you they know.”

Tilmon also said the resume’s format should reflect its owner’s personality.

He said if individuals see themselves as organized and professional, their resume should appear that way as well.

Kirsta Strickland, psychology junior, has created many resumes in the past and said she understands the importance of taking the time to make it great.

“That’s basically your way of explaining why you should have an interview,” Strickland said. “That’s your moment to sell yourself.”

Criminal justice senior Tyler Perkins said it’s crucial to have a resume that sets him apart from others.

“I think what’s most important is making sure you catch the employer’s attention,” Perkins said.

However, Tilmon said students should make sure they don’t catch their employer’s eye for the wrong reasons.

He said small mistakes could cost students their shot at a job.

“Simple errors can get you thrown into the no pile,” Tilmon said.

Tilmon said focus is important when proofreading the document, as mistakes can be overlooked if students read absentmindedly.

“Read what it’s supposed to say rather than what it actually says,” he said.

He said having a fresh set of eyes proofread the resume might help catch minor mistakes that were overlooked.

Tilmon also said resumes can show employers if potential candidates are prepared for the job.

For example, an engineer’s job requires attention to detail. If a candidate’s resume has errors, employers may assume the candidate doesn’t have what it takes to work there.

Career Services will hold a resume workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 20.

Students are required to sign up in advance on the Cardinal Career Network.