Resumes for Liberal Arts Majors

You are not an accountant, an engineer, a teacher or a social worker. You did not graduate with a readymade job title on your diploma. How can you grab an employer’s attention with your liberal arts degree?

First, realize that one resume will not cut it. Most liberal arts majors may not know what industry they want to join and want to keep themselves open for several options. For a more effective and efficient job-search experience try having a few resumes written for several different positions. One student we know has experience ranging from the nonprofit sector to administration that complements an advanced degree. She has three resumes: one for the nonprofit sector, one for university administration, and one for a faculty position in academia. While her experiences and education remain constant, and she may rearrange the order, her objective is written differently for each.

Second, know how to translate your skill set into terminology the employer is looking for. If, for example, you are an English or history major try demonstrating your analytical reading, editing, and sound research skills on your resume. You can do this by calling upon experiences where you have used those particular skills. It’s OK to mention papers or research projects you have done for classes to show off your skills to employers. Have a section for “Projects” on the resume.

Third, write a dazzling cover letter detailing you interest in the position and helping the employer see you in that job. Connect your education and experience to the position you are going for. There are books and website with examples, but in the end, it must be your own work product. So, write a draft cover letter and make an appointment with the Career Services Center at 216.687.2233. It would be our pleasure to help you craft an impressive letter that should convince employers to call you in for an interview.