Challenge: Update your resume
Make a copy of the Speak_ Resume Template
This template will be the building block for your resume. It'll provide the structure and outline, and all you’ll have to do is plug in your own information. At the end of this assignment, you’ll have a strong, recruiter-friendly resume.
Click the button below to make a copy of the Google Docs template. This will open up a new version of the template that you can customize. By default, your copy won't be shared with anyone.
Copy the Speak_ Resume TemplateSpeak_ Resume FAQs
Question: I already have a great resume, do I need to use the Speak_ Resume Template?
Answer: Yes.
You might already have a fantastic resume, and that’s great! But you must use the Speak_ Resume Template to be considered by our partner companies.
This is because we work directly with our partner companies to help them find talented engineers, and having a standardized resume format makes it super easy for them to look through resumes quickly.
Question: When I use this template, my resume becomes 2 pages long. I’ve heard that it’s better to have a 1-page resume. What should I do?
Answer: It’s okay to have a 2-page resume as long as the content supports the length!
You should not eliminate important content from your resume simply to keep it to 1-page.
If you keep it to 1-page, great. But 2 page resumes are a-okay, too. And in many cases they’re necessary to show off all of the incredible skills that you have.
Question: I don’t have any previous work as a software engineer. Does that mean I should leave the Experience section blank?
Answer: You should include professional work experience, especially if you are making a career transition. But you should not include completely irrelevant work like barista, cashier, retail salesperson, or server.
If you worked in an office and did most of your work on a computer, then you should include that work — even if it isn’t software engineering.
If you worked at a fast food restaurant to pay your rent while you went to college, you should not include that.
Question: Can I remove the Education, Experience, Projects, or Awards & Certifications sections?
Answer: Yes. If you do not have anything to include in a section then you may remove it. However, every section that you remove decreases the strength of your resume.
Instead of removing a section, we recommend working hard to fill in the holes on your resume.
For example, if you don’t have projects, then spending time working on 2 high-quality projects would be an excellent use of your time.
Submit your Speak_ Resume
Before you submit your resume, read the next lesson called Cohort challenge: Get resume feedback. This is an important step to make sure you get personalized feedback on your resume before submitting it.
Got your feedback? Great!
Did you double check that your resume follows the Speak_ Resume Rubric? Excellent!
NOTE: Submit your Speak_ Resume as a PDF to avoid formatting errors.
Now, click the button below to submit your Speak_ Resume.
Submit completed Speak_ Resume