Resume Guide for TCL Students and Graduates

Why Your Resume Matters

Your resume is often the first impression an employer has of you. In the Lowcountry job market, employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate technical skills, relevant experience, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. Your resume should clearly show how your education and experiences at TCL have prepared you for success.

Resume Basics

Keep It:

· One page (preferred for recent graduates)

· Professional and easy to read

· Consistent in formatting

· Free of spelling and grammar errors

· Tailored to each position

Use:

• Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman
• 10-12 point font
• 0.5"-1" margins
• Bullet points rather than paragraphs

Avoid:

• Photos
• Personal information (age, marital status, Social Security Number)
• Unprofessional email addresses
• Excessive colors or graphics

Resume Structure

1. Contact Information

Place at the top of the page.

Example:

Taylor Mathias
Beaufort, SC
(843) 555-1234
taylormathias@email.com
linkedin.com/in/taylormathias

2. Professional Summary

Write 2-4 sentences that highlight your education, skills, and career goals.

Example: Nursing Graduate

Recent Associate Degree Nursing graduate from Technical College of the Lowcountry with extensive clinical experience in patient care, documentation, and healthcare teamwork. CPR certified and committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Seeking a Registered Nurse position within the Lowcountry healthcare community.

3. Education

Recent graduates should place education near the top of the resume. Education should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent qualification first.

Example

Technical College of the Lowcountry
Associate in Applied Science, Cybersecurity
Graduated: May 2026

High School
High School Diploma
Graduated: May 2026

4. Certifications & Licenses

Many Lowcountry employers specifically search for certifications.

Examples:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• CPR/BLS Certification
• OSHA-10
• CompTIA A+
• EPA Certification
• ServSafe Manager
• CDL License

5. Technical Skills

Include skills directly related to your field.

Examples:

Nursing

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Patient Assessment
• Medication Administration
• Clinical Documentation

Information Technology

• Windows Operating Systems
• Networking
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Industrial Technology

• Blueprint Reading
• Preventive Maintenance
• Safety Procedures

6. Work Experience

List experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Format

Job Title
Company Name, City, State
Month Year - Month Year

• Begin each bullet with an action verb.
• Focus on accomplishments rather than responsibilities.
• Use numbers whenever possible.

Example

Patient Care Technician
Lowcountry Medical Center, Beaufort, SC
June 2024 - Present

• Assisted nursing staff with the care of up to 15 patients per shift.
• Maintained accurate patient documentation in electronic medical records.
• Supported patient safety initiatives and infection-control procedures.

7. Clinical, Internship, Practicum, or Externship Experience

Employers value hands-on learning experiences.

Example

Clinical Rotation
Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Spring 2026

• Provided patient care in medical-surgical settings under supervision.
• Performed patient assessments and documented findings.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

8. Leadership & Community Involvement

Many Lowcountry employers appreciate candidates who engage with their communities.

Examples

• Student Government Association
• Phi Theta Kappa
• SkillsUSA

Action Verbs

Start bullet points with strong action verbs.

Examples:

• Managed
• Implemented
• Developed
• Maintained
• Collaborated
• Supported
• Organized
• Communicated

Resume Checklist Before Applying

☐ Contact information is correct

☐ No spelling or grammar errors

☐ Education is listed correctly

☐ Certifications are included

☐ Experience is organized and relevant

☐ Resume is customized for the position

☐ Saved as a PDF

☐ Professional email address is used

☐ Proofread by Career Services, an instructor, or a mentor

TCL Career Services Tip

For every job application, compare your resume to the job posting and incorporate keywords from the employer's description whenever possible. This helps your resume stand out to both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Remember: Employers hire people, not just resumes. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your TCL education, hands-on training, work experience, and professionalism make you a valuable addition to their team.