Resume Writing Tips
What is a resume?
A resume is.....
- Your marketing tool-it is an advertisement that you
create to sell yourself to potential employers. It presents your
skills, experience and accomplishments in an organized, professional
manner. It is an important tool in your job search process and
significant time and effort should be devoted to it.
- An individually designed document that highlights the
skills and activities in your background which are most relevant to
your current career objective.
- It is a summary of your background, not a complete life
history. It should be brief and to the point.
- It is used as a screening device by employers. It is the
first step in obtaining an interview.
- It is just one step in the job search process which also
requires you to write a cover letter, know proper interviewing
techniques, etc.
What is the best Format or Style?
Chronological vs. Functional
Chronological- This format organizes your educational and
employment history by date - listing your most recent education and
employment first.
Functional - This type of resume emphasizes your skills and
can be especially useful when your degree or work experience is not
directly related to your career objective, or when you have worked in
one place for a long time holding multiple positions within that
company.
* A combination of both styles is also an option.
GENERAL RESUME TIPS
Do's
- PROOFREAD!!! PERFECTION IS THE GOAL!!
Review for grammar, spelling, typographical errors, and
punctuation. Never rely on spell check!
- Do keep it short and simple
- Do type your resume-no exceptions
- Do keep sentences brief
- Do keep the length at generally one page (for recent grads) or
two pages with extensive, related experience
- Do choose a standard font in 12 point size
- Do use high quality (cotton fiber bond paper) white, ivory or
cream colored paper
- Do use standard 8.5" x 11" paper
- Do use uniform margins on all sides
- Do use double spacing between sections-leave white space for an
uncluttered look
- Do Bold, Underline or CAPITALIZE section headings
so they stand out
- Do be consistent with indentations, capitalizations, font and
spacing
- Do use simple, everyday language
- Do give examples of accomplishments and results
- Do use action verbs when describing responsibilities and
accomplishments (see Action Verb Handout for a sample listing)
- Do tailor content to each position for which you are applying
(e.g. re-write objective)
- Do only give class rank, or GPA if you are very proud of them
using the appropriate scale - for example, 3.25/4.00
- Quantify when possible
Don'ts
- Don't use fancy type or cutesy artwork or photos
- Don't write paragraphs
- Don't include personal data such as age, marital status, # of
children, ethnicity, health status, weight, or country of origin
- Don't exaggerate
- Don't mention salary or wages
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