Resume Tips - Read Before You Start
FORMAT FIRST - The first thing that employers will notice about your resume is its format. Follow these tips to create a visually appealing document. View images of these sample formats here. Download sample formats below.
Avoid using resume templates which are too generic and do not allow you to easily update and make changes as you edit and add new experiences.
Place your name prominently at the top of your resume. Use a larger font size than in other places on your resume.
Design the heading (name, address, phone, email) so that it appears like stationary letterhead that could be used at the top of a cover letter or reference page.
Develop a resume that is “skimmable” – the organization and layout need to be clear to impress and pass the six second test. Employers quickly decide which resumes they want to give further consideration.
Set all margins to about .75 or up to 1 inch wide so the blank white space is minimized and the document has a frame for the reader to hold and write notes in.
Use 10 to 12 size font in a professional style (no fancy fonts). You may use two font sizes (not styles) to add to the visual appeal and readability of your resume.
Use bulleted statements, not complete sentences. “I” and “me” should not appear on a resume.
Be consistent with layout and formatting. Each section needs to have a similar look and layout.
Resumes need to be one page or two full pages. No half pages.
CONTENT IS MOST CRITICAL - A visually appealing resume is not enough. Strong content is essential to keeping an employer interested and to getting an invitation to interview.
In class you may write a general resume. However, resumes that are used to apply for scholarships, internships, and jobs should be revised and edited to meet the qualification of the audience. Edit your resume to meet the qualifications of the position.
Content is presented in reverse chronological order within each section. Current or most recent content is first and the oldest content last.
Within the resume, create subheadings for each section, displaying the sections in order of relevance or importance (i.e. Education, Related Work Experience, Leadership, Relevant Skills, etc.). Use bold or a larger font size for subheadings.
In describing experiences (paid, volunteer, classroom, and leadership) include job title, organizations, location, date, and a description of the accomplishments and/or relevant skills you gained.
Start each bulleted description with an action verb. Check out the list provided to make sure you select meaningful and descriptive verbs. You do not need a period at the end of each statement.
Focus on accomplishments, be specific and detailed. Quantify with numbers wherever possible, “Balance more than $10,000 in transactions daily with 99% accuracy.”
Be selective. Your resume is not an exhaustive list of everything you’ve done. Select and include relevant content. Make sure the content displays skill that is not evident elsewhere or reinforces an important qualification.
Avoid passive phrases like “responsibilities included” or “duties were.” Substitute stronger words like “Supervise” or “Direct.”
If the experience is ongoing, use the present tense verb (Cooperate). If the experience happened in the past, use the past tense of the verb (Designed).
Eliminate high school content in a resume as an upper-class student.
Final Tips!
Make sure to be positive and honest about your accomplishments, skills, and abilities.
Use spell check and grammar check; and proofread several times.
When printed, use high quality paper in a white or neutral shade. When sent digitally, use a PDF format.
Resume advice is subjective. This basic format will meet the needs of most audiences. However, you may need to edit format and content depending on the career field, purpose, and reader of the resume.
