Resume Tips

FEATURES OF A GOOD RESUME

  Attractive to the eye.

Use white paper and black ink, with a two-inch margins, a good layout and an easy-to-read font. Don't use bright colored paper. Use a laser, rather than dot matrix printer.  Ask yourself "Does this resume look professional?".

  Focus on the needs of the employer.

Make it easy for the employer to extract key points that are directly relevant to the position or the type of work for which you are applying. Use a vocabulary meaningful to your readers.

  Aim your context in the direction of your objectives.

  Focus on job-related abilities:

your personal qualities, measurable accomplishments and skills that qualify you for the position, don't simply describe your past position, experiences or duties.

  Use that spell checker!

Make sure there are no spelling, punctuation, grammatical mistakes or typos. Have a friend or colleague look it over for you as well.

  Present only positive and relevant information.

  Ensure that extraneous material has been eliminated.

Illustrate skills and accomplishments by giving concrete examples. Make sure the most relevant information appears first.

  Use a clear and concise writing style.

Point form is easier to read and digest than complete sentences. Avoid generalities and focus on the specific. Use action verbs in short concise statements to best emphasize your skills.

  RESUME CONTENT

  Name, Address, Phone/Message Number and E-mail address

At the top of the first page and name only as a header on every page.

   Job Objective/Employment Objective/Position Desired

Begin with the company's needs in mind:  Include a brief, summary paragraph near the top of your resume to describe what you can do for the company.

   Highlights of Qualifications/Summary of Skills/Strengths

• Up to 6 brief, point-form generalizations of your most important skills, education, experience, accomplishments, personal qualifications related to the job you're seeking.
• Statements need to be supported later on in your resume.

   Education

• List education near the top of your resume.
• In reverse chronological order, list your degrees (including your major/minor) followed by the institution. You do not need to include your high school information.
• If you have not yet completed your degree, put anticipated date of completion.
• You may also include certificate programs, relevant course work, language classes, specialized self-study, continuing professional education, special courses or seminars.
• Mention special scholarships or awards if you feel they are relevant.

  Volunteer/Community Experience

• List in a separate category or include under "Work Experience" or "Relevant Experience".

  Other Categories

• You may wish to include: "Additional Training and Qualifications", "Workshops", "Professional Memberships/Certificates", "Awards", "Special Skills" (computer literacy, languages, etc.), or any other categories that work for you.

  References

• Either state "References Available upon Request" or include them with your resume. Many employers have indicated they like to see references on a resume.
• Ask each reference permission to use their name, provide them with a copy of your resume, and let them know the position or type of work for which you are applying.

   Do Not Include: 

Social security number, age or birth date, information about health, marital status, height or weight, race, religion, political affiliation, reason for leaving previous jobs, salary requirements, or acronyms.

   Get Feedback:

Have others look over your resume before sending it out.  It might be wise to find a professional to assist you with final proofing and layout.