How do I write a good resume?
Creating your own resume is not always easy. You may find it challenging to describe your successes in a clear and succinct manner. Consider multiple versions which highlight or showcase specific skills or areas of expertise.
Always:
- Do your best to limit your resume to one page, if possible. Never exceed two pages.
- Include accurate contact information including your email address. Be sure the message on your home voicemail is brief and professional. For many interviewers, it is their first impression of you.
- If you are a college graduate with limited work experience, list your education first. If you are not a recent graduate, list education below your work experience.
- List your most recent experiences first. State the name of the company where you are/were employed, the city and state, your title and dates employed.
- If you¹ve been with the same company for a number of years, list each position you¹ve held, and the responsibilities associated with each.
- Use bullets to mark your skills, projects and achievements.
- Use accurate dates for education and all positions. Use months and years only to mark dates. The exact dates are not necessary.
- Explain large gaps in your resume. For example: 1996-1998 Full-time Parent.
- Include only your last 10 or 15 years of work experience.
- Allow the most space for the positions relevant to what you are applying for.
- List your computer skills. However, list only those software programs you have proficiency in.
- Include an objective statement only if you are applying to positions without the assistance of an agency. An objective will let the reader know what kind of position you are seeking. If you are using an agency, it is your counselor¹s job to sell you to their clients and they will convey what positions you are looking for.
- Make sure the margins, alignment and fonts are consistent.
- Make sure your resume is error free. Ask others to proofread it for you.
Never:
- List references on your resume or write "References Available Upon Request."
- Include information regarding your marital status, hobbies, personal beliefs, a photo, height, weight or health.
- List your salaries.
- Include your high school if you are a college graduate.
- Use colored or parchment paper.
Many companies use databases programs to scan, store and search resumes files. To ensure your resume is stored correctly, keep in mind the following suggestions:
- Use white paper only.
- Use a different line for each part of your address.
- Use standard fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica.
- Use 8.5" by 11" paper only.
- Do not use parenthesis, brackets or lines of any kind.
- Do not use tabs.
- Do not use graphics, italics, underlining, shading or bold-faced text.
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