Writing a
resume can be tiresome and frustrating. Where do you
start? What should it look like? Find the answers to
these questions and more below.
Layout:
 |
Your
name should be the first thing that they see. It
should be made larger than anything else on the
page, and it should be bold. |
|
Following
your name, you should include your contact
information - telephone number, fax number (if
you have one), and email address (if you have
one). This gives a prospective employer a number
of different ways to contact you. |
|
Headings
for main categories (such as Objective,
Education, Experience, Skills, etc.) should stand
out from the body of the resume. All of these
items should be treated in the same manner in
regards to font, style, and size. |
|
If
you are including an Objective, it should come
first after your name, address, etc. Stating an
Objective is optional, but a definite plus if
done properly. It gives a potential employer a
better idea of the type of work you would like to
do. Your objective should be tailored for each
job you are applying for. |
|
The
category most relevant to the position for which
you are applying should come next (either
Education or Experience). |
|
Try
to format your resume so that all of your
information fits on one page. Don't run the risk
of losing valuable information because a second
page became unattached and was lost in the
shuffle. |
|
Use
only one font for the entire page. Variations can
be made by simply changing the size or style of
the font. |
|
Content:
|
Within the
Education category, list your most recently
completed education level, and work
backwards, chronologically. Include the name
of any degree(s) you have acquired. Be sure
to brag on yourself by including any academic
honors you have received. |
|
Your
Experience can be formatted in order of
relevance to the position for which you are
applying, or in order chronologically, with
your most recent experience listed first.
Don't just list your employer and your job
title. Add a little description in the form
of bulleted lists. Be sure to put emphasis on
any specific job skills that were utilized
during the course of your job duties. |
|
Be sure to
include any volunteer experience you may
have. Also helpful is a summary of special
skills or certifications that you possess. |
|
When you
include a list of duties as a job
description, be sure to begin each item with
an action verb. Here are some examples to
help you out: |
 | Achieved |
|
| Administered |
|
| Analyzed |
|
| Assisted |
|
| Calculated |
|
| Collaborated |
|
| Composed |
|
| Conducted |
|
| Coordinated |
|
| Created |
|
| Demonstrated |
|
| Designed |
|
| Developed |
|
| Drafted |
|
| Edited |
|
| Enforced |
|
| Established |
|
| Generated |
|
| Hired |
|
| Implemented |
|
| Insured |
|
| Interpreted |
|
| Maintained |
|
| Managed |
|
| Marketed |
|
| Motivated |
|
| Negotiated |
|
| Organized |
|
| Planned |
|
| Programmed |
|
| Promoted |
|
| Published |
|
| Recruited |
|
| Researched |
|
| Reviewed |
|
| Solved |
|
| Surveyed |
|
| Supervised |
|
| Trained |
|
| Utilized |
|
|
|
Before
including a person on your Reference page, be
sure to ask them beforehand. References
should not be included on the resume itself.
You should include professional, academic,
and personal references. |
|
Use a
spell-checker to proof the entire document.
Don't stop there. Be sure to have at least 2
other people read over it for content and
grammar and punctuation errors. |
|
Be sure to
omit any personal information such as age,
nationality, weight, height, marital status,
etc. |
|
|
Presentation:
|
Print your
resume on a high-quality white or off-white
paper (8 1/2" x 11"). Do not use
both sides of the paper. |
|
Do not staple
your resume. Be sure to mail it in an
envelope large enough so your pages will not
need to be folded. |
|
|
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