Resume Writing Hints
A resume is a summary of work experience and education that serves as
an advertisement for you! The purpose of this tool is to highlight your
strengths and capabilities and generate a hiring manager's interest in
meeting with you.
What to include in a resume?
- Educational experience
- Work experience
- Internship experience
- Technical skills such as computer hardware and software
- Extracurricular activities that show leadership and management skills
- Awards and Commendations
How to format a resume?
There is no universal resume format. There are only guidelines you should follow.
- Chronological Resumes are common and preferred by most employers.
- Functional Resumes differ in that accomplishments are listed under a skills category rather than in the description of a particular career position.
Common resume categories:
- Personal Data - Name, address, telephone number
- Career Objective or Summary - Should be short and precise.
- Education - Newer graduates should include relevant course
work, academic awards, honors and GPA if above 3.0
- Experience - Include full-time, part-time, summer and internship
experiences. Begin with most recent and list approximately 3-4 positions.
- Special Skills - Use this section to list computer expertise
or foreign languages.
- Personal/Interests - An optional section that should be omitted
if possible. If including this section, be sure to list interests directly
relevant to your career goals.
- Professional Affiliations - Include if directly related to
your job search.
- References - "References Available Upon Request" should only be used if a space filler is necessary.
Remember, your resume is only a door opener. A personal meeting with the hiring manager is your goal!
Resume Tips
- Keep your resume one to two pages if at all possible. (Individuals
with less than 5 years experience should be able to do one page.)
- Do not include unnecessary personal information.
- Center and balance your resume on the page.
- Weigh your choice of words. Select strong action verbs, concrete nouns
and positive modifiers for emphasis. (See below)
- Always send a cover letter on matching paper with specific reference
to the company's need and your qualifications for the position. A personal
letter is always best, so make an effort to get the name and title of
the individual who will be making the hiring decision.
- Keep a separate list of references, and make them available upon request.
- Use white or ivory paper.
- Do not use personal pronouns such as "I", "me"
or "my".
- Stress accomplishments, state numbers and specifics.
Action Verbs
accelerated
|
expedited
|
recommend
|
Concrete Nouns & Positive Modifiers
ability
|
consistent
|
resourceful
|