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Writing a Resume

TIPS TO REMEMBER

1. Choose the appropriate type of resume for you: Chronological, Functional or Combination. A chronological resume consists of education and experience and is arranged by listing most recent first. A functional resume consists of experiences/skills and is arranged by these areas. A combination resume consists of both the functional and chronological format.
2. Do not include any personal information.
3. Use italics, boldface and underlining to draw attention to your resume.
4. Be consistent throughout the resume.
5. Try to keep your resume to one page. A maximum of two pages if you have been in the workforce for a while. Be sure to put your name on the top of page two.
6. Use "8 1/2 x 11" high quality paper. Best to use colors such as gray, white or ivory.
7. Print only on one side of the paper and try to use a laser printer.
8. Proofread very carefully for mistakes. Have someone else to also proofread it as well.
9. Never make corrections by hand.
10. Never mail your resume without a cover letter.
11. Only submit your resume and a cover letter unless directed to do otherwise.
12. Always keep your resume updated and on a disk.
13. Give your references an up-to-date copy of your resume.

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• HEADER
• The header should include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.
• Do not include the word "Resume" at the top of your resume.
• OBJECTIVE
• Include a career objective that is specific and appropriate for the position that you are applying for.
• EDUCATION
• Do not include high school information on your resume if you are a college graduate.
• List institutions name, city, state, degree/program name, and dates of attendance.
• List courses relevant to your major or the job you are applying for.
• Include awards from college or involvement in professional organizations. Know the official name of the award and or program.
• Education should precede work experience for recent graduates.
• Do not list a GPA below 3.5.
• WORK EXPERIENCE
• The work experience should include company name, dates of employment, city, state, job title and duties.
• Use action verbs to describe responsibilities.
• Your job description should be six lines or less, or use bullets to highlight your skills.
• Do not use pronouns such as I or my.
• Do not include supervisor's names, telephone numbers, street addresses, zip codes, salary, or reasons for leaving.
• State if position was temporary or summer employment.

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• OTHER HEADINGS
• Other headings may be used such as Clubs/Organizations, Related Skills, Honors/Awards, Military Experience, and Volunteer Experience.
• REFERENCES
• Always include reference information on a separate page.
• Use the same heading that is on your resume.
• Use same type and color of paper as used for resume and cover letter.
• Always ask individuals for permission to list them as a reference. Supply them with an updated copy of your resume
• Only list individuals that will make positive remarks about you and that know you.
• FOLLOW UP
• Follow up with the potential employer 5-7 days after you mail your resume.
• Do not make excessive phone calls to the company. One to two phone calls is fine, but do not become a nuisances.
• Keep track of where, when, to whom, and dates of follow up for each potential employer that received a resume.