WRITING A RESUME

The first thing to remember when writing your resume is that you are selling yourself. Your goal should be to emphasize your strengths and unique abilities. On average, employers give each resume 15-30 seconds of their attention. It is important, therefore, to make your resume highly readable.

The resume should be short; one page is ideal for a graduating student, and most employers prefer one page. If you have a great deal of experience that you must include, you can make it longer, but two pages are the limit – unless, you are Norm Worth with a hugely impressive background (and possibly three would be allowed). 

Your use of words is critical, so you should start your sentences with action verb like: collaborate, delegate, manage, initiate, promote… Use the past tense unless describing currently-held positions. Be concise. 

Make adjustments to each resume to match the description of the job for which you are applying. 

CATEGORIES OF A RESUME

• Name, address, phone number and email
• Career objective
  
• Education – Most recent first. Rarely list high school these days
• Work Experience – chronologically beginning with current position. Give your title, names, dates and locations of places you worked. Describe your duties briefly, highlighting those that are relevant to the position. Do not list your salary, your supervisor’s name or reason for leaving. Do not include employment more than 15 years old. Focus on achievements not tasks!
• Coursework, research projects and academic awards – This is optional and you should, if you list this, use only what brings out the assets that fit with the job you are seeking. 
• Activities – Use this only to highlight your leadership ability and organizational skills in activities that support your career objective.

Do not include personal information, such as your age, sex, social security number, health, marital status, children, religion or hobbies. 

References are generally not included unless the posting specifically requests them. They should then go on a separate page.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

• Your resume should differentiate you form the competition. Remember your goal: you need to prove you are the best candidate for the open position. 
• Include the category of career objective or profile or qualifications as a summary in the beginning of your resume. It is an opportunity to form a positive image in the employer’s mind. 
• Employers are not interested in reading your daily routine. They want to see accomplishments! What are you most proud of? How did you add value to your position or company?  What action did you take to solve problems? And what were the results?

Sending a Resume and Cover Letter

When emailing your resume and cover letter always send them as attachments never in the body of the email. It is also a good idea to send them as PDF files so you are sure that your original format is preserved when they are opened.