Resume Writing Tips

• Your resume needs to be precise and accurate. Do not embellish your work history or education as this can cost you a job offer.
• The overall look of the resume should be clean and professional.
  Choose high-quality, neutral paper. Make sure your printer provides good ink coverage. Your resume will feel more genuine if you create your own format rather than use a template design.
• Heading (including your name, address, phone numbers, and email) should appear at the top of each page.
  The heading should list more than one contact phone number and can also include your person website if contact information is available on the site. It generally looks best if the heading, or at least your name, appears bold and uses a slightly larger font.
• Make your headings stand out.
  Job titles are important so use bold font to catch the reader's attention. The format should give enough space in between sections so the resume will be easy to read.
• Use an easy-to-read font and 11 or 12 point size.
• Use small round or square bullet points when listing experience and education.
  It is important keep the resume looking clear and concise. Using large or cute-looking bullet point will detract and cause the resume to look unprofessional and cluttered.
• Keep your resume to the point.
  The resume should be a descriptive skeleton of your strengths, experience, and education. Include only the information that must be communicated. For example, refrain from using long sentences. Do not include the statements "references available" or "willing to travel". If these are requested, you can discuss them at a later time. Also, there is no need to include previous employment if it has nothing to do with the position for which you are applying.
• Organize the resume in order of importance.
  List "Professional Objective" or "Desired Position" at beginning of resume. Then, include "Work Experience", with the most recent listed first. If you do not have a lot of previous work experience, or if "Skills and Abilities" are more important for the job, then list those next. After work experience or skills and abilities, list "Education". And finally, other items that show your ability, such as: "Honors, Awards, and Achievements", or "Articles and Publications" (these should be significant and relate in some way to the needs of the position.)
• Tailor your resume to the particular job.
  A resume needs to be written for a particular company, not the masses. For example, when stating your objective and accomplishments, use the same words in your resume that were used in the job description. Do some research and understand the requirements of the job and needs of the company. Then, use words in your resume and cover letter that closely relate to the job skills desired by the employer.

  The opposite is also true. Do not emphasize work skills you have used in previous positions if you do not want that type of position again.
• Mention your top 5 strengths that best relate to the job you will be doing.
  Along with listing the particular quality, it is beneficial to briefly describe how you have displayed that strength in previous employment or activities.
• Listing job responsibilities does not prove you did them well. Include accomplishments instead of duties.
  Be specific as to what you accomplished. This is your opportunity to show how you benefited the previous employer or helped the company grow. Your accomplishments should attract attention. Be prepared to discuss them in the interview.

  If you worked directly with a person who held a prominent position, you should include that information in work experience section of your resume.
• List all relevant education (including partially complete formal education with expected completion date.)
  If you spend a considerable amount of time in self-study that relates to the job at hand, this should be included under the Education heading. All education, regardless whether at an accredited institution, is valuable information and strengthens your resume.
• List all volunteer activities, but not hobbies (unless they directly relate to the position.)
• Help the employer avoid discrimination.
  It is inappropriate to include your age, race, sexual, political, or religious preference on the resume or cover letter (unless this information is required for the job.) It is illegal for an employer to discriminate on these issues and, therefore, unprofessional to provide this type of information (including attaching a photo to your resume.)
• Ask at least 2 other people to proof-read your resume.
  Re-reading and using a spell check program is helpful, but these methods of finding errors in your resume and cover letter may not be good enough. Perfection needs to be the goal when preparing a resume. It is best to have at least two other people look at your resume and proof for content and grammatical errors.