The foundation of a successful job search is an effective resume. Webster defines a resume as "a short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position." The purpose of a resume is to get the applicant a job interview by generating the employer's interest in the applicant and their qualifications for the position.

General Guidelines

Length:
  • A one-page resume works well for current students or recent graduates.
  • Two pages are reasonable if you have extensive work experience; however, limit information to what is pertinent to your current job objective.
  • The most important information should be stated on the first page.
Appearance:
  • Must be well-organized, neat and concise.
  • Proofread to make sure grammar, punctuation and spelling are flawless.
  • Recommend using high-quality white, ivory or beige paper. References and cover letter should also be on the same paper.
  • Layout should generally have a l" margin on top and all sides.
Content:
  • Design your resume with a particular objective in mind.
  • Accent your strong points by listing them first. ( If you are a new graduate with little or no practical experience, list your degree first. If your work experiences are relevant to the position and your degree is an added benefit, you may list the work history first.)
  • Be honest. Never falsify or exaggerate information.
  • Concentrate on the positive and highlight your strengths, downplay your weaknesses.
  • Use power statements beginning with action verbs (supervised, organized, planned, developed, created, etc.)
  • Use key words and phrases instead of complete sentences. Eliminate the pronoun "I".
  • Don't include unnecessary personal information - race, religion, political affiliation, height, weight, age, marital status, etc.
Choose a Format
There is no "perfect" or "right" format. The one you choose will depend upon your particular circumstances and the job you are applying for. These formats are:
Chronological Resume:
Start with the most recent employment and education, then work backward to your first job.
Advantages: It is logical and easy to follow. Gives a clear picture of where you've worked and what you have accomplished. Many employers prefer this form.
Disadvantages: Limited experience, any gaps in employment or other weak areas may be evident.
Functional Resume:
Work experience is arranged according to areas of skill.
Advantages: Draws attention to accomplishments. Highlights skills rather than your work experience or lack of it.
Disadvantages: Some employers are suspicious of this form; they think the candidate may be trying to cover up something such as gaps in employment. Also presents a major challenge for the writer; employment objective must be very clear.
Suited for the following personal circumstances:
  1. Mature professionals with a wealth of expertise and jobs.
  2. Entry-level types whose track records do not justify a chronological resume.
  3. Career changers who want to focus on skills rather than credentials.
  4. Military personnel embarking on a civilian career.
  5. Those returning to the workplace after a long absence.
  6. People closer to retirement than to the onset of their careers.
Basic Categories to Include on Your Resume
Contact Information:
Start at the top of the page leaving a 1" top margin. Include:
  • Full Name
  • Complete Address (both permanent and present if different.)
  • Home phone number with area code, cell phone, if applicable, and work number only if appropriate to contact you there.
  • Email address.
  • Make sure that the message on your answering machine and your email address are professional and appropriate for a potential employer.
Objective:
  • Gives your resume focus; tailor it to the position you are applying for.
  • Usually a single phrase expressing the specific type of employment you are seeking and/or the specific skills or abilities you want to use on the job.
Education/Training:
  • List in reverse chronological order with the highest degree or education first.
  • Include university/college/school name and location, degree, date of graduation (or expected graduation), major, related coursework and possibly G.P.A.
  • May also include honors, awards, scholarships, dissertation and thesis topics.
  • List licenses earned or training certificates received.
Experience:
  • Start with your most recent employment and work backward.
  • Includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, internships, co-op, or volunteer work.
  • Provide names and location of employers, dates of employment (month/year to month/year).
  • Describe your duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments using short, powerful phrases beginning with action verbs. Quantify and qualify data with specific details and statistics whenever possible.
Additional Areas: Activities/Honors/Special Skills:
  • List extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills, accomplishments and leadership, teamwork, self management, organization.
  • Include computer skills and/or foreign languages.
  • Personal accomplishments (example: "financed 70% of college education")
  • Unique experiences such as travel to a foreign country, study abroad.
References:
  • References and, in some cases, portfolios or transcripts can be listed as "available upon request" if you have enough room at the bottom of the resume. Employers know that they can request this information so it is not necessary to include this phrase.
  • You should have a separate reference page. Generally, this page will have the same heading as the resume and will list the name, title, employer, business mailing address and phone number of 3 to 5 academic or business references. Obtain permission from each reference before giving to a prospective employer and give each a copy of your resume.
Tips for Scannable Resumes
  • Make sure that your name is the first readable item on each page.
  • Focus on nouns not verbs.
  • Use popular, nondecorative typefaces.
  • Use a font size of 10-14.
  • Avoid italics, script and underlining.
  • Avoid graphics and shading.
  • Avoid horizontal and vertical lines.
  • Avoid staples and folds.