The resume is an important document! It helps you obtain interviews; therefore, the quality of a resume cannot be over-emphasized. If you are not a typist or you do not have a good quality word processor, have someone else prepare your resume and subsequent letters. When you use a computer, also use a letter-quality printer.
Important points to remember concerning resumes:
- The resume should be typed, and printed on a letter quality printer.
- The resume and cover letter should be prepared on the same type paper. The size of the paper should be 8 �" x 11".
- The paper color selection for both the resume and the cover letter should be white, ivory or light gray.
- The resume should be free of any grammatical or typographical errors, and it should be neat.
A resume is a brief summary of your background and experiences. Since its purpose is to help you obtain an interview, consider carefully what you believe an employer wants and needs to know about you in order to grant you an interview. Your challenge is to project an image of yourself on paper that will convince an employer to interview you.
There is no set standard for how a resume should look, what it should contain or how long it should be. Since each resume represents a specific individual, no two resumes are alike. However, the following general areas should be covered in a resume.
- Personal Data Name, address, and telephone number (current and correct). If you are not accessible during the day, you may want to invest in an answering machine for your telephone.
- Job Objective (optional) Be specific and concise.
- Educational History Reverse chronological listing (beginning with the most recent degree and college of attendance).
- Organizations, Honors and Activities Demonstrate your interest and leadership abilities by briefly listing organizations or activities you have participated in during college or your professional career.
- Work experience List in reverse chronological order.
- References Provide references who can validate potential or success in your academic field and/or evaluate your past work experience. List references on a page titled References (identical type, size and color of paper as resume and cover letter). Include each reference's name, title, correct address, work and home telephone numbers. Include area codes and extensions if applicable.
Sample resumes are available in the Student Development Office, N. Shepler, Room 314 to assist you in preparing a resume.
Resume Tips
- Be honest about the information presented.
- Use short sentences that get straight to the point.
- Eliminate unnecessary words.
- Utilize action verbs.
- Sample resumes are just that--samples. Use them as a guide to develop your own personal resume.
- A resume is initially scanned for 5-10 seconds. Make sure its format guides the eye to key words that express employers' needs so it will be read more completely and, there, increase your opportunity for an interview.
- Resumes should typically not be over two pages.
