How to Write a Resume

Employers BELIEVE that Past Performance is the Best Predictor of Future Success

 

 

WHAT IS A RESUMÉ?
A Resumé is a marketing tool designed to provide an employer with a brief, written advertisement of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RESUMÉ?
The purpose of the Resumé is to gain an interview.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL LENGTH OF A RESUMÉ? AND HOW CAN I PASS THE "30 SECOND TEST"?
Employers will initially spend as little as 15 - 30 seconds "scanning" a resumé, sometimes referred to as the "30 Second Test." For this reason, it is critical that your information be concise and focused. One page is usually sufficient.

WHAT CRITERIA DO RECRUITERS USE TO EVALUATE A RESUMÉ?

  • Appearance - Is the resumé neat? Printed on quality paper? Error-free?
  • Format - Is the information presented in a logical manner? Is information easy to find through the use of appropriate headings, bullets, etc? Are important points prioritized and highlighted?
  • Content - Is the information substantive and relevant to the reader?

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I INCLUDE?
You may only have one chance for that interview. Tailor your qualifications to the job/industry you are seeking. Prioritize and present your relevant strengths. Avoid irrelevant information.

WHAT COLOR PAPER IS BEST?
Use a quality, heavy-bond, conservative color. White, ivory, light gray are preferred. Be certain to purchase matching stationary for cover letters.

Parts of a Resumé

Contact Information - Include your full name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number. A permanent and local address may be listed if appropriate.

Objective (optional) - If you include an objective, focus on addressing one or more of the following areas:

  1. job title
  2. target employer or industry
  3. specific skills you wish to use

If you do not include an objective, be certain to identify it in the cover letter.

Education - Identify the highest level of education first, and list in reverse chronological order. Include degree, major, date of graduation, minors or course concentrations, foreign language proficiency, computer languages, publications, and research projects. Grade point average is recommended if 3.0 or higher. Academic honors may also be listed in this category, or in a separate category, "Honors" or "Honors and Activities."

Experience - Present paid, internship, volunteer, military, and other work-related experience. Provide your title, organization, location, and dates of employment. Describe tasks related to the position you are seeking, progressive increases in responsibility, and the results you achieved.

Extracurricular Activities - List school and community activities which demonstrate leadership, communication, and/or problem-solving skills.

References - Do not include on the resumé. List on a separate sheet of paper and send only when requested.

When Writing a Resumé

DO:

  • Be specific and results-oriented.
  • Quantify results whenever possible, using numbers, dollars, percentages.
  • Use positive action verbs.
  • Cite your key accomplishments and major areas of responsibility.
  • Provide specific "evidence" to demonstrate your skills.
  • Laser print on quality paper.
  • Ask an objective person to proofread it before mailing, and be prepared to make revisions. A good Resumé often requires several drafts.
  • For more information on Resumé Writing, see Electronic RESUMÉ Revolution, Resumés That Knock 'Em Dead, The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Perfect Resumé, located in the Career Development, Internship & Community Learning Library.

DON'T:

  • Use first person pronouns (I, me, my).
  • Misspell anything.
  • Include personal information (height, weight).
  • Forget to include your telephone number.
  • Type your resumé on a typewriter.
  • Forget to highlight your selling points/relevant strengths.
  • Use abbreviations. Exceptions include state, date, and academic degree.
  • Don't forget to request a resumé critique from a Career Counselor.

Tips for Maximizing "Matches" With a Scannable Resumé

Some corporations are now using computer technology to screen or "scan" resumés into a database. The scanner then looks for key words to select qualified candidates for available positions.

  • Use white or light colored resumé paper and black ink. Avoid marbled or colored paper.
  • Do not fold or staple your resumé. When mailing, place the resumé and cover letter in a flat envelope.
  • Avoid faxing your resumé. Scanners cannot read faxed text as accurately as a clean original.
  • Avoid shading, borders, Italics, bolding, and underlining, which cannot be accurately read by a scanner.
  • Use clean, simple fonts like Helvetica, Arial, Future, Optima, Palatino, and Times New Roman.
  • Use the traditional resumé format, and be certain to leave plenty of white space on the top, bottom, sides, and between sections.
  • Use terms, acronyms, and jargon that are industry-specific. Insert keywords from job listings, and professional journals and publications. List specific software you use such as Microsoft Word and Lotus 123.
  • Use concrete instead of abstract terms to describe your experiences. "Managed a team of student volunteers" is better than "responsible for managing."
  • Use common headings such as Objective, Experience, Work History, Skills, Summary of Qualifications, Accomplishments, and Education.

Helpful Internet Sites

The following sites are directly linked to the Career & Community Learning homepage: www.guilford.edu/cacl.