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Resumes

Resumes

KEEP IT CONCISE

  • Employers only spend a few seconds on each resume, so make it quick and easy for them to get the needed information.
  • A long, wordy resume will put off someone who is already short on time.
  • Resumes should be one page, if possible, and two if absolutely necessary to describe relevant work experience.

MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT

  • Avoid long paragraphs – if you provide small digestible pieces of information, you stand a better chance of having your resume read.
  • Use Resume Action Verbs
  • Do not use declarative sentences like “I assisted in” –  Leave out the “I” and lead with the action verb
  • Avoid passive constructions, such as “was responsible for managing” – “Managed” is a lot stronger and more active.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

  • Potential employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them.
  • Be as specific as you can about the work that you have done.

POINT OUT YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

  • List any awards, honors, achievements and extra-curricular activities that will emphasize leadership and teamwork.
  • Don’t mention personal characteristics such as age, height and/or martial status.
  • List your hobbies and interests only if you can relate them to the position that you are applying for – if you need the space to describe actual work experience, leave this off altogether.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

  • Use 8 ½ x 11, standard, non-textured, fine-grained paper in white, buff or ivory.
  • Edit and critique it carefully. Check it for proper grammar and correct spelling. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than submitting a resume filled with easily preventable mistakes.
  • Use normal margins and do not cram your text onto the page.
  • Use employers, faculty and career advisers as resources in resume preparation  – benefit from the experience of others.

TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE

  • Emphasize what you can do for an employer.
  • Revise it as often as necessary.
  • Tailor your resume for specific positions.
  • Remember to only include experience that is relevant to the job.

BE HONEST

  • There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it.
  • No one ever got a job and kept it by lying.

USE A GOOD COVER LETTER

  • Your resume should never travel alone! Always send it with a good cover letter.