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Resume Writing 101

Whether you have several years of work experience or just graduated from high school or college, a resume is always a great way to summarize your work experience for a prospective employer.  Here are some tips and good information to help you write that perfect resume.

1. About the Resume

Definition:
A resume is a summary of those life experiences that are relevant to your work goals.

Basics:
-full name, address, telephone number
-Maximum of 2 pages; 1 preferred
-8 ½ x 11 inch paper, white, off-white, light grey, or beige
-Typed in a simple 10 or 12 point font

Suggestions:
-No personal data (e.g. birthdate)
-Use active verbs to describe your work experience
-You may need to create more than one resume if applying for different kinds of jobs
-Don’t include references on the resume

2. Types of Resumes

Chronological:
Education and work experience should both be listed in reverse chronological order beginning with the most recent experience. Dates of employment are given.

Functional:
-Divides experience into areas of greatest competence, that is, the skills acquired as a result of one’s experiences
-Duties, responsibilities, and skills used in both paid and unpaid employment should be given equal weight
-Skills should be arranged to emphasize the area most relevant to the job you are seeking

Targeted:
-Describes all pertinent experience and education related to the specific position being sought
-Is specific to a particular job and position
-Dates may or may not be included

Mixed:
Utilizes aspects of the functional and chronological resume formats to the greatest advantage of the job seeker

3. Writing Guidelines

1. Keep your resume to 1 page; 2 pages max.
2. Use headings to organize your information and for emphasis.
3. List accomplishments with bullets to increase readability.
4. Quantify information where possible (e.g. dollars budgeted, number of people you supervised).
5. Focus on work and volunteer experience not personal interests.
6. Don’t include personal information like age, marital status, height, etc.
7. Include full name, address, home phone numbers.
8. Use active verbs to describe your work experience.
9. You may need to create more than one resume if applying for different kinds of jobs.
10. Don’t include references on the resume.
11. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
12. Use quality paper for hard copies.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Long paragraphs. Keep information in short phrases.
2. False claims. Be sure your information is factual and does not misrepresent you or your experience.
3. Getting side-tracked. Keep a focus on your experience that is relevant for a job. Don’t try to put too much into a resume.

5. Reminders

1. Your resume is your personal advertisement. Prepare it with care.
2. Sell yourself. Convey your worth to your employer.
3. Don’t sell yourself short. You are selling not only your past experience but your future potential.

Here are additional resources:

• Knock ‘em Dead Resumes: Features the Latest Information on: Online Postings, Email Techniques, and Follow-up Strategies (Resumes That Knock ‘em Dead) by Martin Yate
• Knock ‘em Dead Cover Letters: Features the Latest Information on: Online Postings, Email Techniques, and Follow-up Strategies (Cover Letters That Knock ‘em Dead) by Martin Yate
• Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer (Resume Magic Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer) by Susan Britton Whitcomb
• Best Resumes for College Students And New Grads: Jump-Start Your Career! by Louise M. Kursmark