Résumés

What to Give Employers in a Résumé

“The 10 second scan”

Neatness

comfortable margin

white space

Fresh-looking

easy to read

Organization

spacing

consistency in type of headings and font

length

aligned left or centered

Professional Image

laser printed

standard sized paper

quality paper

ERROR FREE

Elements of a Good Résumé

Heading

Organize your résumé so your name is noticed first.  Lines, graphics, and fonts can be used effectively.  However, they need to lead the eye to your name not away from it.  Your address should be in a smaller font than your name.  If you have two addresses balance them on the page.  Include your phone number and a professional email address if you have one.  DO NOT INCLUDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS THAT IS UNPROFESSIONAL!!!

Objective

Tell the employer the position in which you are interested.  Say it well and simply.  Your objective is to be hired for the open position. Sending a résumé without an objective tells the employer you don’t know for which job you are applying.

Education

List your degree first.  Write it in full with the date you received it.   Below the degree, write the institution which granted the degree. If you attended more that one institution, list them in chronological order with the most recent degree being at the top.  If you have received additional training such as workshops which are pertinent to the position, list those under the colleges in chronological order.

Certification (optional)

List any certification you have under this section and the month and year you received it.  

Skills – Accomplishments –Capabilities (optional)

This section can be used to reflect your abilities.  This is where you would list such skills as computer knowledge, problem solving, etc. 

Professional Experience

Work Experience

List work experience by positions and company or organization chronologically - most recent to least recent.  List (bullet) a few responsibilities under each position again using action words and focusing on outcomes or accomplishments when possible. Sometimes, volunteer activities fit here nicely, i.e. Little League Baseball Coach, volunteer firefighter, or other regular committed volunteer position.

Honors and Recognition

List special honors, awards, or recognition that you have received.  Include the title or type of honor or recognition and the date.

Professional Memberships (optional)

This is just a listing of the organizations to which you belong.  If you have held an office in the organization, then provide that information also.

References

List your references by name, title/position, address, and phone number.  Always consult your references before using their name. 

Double Check

advised               collected                   established              motivated                   published
arranged            conducted                 expanded                orchestrated              recorded
assumed             coordinated              gathered                 organized                    reduced
analyzed             created                     handled                   oversaw                       referred
assembled           designed                    implemented           performed                   represented
communicated    determined               improved                 planned                        researched
complied              developed                 interviewed            prepared                      reviewed
completed            directed                   introduced             presented                    suggested
contacted           distributed               maintained             produced                      supervised
counseled            documented              managed                programmed                 taught

CRITIQUE YOUR RÉSUMÉ

Use this résumé checklist and critique form to evaluate your own résumé.

                                                  Strong    Average     Weak     Improve