Resume Writing Tips

BASIC RULES OF WRITING RESUME

1. Be relevant:

a. Select information that supports your job objective and enhances your qualifications in the mind of the reader.

2. Be brief:

a. Your resume may get as little as 15- 30 seconds consideration. Limit it to 1 (not more than 2) page(s).

b. Be sure that essential information is readily noticeable.

3. Be consistent in layout and writing style:

a. Stylistic techniques (e.g., underlining, bolding, bullets, columns, indenting, italics) can be used effectively.

b. If you choose to boldface a job title, boldface all job titles.

4. Highlighting information:

a. Be aware that information that is HIGHLIGHTED within each position gets extra attention.

b. Quantify your career accomplishments to employers. For example: quota attainment, presidents club, marquee wins all should

stand out under each position.

5. Avoid pronouns and certain phrases/Use of verb tenses :

a. Avoid first person pronouns (e.g., “I”, “me”, “my”). You are writing the resume and it is about you, no need for any of these.

b. Avoid phrases such as “duties included.…” and “responsible for…”.

c. Current position should be written in present tense; previous positions in past tense.

6. Emphasize your skills:

a. Use action verb phrases (e.g., “organized a promotional campaign” or “developed and taught in-service courses”).

7. Be conscious of image:

a. Remember that your resume and cover letter are often your first contacts with a prospective employer.

b. Resumes should be visually appealing with no typos or grammatical errors.

c. Generally, font sizes between 10 and 12 are appropriate.

d. Resumes should be laser printed on bond paper, white or off-white.

FORMAT

Choice of format depends on personal preference, career goals, and nature of past experience. There are two main formats (and many variations):

Chronological

             A categorical listing of information presented in reverse order of occurrence. (most commonly used format; the most familiar to employers.)

            A good format for demonstrating a steady employment/education history relevant to your career objective.

Functional

            A format that emphasizes capabilities, skill levels, and accomplishments rather than job titles or time spent at various jobs.

            This format is effective if you want to highlight marketable skills, are changing fields, reentering after an absence from the job market, or emphasizing specific skills and functions related to your career direction.

                    NOTE: If you believe that this format may be the most effective one for you include a brief list of employers, job titles, and dates after your skills and functions breakdown.