Remember, the employer will only give the resume a brief 15-20 second scan. It is important to catch their eye and key in on the employer's needs. Ideally, all resumes should target a specific position and focus the information around the job description.
CAREFUL PREPARATION CAN BE A BIG STEP TO A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH
The Successful Resume
- Name, full address, (area code) phone number
and e-mail address
Enter this information at the top of the page. - Job Objective
Choose your occupation, and if you have no experience, state that you are "seeking an entry level position as a ______." The objective is not necessary for part-time or temporary positions. - Education
Start with last degree, certification, or diploma, and give date of completion (or projected date if you will be degreed the following graduation date), and the name of the school, including city/state. If you are a college graduate, you do not have to list your high school. Your academic achievement awards and activities can be included at the end of this section. - Skills and Abilities
Be concise and give brief explanation of what you have achieved and how. Include relevant course work and computer skills. - Work Experience
Begin with most recent employer. (Part-time/temporary/volunteer work can be placed in this section.) Be sure to stress skills and abilities. If you have no work experience, enhance the skills section. - Military Experience
Military experience should be separate and should include duty dates, rank achieved, security clearance (when applicable), type of discharge, duty stations, residence in foreign countries, special decorations, and specialty schools. - References
A new trend in resume construction is NOT to inculde the reference componets. However, you must have a reference sheet to provide information when requested. (Put your name on reference sheet in the left hand corner.) Be sure you have checked with your references for permission to use them.
More Tips
Employers prefer resumes that use action words to emphasize your skills and talents. This type of resume is excellent for the college student, new graduate, or any person changing career fields or needing an entry-level position.
Do:
- use quality white or bond paper
- keep sentences short
- confine to one page
- proofread carefully (have several others proofread as well)
- retype if finished product is messy or in poor form
- put name on second page when needed
- abbreviations
- personal data (weight, height, DOB, pictures, etc...)
- social security number
- personal pronouns (I, we)
- experience over 10 years old - de-emphasize (a brief paragraph will do and only if the information is relevant)
Pick up the Job Search Essentials, The Job Hunting Handbook and Planning Job Choices® Magazine at the Career Planning & Placement Office for more useful information on resumes including examples. In addition, you can get professional assistance with the preparation or review of your resume.
Collegegrad.com
Additional Online Advice About Resume Writing
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