Resume tips
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A well-written resume and cover letter is essential for every job. Check out the following tips before finalizing your new resume.
- Appropriate length – 1-2 pages should be fine for most resumes – but don’t cut yourself down to one page if your career warrants two; and don’t stretch out a 5 year career into two pages just to look more experienced.
- Ask for help! Have mentors, friends or family read your resume. Choose someone who is detailed.
- Avoid personal pronouns and articles (do not use “I” or “me” or “my”).
- Be concise.
- Be honest.
- Be positive. Never include anything negative on your resume.
- Begin sentences with action verbs.
- Contact information should be accurate, current and complete – include your home & cell, address and e-mail. It should be easy for potential employers to reach you.
- Delete needless items.
- Explain what you have done and what you have accomplished (specifics), instead of duties.
- Final product should be grammatically perfect, with absolutely no typos, and no grammatical errors.
- Include a cover letter.
- Include a summary section – relevant skills and competencies.
- Include a well written objective.
- Include action verbs.
- Include keywords throughout the resume. Study the jobs you are interested in, and use relevant keywords from these job postings.
- List only interests that apply to the job. Do not list irrelevant information.
- Make sure that it is visually attractive – simple, easy to read, 1-2 fonts, not too busy.
- Proofread your resume! Proofread it again!
- Quantify your experience – use numbers that demonstrate progress or accomplishments.
- Show the specific employer why you are a fit for this position – not a one-size-fits-all resume
- Stick with plain, white paper and use a laser printer.
- Use titles that match the jobs you want.
