Resume Writing Tips

Your resume is the first impression an employer will have of you – make it count!  Here are some tips for writing a great resume:

Do proofread your resume carefully. 
Grammatical errors, misspellings, and typos indicate a lack of attention to detail.

Don’t overdo it. 
Your resume should be no longer than a page-and-a-half.

Do be specific about your accomplishments. 

Employers don’t want a list of job duties, they want to know what you’ve accomplished in
your activities.

Don’t use colored paper. 
Many companies will photocopy your resume, and dark or textured paper does not
reproduce well.  Stick to white or cream-colored paper.

Do be original. 
Hiring managers view hundreds of resumes every day.  If you want yours to stand out,
don’t use the same format or template as everyone else.

Don’t use clichés or buzzwords. 
Employers encounter countless “self-motivated” “team    players”.  Terms like these have become generic and trite– remember that there is more than one way to describe your experience.

Do omit irrelevant details. 
Only include what is directly relevant to the job for which you are applying.  Your
prospective employer probably doesn’t care that you won a spelling bee in eighth grade
or that you worked as a lifeguard when you were 16.

Don’t lie. 
Moral implications aside, chances are you will eventually be found out and lose all credibility.

Do be gender specific. 
If you have a gender-neutral name, you may want to indicate gender by using Ms. or Mr. 

Don’t exclude your job objective. 
Describing your career goals clearly and concisely shows that you are focused and have a sense of direction.

Don’t be overly specific in your job objective. 
Including a specific job title may result in you not being considered for a number of
positions for which you are qualified.