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Resume Guidelines and Examples

Quick Resume Tips

 

Do...

  1. Be brief and to the point (1-2 pages).
  2. Target your field and the job to which you are applying.
  3. Highlight your strengths.
  4. Include necessary information (from job description).
  5. Consider adding a "Professional Summary" to begin your resume.
  6. Use the format that fits you best.
  7. Have someone proofread your resume.
  8. Choose quality paper and printing.
  9. Contact the employer about specific resume requirements.
  10. Send a cover letter with your resume.

Do Not...

  1. Waste space.
  2. Understate your abilities.
  3. Forget volunteer, cooperative education, military or other relevant experiences.
  4. Use vague, passive or negative language.
  5. Include irrelevant information, (for example: courses or activities that do not relate to your job goal).
  6. List references on your resume.
  7. Use personal pronouns.
  8. Describe previous pay, reasons for leaving a job, etc.
  9. Forget to check grammar and spelling.
  10. Send your resume without a cover letter. 

A resume is a brief professional summary used to screen applicants for an interview.  The goal of your resume is to get the interview.  The most effective resumes are customized, matching the job seeker's strengths with the particular requirements of the specific job or type of job.  It is an advertisement of the applicant's strengths and skills.  It is also a sample of the applicant's work.  There are three basic resume formats.

Formats

Functional:

Describes skills and accomplishments. Emphasizes what and how. Used when changing careers. See an example of a functional resume.

Chronological:

Describes education, experience and activities in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Emphasizes where and when. Should only be used if applicant has related work experience. See an example of a chronological resume.

Combination:

Combines both formats above. Describes education, experience, activities and skills. See an example of a combination resume [pdf].

For resume assistance, schedule an appointment with the Career Services Coordinator by calling CAP Services at 541-383-7200.