Resume Center
The Right Resume
Your resume provides a snapshot of who you are to a potential employer. Along with your cover letter, it is their first impression of you. In a competitive job market, it must stand out. To ensure you have the right resume, let's start at the top. Here's what your resume should include:
Include Pertinent Contact Information
- Resumes should start with your full name, address, phone number(s), and e-mail address (if you have one).
- You should always use a font size of 10-12 for your text. Choose an easy-to-read font style such as Arial or Times New Roman.
- Microsoft Word offers resume templates. To access, go to ,"file," and click on ,"new.," Then you will see a series of tabs. Click under ,"templates.," You will see several different templates listed. Open the one that you prefer and fill in your personal information.
Highlight Your Skills With a Functional Resume
- The functional resume focuses on acquired skills and accomplishments, rather than just straight work history. This is the best route to go for the mature worker with many skill sets.
List Your Experience and Accomplishments
- Start by listing the skill that best satisfies the job listing. Cite three of four examples of skills usage, with the successful outcomes. You do not need to list your skills in chronological order of jobs, but rather your strongest skills.
- Be concise - use short, bulleted phrases (complete sentences are not necessary). State your achievements and accomplishment not just duties.
- Use action verbs and industry keywords to enhance the body of your resume.
Catalogue Your Education
- List your highest degree first. Leave out your high school degree if you have a college degree. Academic honors should be listed, but degree dates are not important.
"Red Flags" to Avoid in Your Resume
Employers who review cover letters and resumes are trained to look for certain ,"red flags.," Depending on the employer, these ,"red flags," might disqualify you immediately from the hiring process. Other employers may just make a mental note of their concerns and address them with you in the interview. Either way, the fewer ,"red flags," on your cover letter and resume, the better the chance you have of landing your perfect opportunity.
How to Avoid Resume "Red Flags"
- Overall messy appearance. Make sure your resume is typed on resume-quality paper (or formatted correctly for an online application) and proofread carefully.
- Spelling errors. Use spell check and have a friend proofread.
- Grammatical errors. Use grammar check and have a friend proofread.
- Too much information, keep resume to a maximum of two pages.
- Outdated skills listed. Avoid listing skills that date your resume. For example, listing ,"typewriter proficiency," would not be appropriate unless it is pertinent to the job opportunity.