RESUMES
What is a resume? The word “resume” comes from the French meaning to “summarize.”
Therefore a resume is not an autobiography. Think of a resume as an advertisement
about yourself. Keep in mind that employers generally spend only 20-30 seconds to scan
a resume initially. Therefore, your “ad” must quickly identify for the employer:
Who you are
What you know
What you would like to do
What you have accomplished
What you can offer to an employer
Basically, there are two types of resumes: CHRONOLOGICAL and FUNCTIONAL.
The chronological resume is the easiest to prepare, and is also the most widely used. In
this style, you identify information in reverse chronological order, with the most recent
events listed first under each heading.
The functional resume requires more time and thought to construct in that it focuses on
skills, aptitudes, and related accomplishments. The functional style de-emphasizes
chronological listings. Instead, your abilities or competencies are organized into
categories that tell employers what you are able to do for them. This style resume is well
suited for someone with considerable work experience.
ITEMS THAT APPEAR ON RESUMES
Most resumes will contain the following items:
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION: Do not put the word “resume” on your document.
Begin with identifying information in capitals and/or boldface type. This should include
your name, present address and telephone number (including zip code and area code). If
your school address is different from your home/permanent address, be sure to list both.
You should also include an e-mail address. Be careful that your username is professional
vs. something like “Big Daddy” or “Foxy Mama.”
OBJECTIVE: Opinions vary on whether you should include an objective on your
resume. We suggest that you do include it but you should follow certain guidelines. Be
specific and be brief. If you have multiple career interests you should have more than
one resume with each one having a different objective.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Beginning with your most recent college degree,
work backward. Be certain to include your major(s), minor(s), date of graduation, and
the name of your school. If your GPA is 3.0 or above (either cumulative or in your
major) you should include it here. Specify, however, if the GPA is your overall or in
your major only. If you have financed your college education, indicate the percentage of
the school expenses you have earned.
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE: Beginning with your most recent job, work backward.
Include any kind of summer employment, part-time employment during the school year,
work-study, internships, etc. In describing your experiences, consider what you
achieved. Did you set any records? Did you supervise or train others? Use facts and
numbers to quantify your achievements. Avoid “responsible for,” and use action verbs
instead. Each job listed should include the full name of the employer, the location (city
and state), the employment dates, job title, and a description of your responsibilities.
SKILLS: Be sure to list the computer software you know along with any other pertinent
skills.
MILITARY SERVICE: If you have served in the military, identify the branch and the
span of time spent in the service. Give a brief statement of your assignment, any medals
received, any special training or skills you have acquired, and your rank.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Identify the organizations to which you belong.
You should indicate if you have held any leadership positions (held offices, served on
committees, etc.) Highlight any activities closely related to your career goals. If you
have been extremely active, select the more impressive accomplishments.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Include any volunteer work you have done.
HONORS/AWARDS: If you have any academic accomplishments (scholarships, Dean’s
List, etc.) or any other relevant awards, list them here.
HOBBIES/INTERESTS: If you have enough space, you may want to identify some of
your personal interests, especially if you have any unique hobbies or ones that may
pertain to your career goals. This category is optional.
REFERENCES: Should not be listed on your resume, but should be listed on a separate
sheet. There is no need to put “References Available Upon Request” on your resume.
CONSTRUCTION AND LAYOUT OF TRADITIONAL RESUME
Remember that attractive advertisements capture the most attention. To impress an
employer your “ad” must first of all look good.
LENGTH: Your resume should be only one page in length.
FORMAT: Make your resume visually attractive by using proper spacing and margins.
You may want to underline, capitalize, or use bold-faced type for key headings, job titles,
etc. You should have a one-inch margin around your resume. We suggest that you do
not use the Microsoft “Resume Wizard” template, because it is difficult to change or add
information. You may find it easier to use Microsoft Word to process your resume.
PAPER: Use standard 8 ½ x11 paper in white, off-white, ivory, light gray, or light tan
color. Select quality bond paper of at least 20 pound weight.
WRITING TIPS: Omit all personal pronouns. Avoid wordiness. Spell out the months
when giving dates. Use the past tense to describe a previous job and the present tense for
your current position. Make sure your resume has no typographical or grammatical
errors. Have at least one other person proofread it for you.
ELECTRONIC RESUMES
Just like a conventional resume the electronic resume provides a record of your
occupational credentials and experience. However, an electronic resume is especially
designed to be read by a computer, stored in a computerized database or “job bank.” It
then is extracted and forwarded to a prospective employer.
The biggest difference is that unlike humans, a computer cannot make judgments or read
between the lines. It cannot assume something on your behalf, so either your resume is
printed in a way the computer can understand or it is not. The real key to communicating
with a computer is to express your credentials in clear, unadorned, straightforward
language that conveys exactly what you mean.
RESUME FORMAT
Most electronic job banks and employers with computerized applicant tracking systems
use scanners and optical character recognition software to transfer resumes into their
databases. The best way to ensure that a scanner will accept your resume is to prepare it
in a format that is easy for a scanner to read. Check an employer’s homepage to see if
they provide specific format requirements. The following techniques are generally
recommended:
Major section titles should be capitalized and set off in boldface lettering.
Never fold or staple.
Use white paper 8 ½ x11.
Do not use graphics, italics, script, shading, underlining, or boxes.
Use 10-14 point font with standard typeface.
SUGGESTIONS AND EXAMPLES
Avoid ambiguous phrases and vague word choices:
Vague:
Preferred:
Coast.”
“Responsible for project organization”
“Organized series of projects for marketing new line of software on West
Use active verbs and concrete, detailed language to describe your experience:
Passive:
Preferred:
“Experience with blueprints”
“Drafted electronic blueprints”
Use industry jargon and detailed technical terms if employers use them to describe job
requirements:
General:
Preferred:
“Researched student motivation”
“Research effects of positive nexus on student motivation.”
State quantitative terms and measurable results:
Unquantitative:
“Trained in handling nuclear materials”
Preferred:
“100 hours training in handling of nuclear materials”
Your correct employment of “key words” on your resume could make all the difference
in whether or not your resume is considered for closer review. Job computers are
programmed to search for “key words” that define the requisites of a particular job. For
an accountant they might include BS-Accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable,
payroll, etc. If your scanned resume does not contain these words, the computer passes it
by, and you are out of the running.
The more key words you have in your resume, the better chance you will have at getting
an employer’s attention.