Resume Writing

Consider it your personal marketing tool. In an era where extravagant media is the norm, a dull resume is a sure-fire way not to get an interview. However, it is important to remember that interesting does not mean flashy.  (Pictures are best left in your photo albums.) 

Heading

Our recommended format for a resume includes the name, address, phone number(s), and e-mail (if appropriate) flush left at the top of the paper.
 

Career Profile 

Don't tell the company what you want (such as a "Career Objective"), tell them what you have done. It is more effective to place a "Career Summary" or "Career Profile" that recaps career highlights and skills. Keep it short - 3 or 4 sentences. The goal is to create a desire to read more. It may be customized to highlight pertinent parts of your career for specific opportunities.  Focus on what you have achieved and not how many years service you have completed. 
 

Body 

This is your place to shine. Start with the name of the position you held, the company you worked for, and the dates at that position.  Our preference is to set up the body using the bullet format. It is much easier to read individual points rather than a paragraph.

Each point should at what was done (the task) and what difference it made (the results). Use action words such as proven, saved, managed, led, developed, designed, implemented, organized, improved, and directed. 

If you prefer, highlight your accomplishments in a separate section under your job responsibilities. You may want to call this section "Accomplishments." Let your prospective company see what a valuable employee you are, but keep in mind that you will be asked to prove these in an interview. 

The education section should be before work experience. Present your highest degree first, including school and the year graduated. Repeat this format for all other degrees.