Resources

Resumes

SAMPLE #1

SAMPLE #2

SAMPLE #3

SAMPLE #4

1. There is no absolute right format. This is your personal work, so create a résumé that represents you well and that you like. However, be sure that you follow basic guidelines:
   • Make sure your résumé says the most about you in the fewest number of words (one page is recommended for Bachelor’s level students, but there are some exceptions, e.g. more than ten years of employment experience).
   • Be consistent with your format! Margins, bolding, capitalization, style must be consistent.
   • Proofread for typing and spelling accuracy.
2. Only items leading directly to setting up an interview should be included. Salary requirements, supervisor’s names, abbreviations, clichés, reasons for leaving jobs, personal opinions and personal information such as height, weight, age, marital status, etc. should be excluded.
   • Required Categories: (Heading) Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address; (Body) Education, Experience (Work and/or Activities).
   • Optional Categories: (Body) Objective, Relevant Coursework, Honors & Awards, Activities, Credentials, Skills, Computer Skills, Publications or Presentations, Professional Affiliations, and Other.
3. Both the résumé and cover letter should be examples of your best work! Maintain a positive tone by excluding negative aspects of your experience.
4. Use a computer! Choose a conservative font such as Helvetica, Times, Courier, Geneva, New York, Palatino, or a sans serif font no smaller than 10 and no larger than 14. Include as much "white space" as possible for easier scanning by the employer.
5. Make your résumé look professional. Use only a laser printer on good quality bond paper. Use white, off white, or a light blue or gray, 81/2" X 11" bond paper. (Remember that your potential employer may photocopy your résumé, so be sure that the paper is not too dark or "blotchy" to photocopy well!).
6. Be specific with dates, job titles, employers, interests, and accomplishments. Be complete and descriptive without being too long. Always be completely accurate and truthful!
7. Use what is called telegraphic style. Omit all personal pronouns (I, we, they, you, etc.) Use incomplete sentences in list form (no paragraphs!) without punctuation.
8. Use results oriented, "action verbs" in describing your experience. Words such as administered, coordinated, developed, created, implemented, managed, and prepared are keys in telling employers what you have accomplished. Use past tense unless you are describing a job you are currently doing (in which case present tense or past tense is acceptable). Career Planning & Development has additional recommendations for action verbs.

Never made a résumé? Don't know where to begin? Then use this RÉSUMÉ WORKSHEET to help you get started...