This brief
guide offers you the most basic principles
of writing an effective resume. The resume
is a tool with one specific purpose: to
inspire the prospective employer to pick up
the phone and ask you to come in for an
interview. Other possible reasons for having
a resume: to pass the employer's screening
process (requisite educational level, number
years' experience, etc.), give basic facts
which might favorably influence the employer
that you are a candidate of choice and to
provide basic contact information.
It is a mistake to think of your resume as a
history of your past, as a personal
statement or as some sort of
self-expression. Although most of the
content of any resume is focused on your job
history, write it from the intention to
create interest. If you write with that
goal, your final product will be very
different than if you write to inform or
catalog your job history.
RESUME FORMAT (see sample resume below)
OBJECTIVE:
The objective should state your intended
position. Be sure the objective is to the
point. Do not use "fluffy" phrases that are
obvious or do not mean anything, such as:
"allowing the ability to enhance potential
and utilize experience in new challenges."
An objective may be broad and still somewhat
undefined in some cases, such as: "a
mid-level management position in the
hospitality or entertainment industry."
Remember, your resume will only get a few
seconds attention, at best!
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
The summary of qualifications consists of
several concise statements that focus the
reader's attention on the most important
qualities, achievements and abilities you
have to offer. Those qualities should be a
demonstration of why they should hire you
instead of the other candidates. The summary
is the one place to include professional
characteristics (extremely energetic, a gift
for solving complex problems in a fast-paced
environment, a natural salesman, exceptional
interpersonal skills, committed to
excellence, etc.) that may be helpful in
gaining an interview.
EXPERIENCE:
List jobs in reverse chronological order.
Don't go into detail on the jobs early in
your career; focus on the most recent and/or
relevant jobs (summarize a number of the
earliest jobs in one line or very short
paragraph). Be consistent in the format that
the jobs are listed and include
all-important information.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
List education in reverse chronological
order, degrees or licenses first, followed
by certificates and advanced training. Set
degrees apart so they are easily seen. Don't
include any details about college except
major and awards, unless you are still in
college or just recently graduated. Do
include advanced training, but be selective
and summarize the information.
No degree received yet? If you are working
on an uncompleted degree, include the degree
and, afterwards in parentheses, the expected
date of completion (expected 200x).
Sample
Resume
John Doe
111 Smith Street
Anytown, NH 00000
603-555-1212
OBJECTIVE:
A full-time sales position which provides
the opportunity for commission earnings in
excess of $60K.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
Extremely energetic and natural salesman,
with exceptional interpersonal skills and
proven sales record.
EXPERIENCE:
1999 to Present Salesman, Extreme Auto
Sales, Reliable, NH Duties include:
1995 to 1999, Salesman, Energy City,
Utility, NY Duties included:
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Graduate, Anytown High School, Anytown, New
York
REFERENCES:
Will be provided upon request.
GUIDELINES
Let's review a few critical points that
should be followed prior to distribution of
your resume. The first impression of a
resume is most important; it should be
visually appealing, and inviting to the
reader. Absolutely no errors - no
typographical errors, no spelling errors, no
grammar, syntax, or punctuation errors, no
errors of fact.
All the basic, expected information is
included. A resume must have the following
key information: your name, address, and
phone number, (immediately identifiable and
at the top of the first page), a listing of
all jobs held since beginning your career,
in reverse chronological order, educational
degrees including the highest degree
received, in reverse chronological order.
Jobs listed should include a title, the name
of the firm, the city and state of the firm,
and the dates worked. Jobs earlier in a
career can be summarized, or omitted if
prior to the highest degree, and extra
part-time jobs can be omitted.
Writing that is concise and to the point.
Keep sentences as short and direct as
possible. Eliminate any extraneous
information and any repetitions. Don't use
three examples when one will suffice. Say
what you want to say in the most direct
words possible, rather than trying to
impress with bigger words or more complex
sentences.
Production.
Use a laser or other printer that produces
high quality results. If you do not have
access to a computer, use a standard
typewriter. It should look typeset in a
standard conservative 12-point font. Use
off-white, cream or other pale colored paper
of the highest affordable quality, 8 1/2 X
11 inches.
Length.
One page is best if you can fit the
necessary information in but still have a
readable, visually appealing resume with an
effective use of white space.
Telephone numbers.
Be sure a person or an answering machine
will, without exception, answer the
telephone number on the resume Monday
through Friday 8-5 pm. You do not want to
miss an interview merely because there was
no answer to your phone, and the caller gave
up. If you don't have an answering machine,
get one. Include e-mail and fax numbers, if
you have them.
Take the time to review your resume, using
the guidelines above. Print it, double check
for content and accuracy and then have
someone else do it as well. Remember, first
impressions do count!
REFERENCES:
This does not need to be included. A
reference list can be done as a separate
sheet and brought to an interview.