Complete Resume Writing Guide

Complete Resume Writing Guide

General Guidelines

Use light colored Resume paper (white, cream etc.). Do not use
     copy paper or paper with patterns. It is likely that your resume
     will be faxed, scanned or copied so avoid using boldface and
     “fancy” fonts that might blur and therefore be unreadable.
     Arial font or Times New Roman (the font in which this guide is
     written) is clear and neat.   DO NOT use fonts such as:
     Florentine, Latin, or Schoolbook bold.

Use a word processor and save your resume on an easily accessible
      disk

Resume should not exceed two pages although one is preferred. Remember, the first page makes the impact.

Place your name at the top of every page of your resume.

Avoid third party and first party jargon (i.e. “I worked as a corporate controller” or “I am a good manager”).

Text placement is crucial. The most important information (employment history) should begin no lower than 1/3 of the way down the page.

Do not include an objective, salary history or salary requirements. This information may limit your opportunities.

Avoid highly personal, or unrelated information that may offend or be prejudged. Do not include marital status, children, height, weight, religious affiliation, etc.

Edit your resume at least four times. Remove unnecessary words and information, accent essential information, and proof read for spelling and correct grammar. Do not rely solely on your software’s spell check function to identify all mistakes.

Making Your Resume Scanner and Electronically Friendly

If there is any chance that your resume is going to be scanned, faxed, e-mailed or copied, it is imperative that you follow the guidelines below. Otherwise, your resume may be unreadable.

Minimize or eliminate underlining and symbols.

Make sure your name is at the very top of the page. It should be the first thing the computer reads.

Determine the key words of your industry and use them in your resume. Most scanners are programmed to look for these types of words.

Include breaks of blank space between each section. Computers have a hard time reading cluttered resumes.

Heading

Center your name in all capital letters and boldface. Follow it with your address and telephone number, also usually centered.

Include work or office number if possible. Keep font size for numbers big enough so that they may be easily read.

Education

Only recent graduates should place Educational Background at the top of the page, otherwise it follows Employment History.

List all colleges including: the dates you attended each one, degree received (if any), major field of study, and any academic honors you have received. Only list GPA if it exceeded 3.7.

List post high school courses and other studies as appropriate.

Military Experience

State branch, last rank, and dates of duty.

List any accomplishments/duties which would be applicable to the business sector.

Employment History (See sample employment history)

Employment History should be chronological starting with your most recent employer. List the dates, including years and months that you were employed. Do not remove or cover-up any date “gaps” in your employment history. It is not unusual in today’s market to have periods of time between jobs. The perception by the potential employer is usually one of honesty and stability.

Include employers name and location as well as a brief description of the Company (What they do, make, sell, size, markets geography, etc.)

State the title of your job, followed by a description and scope of your responsibilities (i.e. # of units, seating capacity, square feet, rooms…. ), geography / location, number / level of people managed, and financial volume/ accountability. Assume that the reader knows nothing about your job. Be specific, and succinct.

If you worked for the same company at different facilities or locations or in different positions, make sure you explain this. Under the name of the company, state the total number of years that you worked for the company, then describe in chronological order (using the years and months) the specific positions that you held.

Use action words when describing your accomplishments. Your accomplishments are what set YOU apart from others in the marketplace. Your list of accomplishments might include: creating a product or service, developing and implementing a new product or service, reducing cost, etc. Use statistical information that is specific and measurable to support your accomplishments. (e.g. Increased revenues 32% and profits 21% over 2 years by expanding services and operating hours to match customers needs while maintaining operating costs.)

Explain any work absences, dual jobs, company name changes etc. However, do not explain your reason for leaving a previous job.

Skills/Awards/Certifications/Memberships

When applicable or valuable: Computer, medical, language, business, educational, sports, non-sectarian awards. Do not include religious, political, ethnic or social affiliations.