Resume Words of Advice
- Organize your data. To avoid forgetting something, collect all the information you might want on a resume before you begin writing the resume.
- Be brief. Try to keep your resume to one page and never go to more than two. Put your name on the second page in case the pages get separated.
- Be positive. Use active verbs to describe previous jobs, experiences, and education. Focus on accomplishments. Identify specific achievements. Show confidence, but do not claim more than is true.
- Use keywords. Employers will sometimes scan resumes for keywords. Usually keywords come from the job description so use as many words from the job description in your resume as you can.
- Make it easy to read. Use variety and spacing to make your resume interesting and readable. Use capitalization, underlining, bold type, or italics for emphasis. Bullets or different size type can highlight information.
- Be accurate. Check for typos, misspellings, and grammar or punctuation errors. Be consistent in the formats you use for spacing and punctuation.
- Have another person proofread your resume.
- Don't make it hard for an employer to reach you. Include phone numbers and e-mail addresses. If you use voice mail, remember that potential employers are hearing the greeting. Funny greetings, long musical recordings, or your child's giggling may make a poor first impression on an employer.
- Whatever method you use, remember it is YOUR responsibility to check for and respond to messages.
