Page 1 of  2

Writing style should be straightforward and to the point.

• A one-page resume is ideal. The maximum, length should be two pages.

• Name should be in large point size to stand out (14 or 16pt. is best).  Address should not be in same size and font as name (so as not to hide it).

• Consider a thin tool bar under the name/address to visually separate it from rest of resume.

• To be used if you are seeking a VERY SPECIFIC position (with a specific title) and are willing to be screened out of positions that aren't in that specific field.

• Avoid generic objectives (i.e. "Seeking a position that will utilize my skills and provide an opportunity for growth.")

• Preferable to use "SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS" that highlights specific skills or attributes.

Experience Section - Resumes are important but it is always the right experience that gets you in the door for the interview.

• Highlight no more than 10 years work history (otherwise it can be used as age discrimination).

• Go from most recent to least recent experience. Chronological formats are the best.

• If position went temp-to-perm, include temp assignment as part of full-time position, but make a note referencing temp assignment at bottom of job description.

• If you had more than one position in a job, list the company name ONE TIME and all the job titles with their descriptions underneath.

• Emphasize good tenure by combining total experience in a company with one date (employers are not as concerned with how long you were in each job; rather, how long you were in the company.)

• Cover the following:

            * Company name & City/State

            * Title

            * Job Description

            * Dates of Employment

• Bullets are preferred because of legibility; it streamlines the resume. Describe responsibilities and accomplishments.

• Paragraphs should be used when you have a lot of information to cover and want to keep the length of the whole resume down.

• Include everything (any college - including expected graduation, if currently enrolled; high school; technical training).

• If you include coursework, make sure it is relevant to the type of job you we seeking.

Personal information/extracurricular activities

• Volunteer work is usually regarded favorably Be careful to include only that experience which you are comfortable elaborating on in an interview. Be cautious of any controversial topics.

• You may include hobbies, but only if there is extra room

• KEEP IT SIMPLE! Make it easy for the employer to read.

• BE ORGANIZED! Streamline the layout

• BE CONSISTENT! With verbs, tenses, font sizes, placement of headings, alignment

• PROOFREAD! No typos ... I mean none!!

COMPANY NAME

• Job duties... Overall dates of employment

• Job duties...
• Job duties...

                                                                                                     Page 2 of  2

• Do your homework - In addition to a job description, request some company literature in advance. Check out their website. Your confidence will be boosted. Formulate questions based on the information you gather.

• Appearance - Inquire about the dress. For casual, go business casual. For business formal, go conservative.

• Promptness - Be ten to fifteen minutes early for the interview. This way if the receptionist takes five minutes to call the manager you won't appear late. It also gives you some time to gather your thoughts in the lobby.

• Take Notes - Taking notes shows that you are serious and organized, especially if you have a few questions already written down.

• Go With the Flow - Different people have different interviewing styles. Whether it's structured or conversational, don't let that throw you off. Be more concerned with the content" and let the interviewer set the pace.

• Listen Well - Never interrupt the interviewer. Listen to everything they have to say, especially their questions. Nothing looks worse than a candidate that thinks they know what you're asking and jumps in, and is completely off base.

• Good Questions Go Further Than Statements - Anyone can say they can do the job, but when a candidate asks the right questions about the job, you know they've tackled the right issues before.

• Closure on Every Interview - At the end of every interview, thank each interviewer for their time. Make sure that you ask the hiring manager or senior interviewer what the next step is.

• If You Want The Job: Tell Someone! - At the end of any interview, if you know you're interested in the opportunity make sure you vocalize it. Initiative and enthusiasm go a long way!

• Never Ever Say You Don't Want The Job - Even if you think it's not the right job for you, always leave interviews on a positive note. Say something like "You have an interesting company and opportunity - I'll be in touch". You can forget about changing your mind or being considered for the right job if you plant negative seeds.

Powered by