Helpful Resume Tips

A resume is the key to selling yourself to a potential employer. Consequently, you should take the time to prepare a resume that will be a professional presentation of your qualifications.

Content

• Write job descriptions as completely as space allows.
  
• Include the total number of years experience.
  
• Because position titles do not always reflect job duties, describe your responsibilities and achievements.
  
• Include only necessary personal information.
  
• Try to ensure that dates are correct and account for any gaps in time.
  
• If you have been employed in a contract setting, state "under contract to" in your resume
  
• Include your name and page number on each page of a multiple page resume
  
• Because your resume reflects yourself and its effectiveness has long-lasting implications, get someone to proof read the document.

Paper

• If you wish to use better quality paper, we suggest white bond paper, colored paper does not accurately scan
  
• Use standard 8-1/2" X 11" paper.
  

Shortening a Lengthy Resume

• While text-free space is needed in a resume, there is balance between text-free space and excessively long resumes. Hence, here are some tips to shorten a lengthy resume:
  
• Use narrower margins.
  
• Don't use excessively large font sizes.
  
• Use point form whenever possible. This also allows employers to assess your qualifications faster
  
• Eliminate extra spaces between lines (except between job assignments).
  
• Keep job descriptions to 3-5 sentences (especially for older positions).