Résumé Dos & Don’ts

 

Important Dos

• Make it attractive to the eye as well as designed for easy scanning – it must pass the “30 second review test” – Keep it BRIEF!
• Use action phrases rather than complete sentences or paragraphs – stress accomplishments - use action verbs and industry buzz words.
• Develop and maintain a consistent and orderly presentation throughout your resume.

• Make certain your resume is well-spaced. Include "white space" in design.
• Check spelling, punctuation and grammar and have it critiqued and proofread – by the placement officer, and at least two other people.
• Select good quality white – or very lightly colored paper for mailed or hand-out copies.
• Reproduce on a word processor with letter-quality printer.
• State an employer-centered "Objective" and/or "Summary of Qualifications".  
• For traditional college students do keep your resume to 1 page                              

Important Don'ts:

• Type "Résumé" above your name.
• Use personal pronouns such as "I" or "my."
• Include personal date (i.e., Height, weight, health status, date of birth) or a photograph.
• Number the pages of your resume.

• Use abbreviations (except in the cases of Grade Point Average-GPA, and state names).
•  List previous salaries, supervisors, or reasons for leaving.
• Use brightly colored paper.

Always Include:

• Name, address, phone number and e-mail – include both college and home information.  No other personal information is needed.
• Education - list name of college, city and state; degree and actual or expected graduation date; major and special emphasis (i.e., Computer information systems, networking); GPA, Dean's List, etc.  Consider a Relevant Coursework section, if you do not have any or very little relevant work experience.
• Professional/work experience - list relevant jobs both full-time and part-time, volunteer work or other experience.  You can also include involvement in clubs/organizations, offices or chair positions you have held.
• Other sections – these sections are for additional information that reflects your accomplishments, activities and associations. Categories for this area might be volunteer activities, community involvement, awards/honors, professional associations, relevant coursework, etc.
• Skills section: Include Computer, language, culinary, etc. skills that the employer may be looking for.