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Build Your Best Resume

A resume is a written summary introducing you and your accomplishments, abilities, skills, qualifications and experience to a potential employer. To properly manage your career today, you need a resume or resumes that will work for you in a variety of ways.

Resume tips

• Keep your resume simple and straightforward.
• Do not write in paragraphs.
• Be honest.
• Avoid artwork or pictures (unless you are an artist, model or actor).
• Don't list personal references.
• Use bullets for lists.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar.
• Use standard 8.5" by 11" quality, white paper.
• Avoid fancy fonts.
• Insert targeted keywords.
• Check for accuracy.
• Do not use abbreviations.
• Sell yourself (but don't exaggerate).
• Showcase your job accomplishments and results.
• Quantify your experience and success (use numbers when possible).
• Stick with common resume sections.

Resume Structure

1. Identifying Information

• Place your name, address, phone number and email address at the top of each page.
• Make sure you provide a telephone number where you can be reached or a message can be left.

2. Objective

• An objective focuses the resume and communicates the position you are seeking.
• Be broad enough to merit consideration for related jobs.
• Be specific enough to show employers a focused goal.
• Define your functional area of interest.
• Identify the type, size and scope of the organization you want to work for.
• Describe the level of position you seek.

3. Experience

• List each position held in reverse chronological order.
• Include the company name, city, state, a brief description of the firm, dates worked, title, position and key accomplishments.
• Record past work experiences in terms of transferable skills.
• Begin each descriptive phrase with an action verb (e.g. managed, achieved, etc.).
• Make sure the work history section is relevant to your objective.

4. Education

• List education and degrees in reverse chronological order.
• Provide the name and location of institutions as well as academic major.
• Note honorary societies, academic honors and graduation with distinction.
• Relevant coursework may be included for recent graduates.
• Research and/or publications are listed for applicants with a Master's and/or Ph.D. degree.

5. Activities and Accomplishments

• Reveals how you spend your spare time.
• Provides insight into your involvement and participation with individuals and groups.
• Include hobbies, activities and membership in organizations, especially where you hold a leadership role.

Outline
Identifying Information
Name
Address
City, Province, Zip
(Area Code) Home Phone
(Area Code) School/Work Phone
Email address
Fax

Keywords Objective/Career Summary Experience
Company Name
City, State
Dates Employed
Name of Supervisor (May be required on a job application)
Brief Description of Company
Title
Brief Description of your Responsibilities
(Key Accomplishment)
(Key Accomplishment) Education (place before Experience for new graduates only) Activities and Accomplishments