Resume Tips

- Keep it simple!  Use an easy to read font (11 or 12 point Calibri or Times New Roman).

- Your resume should be visually appealing, but do not include pictures, borders, or colored fonts unless you are in a creative field.  Make sure your resume is not cramped and has equal spacing throughout.

- Bold your name and make it a bit larger than the rest of the writing so it stands out.

- If you have a gender neutral name (Jessie, Alex, Taylor, etc.) list your name with Mr. or Ms. so employers can address you properly.

- Use bullet points as they are much easier to read than paragraphs.

- Listing an objective at the top of the resume is helpful because you can tailor it to the specific position you are applying for.

- List your skills at the top of the resume (Microsoft word, Excel, QuickBooks, etc.).

- Do not include high school experience (jobs, clubs) unless you are currently in high school, have graduated from high school within 2 years, or the information/experience is relevant to the position.

- Do not list your GPA if it is below a 3.0/4.0.  If your major GPA is higher than your cumulative GPA, list that instead.

- Use numbers to support your information (ex: the percentage or dollar amount of money you were able to save the company).

- Do not include irrelevant information (hobbies: video games, Facebook) unless it is significant to the position to which you are applying.

- Be sure to include up to date contact information (phone, email, mailing address).

- If you do not have an e-mail address, make one.

- Do not include personal information such as age, marital status, political affiliation, religion, what kind of car you drive, etc.  Employers are not allowed to discriminate against this type of information, but there is no need to take that chance.

- Professional organizations and community service events are good to list if applicable.

- Have someone you know read over your resume to check to errors

- Proofread, proofread, and proofread again! One spelling error on your resume cost you the chance to interview.

- Be sure to check for grammatical errors as well as spelling errors.  Pay extra attention to there/their/they’re, to/too, your/you’re, its/it’s and tense as previous experience should be listed in the past tense.

- Avoid contractions and slang.

- Employers often search for applicants by using specific keywords so be sure to include words that are relevant to the position you are seeking.

- Do not include pronouns like “I” or “me.”

- If you are not getting the response you would like or feel lost when it comes to resume writing, consider getting professional advice from a career center or resume writing service.