Tips for Creating a Good
Resume
1- Choose a target job (also
called "job objective"). An actual job title works best.
2- Find out what skills, knowledge, and
experience are needed to do that target job.
3- Make a list of your 2, 3, or 4
strongest skills or abilities or knowledge that make you a good candidate for the
target job.
4- For each key skill, think of
several accomplishments from your past work history that illustrate that skill.
5- Describe each accomplishment in
a simple, powerful, action statement that emphasizes the results that benefited your
employer.
6- Make a list of the primary
jobs you've held, in chronological order. Include any unpaid work that fills a
gap or that shows you have the skills for the job.
7- Make a list of your training
and education that's related to the new job you want.
8- Choose a resume format that
fits your situation--either chronological or functional. Functional works best if
you're changing fields; Chronological works well if you're moving up in the same field.
9- Arrange your action statements
according to the format you choose.
10- Summarize your key points
at the top of your resume.
Things you "Should" do
with your resume
 | Use 8-1/2" X 11" paper. |
| Make your resume as legible as possible. |
| Include both a permanent contact and present address and phone number. You may be
contacted through a permanent address or phone, even after you have moved from your
present address. |
| Include your job discipline(s)...near your name at the top of page one of your resume
and as a title to each assignment. |
| Include a summary paragraph near the top of your resume. Be brief but be complete. |
| Include pertinent education and/or training. |
| List jobs in reverse chronological order. |
| Try to keep to a maximum of two pages (see "tips" if resume is longer than two
pages). |
| Don't include personal references or hobbies. |
| Don't include your Social Security Number. |
| Don't include a cover sheet. |
| Don't use a "Job Objective." This is normally found on a resume for someone
who is seeking a "direct" position. A "Job Objective" tells the firms
what you want from them whereas a "Summary" tells what you can do for them. |
| Don't exaggerate your experience. |
| Don't show salary or pay information. |
| Don't offer explanations for leaving prior employers. |
| Don't use your photograph. |
| Don't use abbreviations (except those that are acceptable in the engineering/technical
fields, such as IBM, CAD, E/M, etc.). |
| Include only necessary personal information. |
| List "Under contract to" for any contract assignments you may have had. |
| Include total number of years experience. |
| Give security status, if any. If your security clearance has expired, include the date
of expiration. |
| Write job descriptions in easy-to-understand terms, and as completely as space allows. |
| Include your name and page number on each page of a multiple page resume (except no
number on first page). |
| If you want to use a better quality paper, consider a white bond paper with a rag
content (available from most printers or paper supply stores). Rag bond, however, should
not be used if you are printing copies of your resume on a photo copier (such as Xerox),
as the letters may break up on folds. |
