A resume is a personal marketing document that communicates your career objective and value to a hiring company. A strong resume is carefully planned and developed (not quickly typed up) in an appropriate format (style) designed to showcase your experience and accomplishments in direct relation to a specific position.

Basic Resume Formatting Rules

• Bold and enlarge your name at the top.


• Keep the sections lined up and consistent.


• Use an Arial or Times New Roman font (or similar).


• Font size shouldn’t be smaller than 11pt or larger than 12pt, except for your Name and Headings.


• Do not include pronouns such as “I,” company street addresses, salary, or reasons for leaving.


• Two-page resume: be sure to fill the second page at least halfway down the page.


• Place “Continued” at the bottom of page one, and your name and “Page 2″ at the top of page two.


• Use graphics sparingly unless you are in a creative field. It is safe to use a border and shading.


• Leave out personal data, photos, and unrelated hobbies, unless you are an actor/actress or model.


• Proof, proof, and proof again!
  
  

Common Mistakes, Do’s & Don’ts

• Name and/or address is too small / too big (headings and name should be at least font Size 14 to 16; address 11 or 12)


• Font size for entire resume is too small / too big / all caps (not counting the headings, text should be no smaller than 11; no larger than 12)


• Needs an Objective or Title Heading (make it clear to the reader what position you are seeking. If you unsure, consider career counseling or purchase/rent a book on career choices)


• Could use a Summary or Profile statement (show your career overview)


• Objective is weak, cliché, unclear, or vague (State what you can do for the employer; not only what you want from them)


• Resume does not support Objective (be sure to make a connection)


• Lacks accomplishments / career achievements (sell it, don’t tell it!)


• Lacks industry-specific terminology / Keywords (”speak” the reader’s language)


• Jobs are not in the proper order- (Always mention Current to first jobs)


• Sentences are too choppy-five words per bullet (expand; make it interesting)


• Wording is weak; statements are too simple (use action verbs and a thesaurus)


• Same information repeated too many times (use a functional/combination format)


• Too many typos and grammatical errors (read it backwards; have a friend proof-read it!)


• Unrelated jobs go back too far in years (keep it to 7-10 years in most cases)


• Includes too much unrelated information (stay on track; keep the position in mind)


• Does not include enough related information (show how well rounded you are)


• Uses pronouns – “I, He, She, His, Her” (not necessary or is understood)


• Style is outdated looking (headings are underlined and followed by colons “:”, the word “duties” is used, and uses “responsibilities:” as subheadings)


• Second page is too short – only a third down or less (condense/combine)


• Second page does not include your name (what if the second page is misplaced?)


• Too much or not enough white space (looks empty, inexperienced)


• Uses the full address for employers (list only the town and state)


• Uses full employment dates such as 12/11/01 (list only the month and year)


• Lists reason for leaving or explains situation (if you must, save it for the later)


• Includes a Professional References Available upon Request statement at the bottom of the resume (not wrong, but not necessary.


• Remember, this is not an option. If the employer wants references, they will ask for them)


• Includes a cover letter / salary information on the resume (use separate sheets)


• Includes unrelated personal interests and hobbies such as “enjoy reading, long walks, music, travel, knitting, and puzzles” (include interests ONLY if it is related to your career Objective)


• Includes personal information such as married, homeowner, two children (Leave off. It is unrelated to the position, and risks possible discrimination)