|
TOP RESUME TIPS
Your resume is a "living document." It is never completely done because you are never completely done with your experiences. Update your resume every six months. Each time you apply for a job, tailor your resume and cover letter for the new position.
-
Refer to the last 10 years in your work history, but go back no more than 15 years total.
-
Strive for one page, but make it absolutely no longer than two pages. If your resume is two pages, make sure your name, phone number and "page 2" is at the top of the second page.
-
Do not include: salary, age, race, hobbies, or marital status
-
Only use your e-mail address in the header if you check your e-mail regularly (at least once a day).
-
Use a specific objective statement using the desired job title or occupational area of the position.
Example: To obtain a position as a Senior Accounting Clerk
A position within the Accounting Department
-
Do not use the personal pronoun "I."
Example: Instead of writing "I developed policies and procedures,"
write "Developed policies and procedures"
-
Everything on your resume should support your objective statement.
-
Use action verbs to describe job duties and be sure to keep the verb tense consistent throughout your resume.
Example: Avoid terms such as "responsible for"
Saved, Developed, Created, Initiated, Compiled
-
Quantify your accomplishments when possible.
Example: "Increased manufacturing efficiency by 24% through improved labor utilization"
"Developed and monitored $200K expense budget, achieving year-end results of 15% below plan"
-
List educational credentials (beyond high school) without graduation dates unless you are a recent graduate or it would explain a gap in employment.
-
You may want to create a separate section for credentials/licences (i.e. RN, MFCC Lic. ##, CPA, etc.).
-
Do not staple your resume to your cover letter.
-
Don't rely on your cover letter to convey all relevant and important information because not all hiring managers and recruiters read cover letters.
|