Writing a Resume

You can't get that job you've been waiting for without a resume that gets noticed. The following tips provide the most effective way to introduce your qualifications and accomplishments to a potential employer.

Name, Address, Telephone Number and E-mail Address (Optional) Begin your resume with your real name (not nickname) and a permanent address. Include the area code with your phone number. If you are not at home during the day, make sure an answering machine or voice mail is available for messages.

Objective
This deserves your careful attention. To a potential employer, it is the focal point of your resume. Your objective should be simple yet directly related to your qualifications and accomplishments. For example, a position within a marketing agency requires strong organizational and customer service skills.

Education
List your most recent educational experience first. Be sure to include your degree (AS, BA, BS, etc.), major, institution attended, graduation date, minors/concentrations and any other major coursework or projects. Special awards and commendations should be noted.

Work Experience
Always include the title of your position, name of organization, location (town, state) and dates of employment. Describe your work responsibilities using strong action words. Volunteer work, internships and student teaching should be listed here.

Additional Information
This is the place for extra information that doesn't fit into other categories, such as special interests, computer knowledge and activities. Multilingual and medically trained people should list their experience here.

References
You may wish to include on your resume: "References available upon request." Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference. List three people, including name, title, employer, address, and business and home telephone numbers.

The Dos and Don'ts of Resume Writing

Do:

• Use action words, such as developed, managed and designed. 
• Keep paragraphs under seven lines. Since resumes are often scanned by hiring managers, it has a better chance of being read if it is condensed. 
• Be honest. 
• Check thoroughly for grammar and spelling mistakes. It's a good idea to have a friend look it over for unnoticed mistakes. 
• Use high-quality paper that is white, ivory or another conservative color. 
• Use normal margins (1 inch on top and bottom, 1.25 inches on sides). Make sure your resume is clear and visually pleasing. 
• Make your resume unique. List technical skills, certificates awarded, professional memberships, military experience, travel and community work if it relates to the job you are seeking.
  

Don't:

• Be vague. Use percentages and numbers wherever possible, such as "Cut subsidiary costs by 25%, saving the company $1,400 for the fiscal year." 
• Be too focused on job duties. Go above and beyond, listing the new programs you took part in. 
• Write about inappropriate and unnecessary personal experiences. Always pertain your activities to the job you are seeking. 
• Use personal pronouns, such as "I" and "me." 
• Include copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation or awards. 
• Include reasons you left your previous job. 
• Staple your resume.