Résumé
Create your résumé
Your résumé is a selling tool that summarizes your skills, accomplishments, experiences, and education in order to secure an interview. It is the first representation of you and your work seen by a prospective employer.
The most effective résumés are clearly focused on your job objective.
There are two primary types of résumés: chronological and functional. Use the chronological résumé if you easily meet the advertised skill, experience, and education requirements. Use the functional résumé if you are a new graduate or are changing fields or industries.
Chronological Résumé
This format is best suited for single-industry or single-function careers, when there are no gaps in employment history.
Functional Résumé
This format is best suited for multi-industry or multi-function careers (different industries and functions/skills), when there are no gaps in employment history.
Either format should abide by the following principles and should include the following basic elements:
Length |
Limit résumés to one page if possible. Extensive work experience, technical skills, or education may need a two-page résumé. If a résumé is longer than one page, make sure to list key skills and selling points on the first page. |
Contact Information |
Your name, address, telephone number, and email address should appear at top of the page. Type your name in capital letters, or set in bold type, or a larger font. |
Objective |
Start your résumé with a statement of your employment objective in one sentence. Make sure that your objective is not too narrow or too broad. Name the position you want along with two or three of your top skills. |
Titles & Dates |
Identify company name, position title, and the dates of your previous positions. If a company has changed its name due to reorganization, use only the current name. Make sure dates line up and are easy to follow. If you have had several job changes, be sure to state the reason for leaving. |
Content |
Emphasize results and achievements, not job duties. Indicate how well you performed, and incorporate numbers wherever possible. Bullet points work best for listing job-based achievements. |
Salary |
Never list past, current, or expected earnings. You may be rejected because you make too much money (appearing overqualified), or you may be offered too little money based on past earnings (appearing underqualified). |
Education |
Be brief and concise: include degree earned, schools attended, year graduated, major, and any honors. |
References |
Modern résumé formats do not include employment references. References are needed by the employer after you have been interviewed and there is interest in extending an offer of employment. Have a separate list of references available. |
Personal Information |
Do not include such personal information as age, height, weight, health, marital status, or a photo. Such information is not considered to be job relevant. |
