Resume Writing Guidelines

Try to keep your resume to one page; two pages at the most. Don’t beat around the bush. Make an excellent first impression.

Be factual, Accurate and Specific
Give relevant, truthful facts and measurable results or achievements. Be specific and give examples.
Be positive and Sell Yourself
Put strongest statement at the top. Stress accomplishments.
Write, Re-write and Polish
Have someone else to proofread for mistake. Ask at least two other people to give you their opinions about whether this resume sell you. Double check dates and facts. Ensure punctuation marks are correct and their proper places. Use sample terms rather than complex expressions.
Be Neat and Attractive
Don’t let it look too crowded; use underlines, capital letters or different type styles for emphasis. Margins should be approximately one-inch on each side. Keep the page balanced on all margins. Single space within sections and double space between sections. Use high quality bond paper, 8 ½ “11”, white or light, colored paper is the best.
Note: Remember, a crowded, cluttered, error-laden resume is a big TURN-OFF!

Resume Pointers

The following is a list of items that should NOT be included in a resume.

Pictures
Personal Data
- such as age, race, sex, religion, weight, health, marital status or number of dependents. This information could screen you out of interviews and jobs.
Salary Information
- this subject should come up when you have been offered employment. However, make sure you are prepared for this subject by researching the current wage for similar positions.
Reasons for leaving previous jobs
- this information could be open to misinterpretation and is best discussed at the interview.
Problems
- such as divorce, hospitalization, health or handicaps.
References or relatives
- references can be listed on a separate sheet in case they are requested.
Personal pronouns
- avoid using the words “I” or “me” in your resume. Use short action-oriented phrases instead of using complete sentences.
Ex. Supervised up to 20 warehouse employees. Able to motivate employees and handle controversy.
Using words you are not familiar with.
Inconsistencies in punctuation.
Using more than two fonts.
Examples of how to use the above action verbs to describe your accomplishments in a more complete, professional way:

Instead of saying “made new spreadsheets using Excel, “say” created (or designed) new spreadsheets in Excel for accounts receivable.

Instead of saying “put together a training n=manual for my job, “say” assembled a written training manual administrative assistants in my division.”

Instead of saying “figured out why equipment keeps breaking down, “say” developed recommendations for reducing failures.”

Do sit up straight, maintain good eye-contact, lean slightly forward in your chair. Be sincere and polite.

Get information about the company/organization ahead of time to show your interest.

Sell your qualifications rather than your need for the job.

Do answer interview questions completely.

Do be aware of the effect you are having on the interviewer.