Resume Writing Tips

Tips on Creating a Strong Resume

Keep your resume to approximately one page in length, unless your experience is extensive.

Stress your accomplishments using strong descriptive words in an easy-to-read, short-statement format (i.e. do not use complete sentences).

Be truthful about your accomplishments and background.

Do not include personal information such as age, gender, race, religion, weight, height, state of health.

Do not include a picture on your resume.

Do not include previous salaries or the dollar amounts of scholarships or grants you have received.

Avoid using personal pronouns (“I”) and abbreviations (except common degree abbreviations, such a B.A. or Ph.D.)

Proofread your resume carefully for spelling errors, as well as for clarity and accuracy of information.

Print your resume on heavy bond paper in a professional color (such as white, beige, ivory or gray).

Tips on Writing a Career Objective

An objective is optional. It could be helpful if seeking a specific job or type of position.

A meaningful career objective succinctly states the position and/or job function(s) in which you are interested.

Avoid vague statements, such as, "To obtain an exciting and challenging position working with people."

Example of an effective objective: A position as a technical writer with emphasis on computer technology.

If you are seeking more than one type of position and want to use an objective, it is best to create more than one version of your resume with specific objectives.

Tips on Describing Courses, Work Experience, and Accomplishments

If you choose to include courses, only include those directly related to the job and that are not required of all students in your major.

Don't be shy in a resume. If you don't list your accomplishments, no one else will.

You do not have to include every job you have had. If you have worked in your field before, consider using the heading “Related Experience”, and include unrelated jobs in a section called “Other Experience.”

When describing your experience, include the name of the company, location, dates of employment and a job title. The description of your duties and accomplishments should be in the form of bullet points, each starting with an action verb.