Resume

Starting FRESHMAN YEAR, 

think about how to build your resume throughout high school!!!

What can you do between today and graduation to improve YOUR resume?

Resume Best Practices

Always remember that the purpose of a resume is to get an interview.

PRINCIPLE 1:  Depending on the size and organization of a company a resume will be read by either a department manager, a human resource manager, or both.  A resume represents additional work and often has to be reviewed at home or after hours.

PRINCIPLE 2:  Managers receive a minimum of 150 to 200 resumes per job posting.  Few of us like to read documents (which is what a resume is).

PRINCIPLE 3:  A resume is the first impression that you give.  Make it perfect and engaging.

1. Develop a master resume for your reference.  Ignore length as it will never be sent.  It is a working document.

   • Tailor the resume as best as you can each time you submit it.

   • Include only the specific qualifications that best match the posted position. 

2. Make the resume is reader friendly and visually appealing

   • Use an easy to read font like Ariel or Calibri, nothing smaller that 10 pt. type.

   • Balance white space and text.  Avoid 1/2" margins and huge blocks of text.

3. Time limitations and the volume of resumes received cause recipients to scan a resume.

   • Use keywords and job or industry appropriate terms.

   • No secret to keywords.  Refer to the prospective employer's job description and use those same precise words within your resume.

   • Use bullet statements to make a point.

4. Make the resume engaging.

   • Limit the resume to 2 pages (1 if you are a student).

     • Be sure the most relevant information is in the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the 1st page.

     • Don't expect the hiring manager to sift through text in order to discover why you're a great candidate.

   • Provide a short job description and emphasize results. 

     • Limit job descriptions to 2 to 3 sentences.

     • Focus on relevant accomplishments.

     • Start each sentence with an action verb.  Use present tense for a current position, present or past tense for previous positions.

5. Don't give anyone a reason to throw your resume out!

   • Proof and reproof a resume for typos, incorrect spelling, and poor or incorrect grammar.

   • Make sure your contact information is accurate.

   • Do not abbreviate or use acronyms.  Spell out street names, schools, and terms.

   • Be honest.  Lies and exaggerations will be flushed out during interviews and reference checks.

   • Include all employment even if you don't list responsibilities and accomplishments.

     • Managers look for employment gaps.

     • Gaps won't prevent an interview if they can be explained.

   • Include a cover letter.

     • Managers may not read the but failure to include one looks as though you failed to to complete the task.   

     • Use the "T" cover letter format.

6. Keep your resume current with formatting trends.

   • Include your LinkedIn URL.  Delete your street address if you need space.

   • Depending on the job location, you may want to omit your physical address and use only your electronic address.

     • If your email address is: loveskittycats@gmail.com, open a professional sounding account to be used for job applications.

   • Replace the Objective Statement with a Professional Summary.

   • Do not include:

     • References or a reference statement.

     • Pictures of yourself and personal information.

     • Your GPA after your first job.

Simple Resume Template 

If you've never built a resume before, upload this document: