• Keep your resume at one or two full pages (no half pages). Don’t skimp on the details but don’t write a novel. Employers spend less than 30 seconds summarizing a resume and determining whether the candidate should be considered.

• Make sure your name appears on every page in case it becomes separated from the first page.

• Use a clean, easy to read font in the appropriate size. Consider using Arial, Baskerville, Tahoma, Georgia, Trebuchet or Times New Roman in 11 or 12-point font.

• If submitting a paper resume, use thicker weight paper. Do not use regular white printer/copier paper.

• If applying resume online, convert it from Word to a PDF before submitting it; this maintains the integrity of the format and font.

• Do not rely on spell check. Ask another person to critique it for spelling, grammatical errors, and overall structure.

• Team Leadership: administered, collaborated, completed, contracted, coordinated, developed, devised, directed, distributed, elected, established, evaluated, expanded, implemented, initiated, introduced, maintained, organized, patented, planned, rated, selected, started, recommended, regulated, etc.

• Management: accounted for, allocated, analyzed, appointed, booked, budgeted, commissioned,  compiled, coordinated, developed, evaluated, executed, financed, functioned, improved, instructed, interviewed, managed, negotiated, operated, prepared, supervised, scheduled, verified, etc.

• Technical: adjusted, assembled, assigned, calculated, compiled, conducted, designed, directed, estimated, fabricated, inspected, interpreted, observed, reviewed, tested, etc. • Communication: addressed, authored, composed, drafted, edited, influenced, lectured, taught, etc.

• Customer relations: advertised, greeted, handled, promoted, served, welcomed, etc.

• Human relations: advocated, counseled, documented, educated, empowered, explained, facilitated, informed, mediated, mentored, recruited, tutored, etc.

Heading: Includes full name, complete mailing address, phone number and professional email address.

Example:

JANE SMITH - Can be in all-caps or bold and a larger font.

1234 College Drive

Palmer, AK 99645

jane.smith@outlook.com

907-123-4567

Summary Statement or Summary of Qualifications (Format options: bold, all caps, or underline; keep it simple, do not do all.) Summarizes your skills, education and experience at the beginning of your resume to help employer quickly get a sense of what your can offer them.

1. A self-introduction which highlights the number of years you have worked in your chosen industry, and the most notable duties you performed.

2. A clear statement about how you will utilize your strongest relevant skills and professional experiences to fulfill the particular role you are applying for.

3. A concluding sentence which draws attention to any relevant certifications, awards or professional training you have to your name. 

Education

Only include high school or GED credentials if you have never attended a post-secondary institution. Place education before experience if you are a recent graduate or have fewer than five years of work experience. List the most recent first (reverse chronological order).

• Name of Institution- Written out completely

• City, State

• Name of degree/certificate- Written out completely, Associate of Arts (AA) in Mathematics

• GPA: 3.0

• Month/ Year of Graduation or Anticipated Graduation May 2019

Example:

Associate of Arts in Mathematics   Anticipated Graduation May 2019

Mat-Su College, University of Alaska Anchorage

Palmer, AK

Employment/Work History 

• Include relevant positions and jobs based on the job description, regardless of status (seasonal, internships, part-time, full-time)

• Do not abbreviate

• Include location and position of company

• Dates worked

• Bullet active statements reflecting what each position entailed. This is not a “list” of things you did or accomplished but instead a description of the most important skills, activities, projects, etc. that you engaged in while working in this position.  Each bullet point should start with an action verb that demonstrates your accomplishments and or duty with measure. Use a consistent verb tense throughout your resume.

  • • Increased productivity by 10% by reassessing procedures

    • Increased sales by 15% by….

Examples:

Wells and Rogers Public Relations, Orlando, Florida 

Special Events Coordinator                                                           September 2010 - Present 

•Coordinate receptions and business meetings for two Fortune 500 companies

•Write bi-monthly press releases and create weekly  public service announcements

•Publish and distribute monthly employee newsletter

•Design direct mailing advertisements for clients with a combined target audience of over one million

or

Business Office Coordinator                                                         October 2007 – August 2010

Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Winter Springs, FL

•Maintain multi-line switchboard and page system, record messages, and provide insurance and billing information to medical facilities

•Assist residents and family members with inquiries regarding meals, activities, and visitation policies

•Coordinate volunteer schedules for 12 students helping at front desk and throughout facility

Skills:  Be specific when possible. If you are proficient in a specific program, list that program. Make sure you accurately portray your skill level:

• Understanding = basic functioning

• Proficient = medium to higher understanding

• Advanced = expert and beyond. May hold certifications in specific programs.

References: Optional or if included, say Available Upon Request

Chronological: starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first. Works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history.

Functional: focuses on your skills and experience. Instead of having a “work history” section at the top of your resume, you might have a “professional experience” or “accomplishments”.

Combination: is a mix between a chronological resume and a functional resume. One’s skills and qualifications are listed at the top followed by one’s chronological work history.

Based on what you are trying to highlight in your resume, you should always customize your resume for each and every job you are applying for. 

• Research the position and organization (e.g., mission, goals, etc.) prior to the interview. Familiarize yourself with the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. Don’t assume you know everything about the organization even if you have experience with the organization. Always do your research.

• Review your application and resume, and be prepared to support past accomplishments with specific information targeted towards the position requirements. Be sure that you focus on your paid and non-paid experience. Don’t assume the interviewer knows everything about you.

• Practice interviewing. Take the time to research and review typical interview questions to help give you a framework for your responses.

• Be flexible with scheduling and allow sufficient time for the interview. Be sure to ask for specifics regarding the time, location, point of contact (POC) as well as any other logistical details.

• Plan to arrive early. Keep in mind that security/access requirements and time to get on the site may vary by location. Check appropriate arrival times, check-in procedures, and logistics. Remember you get one chance to make a first impression.

• Be prepared to summarize your experience in about 30 seconds and describe what you bring to the position.

• Listen carefully to each question asked. Answer questions as directly as possible. Focus on your achievements relevant to the position using examples of how your knowledge, skills and abilities fit the job. Be sure to ask the interviewer to restate a question if further clarification is needed.

• Remain positive and avoid negative comments about past employers.

• Be aware of your body language and tone of voice. Remain engaged by giving your full attention to the interviewer.

• Take limited notes, if desired.

• Be sure to ask any final questions about the organization or the position. Also, ask about the next steps in the selection process to include timeframes. Request POC information should you have any follow up questions.

• Reinforce your interest in the position and thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity to interview.

• Provide any additional requested information as soon as possible.

• Be patient. Remember the hiring process takes time. You can follow up with your POC if you have not been contacted within the established timeframe.

The hiring official is looking for the right person with the right skills to fill the vacant position. 

It is up to you to demonstrate during the interview that you are that person.