Resume Writing

Guidelines for professionals on writing an efficient resume and cover letter when applying for a job.

The resume is a summary of your work experience, education and qualifications. Your cover letter highlights those points from your resume that show an employer why you are an excellent fit for the job. Both items give prospective employers their critical first impression of you and position you as a strong candidate for an interview.

Write an effective resume that helps you get an interview and land the perfect job. Learn how to market your unique skills and achievements, use active language, and paint a clear picture of your goals and objectives

 

Writing Style:

• Since many companies screen resumes by computer, use key words from the job description or classified ad in your resume.

• Keep sentences short.

• Use your computer's spell check function, but don't count on it to find every typo.

Resume Format:

• Use a chronological resume. List your most recent job first followed by your additional work experience in reverse chronological order, then your education.

• Use bulleted statements, not paragraphs, to describe your job duties.
   

• If applying by e-mail, use a simple font and send in plain text or ASCII format.
   

Resume Content:

• Be accurate and truthful.

• Describe your significant contributions at each of your jobs.

• List all the computer hardware, software and databases you know.

• Customize your resume for each prospective employer.

• Include outside activities only if they relate directly to the job for which you are applying.
   

• Use key words found in the job description or classified ad in your resume.