Resume Writing Tips
- Make your objective relevant to the position for which you
are applying.
- Be specific when describing your experiences and qualifications.
- Use "bullet" format where appropriate.
- Use short paragraphs—preferably no longer than five lines.
- Make sure the resume and the cover letter are errorless. Proofread,
and have others proofread for you too.
- Rewrite a resume for a specific position with a specific company.
It's extra work but may very well pay off.
- Use quality bond white or off white paper. Avoid the appearance
of a photocopied resume.
- Be sure that your resume represents you well; it is an employer's
first impression of you.
- Include your references on a separate sheet of paper. Include
reference name, current title, place of employment, business
address and phone number.
- Give each of your references a copy of your resume or make
sure you have permission from your references to use their name.
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- List hobbies, sports and social activities.
- State "References available on request."
- Put in social security number, your spouse's occupation, and
your personal philosophies.
- Use exact dates. Months and years are sufficient.
- Include your company number unless your immediate boss is aware
of your departure.
- Lie.
- Use personal references.
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- Objective
- Career Objective
- Job Interest
- Employment History
- Related Experience
- Work Experience
- Professional Experience
- Summary of Qualifications
- Professional Highlights
- Professional Strengths
- Accomplishments
- Skills and Accomplishments
- Computer Skills
- Computer Experience
- Workshops and Courses
- Courses and Seminars
- Internships
- Supervisory Skills
- Honors and Awards
- Volunteer Skills
- Activities
- Future Goals
- Personal Profile
- Special Abilities
- Volunteer Skills
- Education
- Management Skills
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- Arranged
- Compiled
- Generated
- Maintained
- Organized
- Processed
- Scheduled
|
- Analyzed
- Audited
- Balanced
- Budgeted
- Forecast
- Marketed
- Projected
|
- Adapted
- Calculated
- Designed
- Devised
- Managed
- Programmed
- Upgraded
|
- Addressed
- Contacted
- Convinced
- Directed
- Explained
- Interacted
- Persuaded
|
- Assembled
- Built
- Operated
- Prepared
- Remodeled
- Repaired
- Tested
|
- Administered
- Attained
- Coordinated
- Directed
- Evaluated
- Improved
- Supervised
|
- Assessed
- Coached
- Counseled
- Demonstrated
- Facilitated
- Motivated
- Represented
|
- Achieved
- Expanded
- Resolved
- Supported
- Translated
- Utilized
- Volunteered
|
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A chronological resume lists your professional experience chronologically,
starting with your most recent position. The use of action verbs
describes your work experience and highlights your transferable
skills.
- Advantages
- Easiest to prepare
- Minimizes the amount of interpretation an employer will
have to do
- Shows your professional experience in the field of interest
- Emphasizes continuity and growth in the professional
workforce
- Disadvantages
- Hard to communicate strengths and qualities
- Shows gaps in employment
Sample Chronological Resume (pdf)
A functional resume summarizes your professional "functions" or
experience and avoids or minimizes your employment history.
- Advantages
- De-emphasizes short-term work history, since it outlines
transferable work skills
- Useful for recent graduates who don't have a lot of professional
experience in their field, but do have relevant coursework
or training.
- Minimizes dates, for "returning employees" after
an absence from the workforce
- Emphasizes skills you have that haven't been used in
recent work experiences
- Disadvantage
- Hard to know what the applicant's duties were in previous
positions
Sample Functional Resume (pdf)
A combination resume incorporates features from both chronological
and functional resumes. It allows you to list your employment history,
starting with your most recent position, and focus on other related
skills you have obtained.
- Advantages
- Emphasizes skills and talents
- Highlights work experience
- Disadvantage
Sample Combination Resume (pdf)
Recognition goes to the Office of Human Resources at the University
of Minnesota for their Resume Tutor and
the Kansas Department of Human Resources