Resume Writing Tips And Advice

Resume Layout:

Order you resume headings according to the most relevant information in a place that will catch the reader’s eye.
Important information to include: Name, address, home phone number, work phone number and email address.
Provide a Job or Career Objective in one or two concise sentences toward the beginning of the resume.
The resume is to be a specific focus on a type of job. Use the best resume format for your field. It should not be a general resume used toward jobs in other careers or jobs that do not have similar descriptions or expectations.
Avoid using clichés and jargon.
Do not go over one page if you are a new professional.
Writing a career plan can help you stay focused on objectives.
Established professionals should consider a one page resume over two pages.

Education:

List degrees in reverse chronological order with most recent first. Include start and graduation dates, name of institution, and location. Grades are optional and only use to enhance resume.
Supply any study abroad information.
Keep details specific to the job you are seeking (special programs, minor, etc.).
To conserve space use degree abbreviations, for example, B.A. for Bachelor of Arts.

Relevant Experience:

List in reverse chronological order with most recent first. Include dates, name of employer, city and state.
Acceptable to list two categories for experience, for example, one category listing as “Relevant Experience” and another listing as “Additional Experience.”
It is permissible to list relevant extracurricular and volunteer positions.
Give notable details other than just general work responsibilities under each experience.
Use past tense action verbs—even when describing current job.
Include information and skills related to position you are seeking. Avoid unnecessary details.
Put most relevant words first when describing each position held.
Focus on strengths, abilities and achievements. Do not let lack of employment experience discourage you.

Activities:

List most relevant information first. Include offices held, name of organization, years served and location.
Can include a brief description of the activities function and/or achievements.
You may want to consider interesting or unusual accomplishments.
When listing volunteer work in the community, include only recent occurrences. Avoid high school experiences if possible.
If you do not have at least two relevant activities to list, either do not include this area in your resume or include occurrences in the relevant experiences or additional experiences section of your resume.

Honors: