Resume Writing Tips

• Create a “master” resumé. This will include all of your experience.
• Make an electronic copy which you can tailor to specific jobs.

We strongly recommend formatting a chronological resumé because it’s the most widely used and the easiest to prepare. It also provides the employer more contextual information about your skills and talents.

(A functional resumé is most appropriate for people who have an abundance of experience or who have experience in many different types of settings and jobs that they are trying to identify and focus on skill sets relevant to a particular job.)

Tips

1. Never use full sentences. Use verb phrases.
2. Cover the top 10 attributes that employers are looking for.* Be sure to assess your strengths in these categories and include them in your resume under specific job descriptions using specific descriptions or in a skills category using specific descriptions. In other words, do not write "Strong Communications Skills (verbal and written)". Do write, for example, "drafted correspondence from Vice Provost's Office to various Chairs and Deans" under your job description as Office Assistant. Another example is: "Experience in written reports and professional correspondence. Designed and conducted workshops and presentations for groups ranging from 5-30 people."
   1. Communication Skills (Verbal and Written)
   2. Honesty/Integrity
   3. Teamwork Skills (Works Well With Others)
   4. Strong Work Ethic
   5. Analytical Skills
   6. Flexibility/Adaptability
   7. Interpersonal Skills (Relates Well To Others)
   8. Motivation/Initiative
   9. Computer Skills
   10. Detail-Oriented
3. Always format with a 1” margin on the left, .5” margin on the top. Depending on space, use a .5” – 1” margin on right and bottom. Be consistent on all pages.
4. Most jobs will review a 2-3 page resumé. For very large companies such as Boeing, a 1 page resumé is recommended. University or education jobs will typically expect longer resumés detailing relevant experience.
5. Use nice paper in a color/texture that looks good when it’s photocopied. Buy enough to print your cover letter on it too. Buy matching envelopes if you anticipate using “snail mail.”
6. On subsequent pages, include your name and the page number.
7. Be sure to have your resumé proofread by someone who has strong English skills.

Getting Started

1. Print out the list of Action Verbs. Look at each verb. Jot down the names of places you’ve worked next to the verbs that resonate with your experience.
2. Print out the Chronological Resumé Sample. Take a careful look at the formatting and content.
3. Print out Resumé Elements. Read it carefully, keeping in mind your experience.
4. Print out the Resumé Worksheet. Fill it out using the formatting you see in the Sample. Use extra sheets if needed.
5. Create your “master” resumé.

Tailoring to a Job Description

1. Read the job description carefully.
2. Conduct thorough research on the company or organization.
3. Revise your resumé based on their job description. Use their language, buzzwords, or keywords to describe the skills or experience you have.
4. Be sure your experience includes details that they've mentioned in their job description. For example, if they're looking for experience with word processing programs and you used Microsoft Word in an office job, be sure it's listed under that entry. If you never used it in a job but use it often for school, make sure it's listed in your skills section. All the skills they're looking for that you have should be somewhere on your resumé.
5. Consider removing entries that do not include transferable skills (skills that you can use in the job you're applying for). For example, if you are applying for a job in a legal setting, the people skills you gained working at K-Mart or waiting tables should stay on your resumé. However, you might want to remove the housecleaning job.
6. If you have a Qualifications Summary section, make sure to revise it to highlight the points on your resumé that make you a strong candidate for that job.
7. If you are submitting this document electronically, reformat your document using commonly available fonts and simple formatting so that you'll minimize distortion when the employer opens it. Type in your name (and title if applicable) where you would normally include your signature. Do a practice test by sending your document to a friend, particularly one who has a different type of computer.

**Sources from Northern Arizona University & the National Association of Colleges & Employers Job Outlook 2006.