Career Resources > Resume Writing

The best resume uses a bullet point format and concisely summarizes your work history. Your resume needs to be factual. Avoid including responsibilities and skills in which you lack experience.

Recommended Reading:

Resumes That Get Jobs, by Thomson & ARCO. This book provides step-by-step directions on building a compelling resume. Also includes 75 sample resumes for both experienced and entry-level professionals.

Top Secret Executive Resumes, by Steve Provenzano. What it takes to create the perfect resume for top-level positions. Also includes 150 sample resumes.

General Tips

• Keep it short
  A one-page resume is ideal; 2 pages are acceptable. Give more weight to recent jobs and less to those in the past.

• Be Concise
  The more concisely you describe what you have done, the more likely your resume will be read.

• Typeface & Layout
  Stick to a simple, clean typeface and do not combine different typeface styles. When laying out your resume, leave open spaces, which will make your resume easier to read.

• Accuracy
  Proofread your resume at every step in the preparation process. Once your resume is complete, have an independent person review your resume for proper wording, proper dates, grammar, punctuation, typo's etc. A mistake on your resume may prevent you from getting an interview.

• Content
  Describe your formal education first if your work experience is less than 5 years. List any special awards/scholarships in this section.
  
  If you have more than 10 years of experience, begin your resume with a summary of qualifications.
  
  For each position, focus on your responsibilities and accomplishments. State specific examples that highlight your accomplishments. Often times these are written as phrases, beginning with the words "improved, saved, achieved or implemented."
  
  List computer skills separately under its own section.