Resumes

Resumes have a big impact and help you stand out! They serve as a one-page showcase of your skills, accomplishments, and experiences. Here are some tips to make your resume shine.

Resume Organization

Chronological Format

List your most recent work experience, going backward to your oldest. This:

  • Showcases a progression of increasingly responsible positions
  • Demonstrates that you are qualified to take the next step in your career
  • Highlights impressive employers who will add weight to your credentials
  • Answers the employer’s question of whether your work history has been stable

However, gaps in employment, lack of strong career progression, and other negatives can be easily seen.

Functional Format

Use categorical, skills-based sections to demonstrate qualifications. This:

  • De-emphasizes company information or job titles
  • Highlights the connections between employer’s job descriptions and your qualifications
  • Tailors your experience to a specific job or industry
  • Is excellent for employees who are changing careers or whose path is more tangential

However, few employers will be familiar with this format, so clear presentation is essential

Resume Tips

  • Plan well!  Choose categories that will best showcase your experiences and skill set.
  • Offer employers several options for contacting you, including phone and a professionally appropriate email.  If you do not have a professional-sounding email, create one!
  • Format your heading to maximize space.  Use left, center, and right margins.
  • Use an Objective or Qualifications Summary that captures you and focuses on the employer’s needs.
  • An Education category should be included if you possess degrees or training relevant to the position.  
  • Never include personal or demographic information (birthdate, marital status, parental status, height and weight, etc.).  It is illegal for employers to ask for this information!
  • Try to keep the resume to one or two pages, although resumes for academic jobs might be longer.
An example of the modern resume that includes key elements such as identifiers (address, phone number, and an email), an objective, previous education, and "employment highlights".
An example of a professional modern resume.

Hailey| 2019

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