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The Resume

What is a resume?

A resume is a sales brochure about you. It describes your abilities, your experience (paid and/or unpaid), and your education—all of which should support your job objective. A resume has one purpose: to get you an interview.

Before you write your resume, ask yourself, “Is my work experience related to the job
I’m applying for?”
If yes , use a traditional chronological resume
If no , use a skills resume

Writing Chronological & Skills Resumes

A chronological resume is often used when you easily meet the skill, experience, and/or education requirements for a specific position. This format is good for demonstrating growth in a single profession. This format starts with the current or most recent employment, then works backward. The work experience section is the distinguishing characteristic of the chronological resume, because it ties your job responsibilities and achievements to specific employers, job titles, and dates.

The skills resume focuses on the professional skills you have developed rather than on when, where, or how you acquired them. The attention is always focused on the skill rather than the place or time the skill was obtained. Job titles and employers play a minor role with this type of resume. Skills resumes work well for mature professionals with a wealth of expertise and jobs, career changers, those returning to the workplace after an absence, or college graduates who have little or no related work experience . You may also use a combination of the two formats.

Whatever Format you Choose, Remember:

Resumes often get less than one minute of an employer's time--make that time count for you.
Be clear, concise, accurate, and make sure your resume is easily readable.
Proofread for typos, spelling errors, and grammar usage. Of surveyed college recruiters, 95 percent indicated that poor grammar or more than one spelling error would definitely lessen interest in a candidate. Often when e-mailing, people tend to be careless with typos, spelling errors, and grammar. See your career coach for assistance in editing.
Keep your resume to one page (two if you have advanced degrees or lengthy work experience).
When mailing and e-mailing a resume, always include a well-written cover letter.
If mailing, use good quality paper; white, off-white, or buff-colored paper is desirable.

Essential Sections on a Resume

Heading (name, address, telephone, e-mail)
Objective Statement or Headline
Education
Work Experience (if using Chronological)
Professional/Relevant Skills (if using Skills)
Skills (Computer/Technical)
Projects or Related Courses
Activities/Leadership/Service
Work History (if using the Skills format)

Optional Sections on a Resume

Military Experience
Professional and Student Organizations
Publications/Presentations/Conferences
Certifications/Licenses/Additional Training
Honors/Awards
Hobbies/Interests
Foreign Language Skills
Willingness to Relocate & Availability
Work Permit/Visa Status

Items to Exclude on a Resume

Personal data (height, weight, age, marital status, religion, health). Employers want to avoid any possible hint of discrimination.
Titles (i.e. "Resume," "Curriculum Vitae").
Reasons for leaving a job.
References – create on a separate sheet.
Salary - if a salary record or requirements are requested, discuss it in the cover letter.
Early childhood and upbringing.
Weaknesses or exaggerations (keep it honest).
Long paragraphs - use short statements or bulleted items.
Hobbies - unless they relate to professional interests or show traits an employer wants.

Can I use one Resume for all Jobs?

Generally, no. A resume should be targeted to the job you are seeking or to the company to which you are submitting your resume. This means that you should research the company to determine which kinds of positions are available.

Ask a Career Coach