ResumesResumes

Top 10 things to Avoid & Top 10 things to Include

By Jennifer L. Bowie

Points from “Resumes: You Can’t Escape” by Donald S. Le Vie Jr.

Top Ten things to Avoid Top Ten things to Avoid (10-7):(10-7):

10) Including references with your resume

9) Including projects or other information that would detract from resume

8) XXXX Sending your resume even if you do not come close to meeting the prerequisites/requirements XXXX

7) Listing training courses that did not result in some type of certificate

Top Ten things to Avoid Top Ten things to Avoid (6-1):(6-1):

6) Doing/Sending anything other than what was required

5) Using a narrative style for your resume 4) Including hobbies on your resume 3) Mixing to many job titles on your

resume 2) Not sending a Cover Letter

And the top thing to avoid: 1) Having only 1 version of your resume

A Few things Reviewers A Few things Reviewers wantwant

Style• Clarity• Succinctness• Attractive Format• Professional

Appearance• High Impact

Content• Focus on critical skills

that impact bottom line

• Summary of work-related experience

• Documentation of achieved results

• Synopsis of work- related accomplishments

• Links between your skills and experience and their needs

• Keywords (theirs)

Top 10 Things to Do (10-Top 10 Things to Do (10-7):7):

10) Have a properly formatted ASCII version

9) Use phrases (Action verbs!) for your accomplishments that put you on the “short” list

8) Highlight accomplishments as well as responsibilities

7) Include a programming skills/ proficiency matrix to highlight expertise

Top 10 Things to Do (6-3):Top 10 Things to Do (6-3):

6) Include a list of publications or special projects

5) Include professional association & organizations of which you are a member

4) Include any awards, certificates, and special honors

3) Include a noun or noun-phrase keyword list or summary

Top 10 Things to Do (2-1):Top 10 Things to Do (2-1):

2) Highlight links between skills, experience, and knowledge to the businesses needs/job function requirements

And the top thing to do: 1) Put your objectives in your

cover letter without calling it your “Objective”

Other things to do:Other things to do:

Consider ethics (Don’t lie!) Try creating a timeline of jobs

without large time gaps (some exceptions)

List at least some employment! Always contact your references

before giving them out Design the resume with clear

distinctive headings (larger sized, in bold, and in a contrast font works well)

And even more things to do:And even more things to do:

Match the “body font” of your resume and cover letter

“Show” don’t tell your experience through examples, details and explanations (see the book where it talks about specific language)

Tailor the letter to the job! PROOFREAD!!!!!!