the do’s and don’ts of resumes
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Resumes
What is the purpose of a resume?
o A first impression to a prospective employer
o Only 15 seconds…!o Highlights YOUR skills and qualificationso Gets you the interview o No “set” format…aim for one page
You DON’T want it to end up in here!
Resume Writing 101
o Rule # 1 – Good quality paper and envelopes
* creams, whites, grays* address labels….TYPED
o Rule # 2 – Easy to read, “appeasing to the eye” fonts and colors
* Garamond, Bookman Old Style, Maiandra GD
* blues and greens for headings * charcoal grays for bullets
While this font is awesome, and this background color is very energetic, DO NOT use
these in your resume…or it will go into the
Resume Writing 101
o Rule # 3 – YOUR contact info* at the top of the page as a header
Lisa A. Hiremenow2 Iamagoodworker Lane
Here, PA 12222814.555.5555
Resume Writing 101o Rule # 4 – Things you NEED to include
(headings)Objective
* Seeking full-time position as a welder
* To obtain a permanent teaching position in elementary or early childhood education where a special ability to motivate and communicate effectively with students in a nurturing environment would be needed
* I am a dedicated financial advisor seeking to contribute to and grow with a progressive and innovative company
Resume Writing 101Now…with that being said…. DO NOT
write your Objective like this:
* Seeking a challenging position as an accountant at a growth oriented company, which will not only allow me to further utilize my skills and acquire new abilities, but will also enable me to utilize my expertise in accounting, while allowing me to advance myself in a growing field
• TOO LONG• ME, ME, ME!• REDUNDANT
If your Objective looks like that, the prospective employers will probably have a good laugh over how smart you are trying to sound, and your resume will ultimately wind up in the
Resume Writing 101o Rule # 4 – Things you NEED to include
Education* High school, any apprentice/co-op
certificates
2011: Diploma, Saegertown High School, Saegertown, PA 16433
• Enjoyed classes in public speaking and computers2011: Certificate, Crawford County Area Vo-Tech, Meadville, PA
16335• Drafting, CAD
Diploma: Saegertown High School, Saegertown, PA 164332011
• Honors Track, AP courses at Allegheny College in Physics and Math
Resume Writing 101o Rule # 4 – Things you NEED to include
Work Experience/Relevant Experience
Retail Clerk, Hollister - Millcreek Mall, Erie, PA 2008-present• Assisted customers with clothing needs and questions• Helped design and implement various advertisement techniques; i.e.
new organiztional strategies, mall billboards• Team player; very experienced with public relations
Assistant, Woods’ Woodworks, Meadville, PA 2008-presentHelped plan, build, and install numerous one-of-a-kind products
Tools Daily hands-on use: drills, table saws, routers, dovetail jigsPlanning 5x9’ built-in home entertainment system with surround soundInstallations Solid cherry staircase in Marriot Hotel, Salamanca, NY
20’ food counter in Meadville YMCA
2006-2007: Babysitter, Meadville, PA• Responsible, creative, and hardworking
* Most recent goes first!
Resume Writing 101o Rule # 4 – Things you NEED to include* If you don’t have work experience, list
Accomplishments/Relevant ExperienceFor example, if you are applying for a retail sales
position:Math Skills• Maintained three-year “A” average in algebra and geometry• Managed a personal savings account since the age of thirteenPeople Skills• Volunteer every Friday afternoon at TLC Daycare,
2009-presentSaegertown, PA
• Co-raised $500 for March of Dimes 2006,2007,2008• Enjoy working with others to reach a common goalProduct Knowledge• Sephora Makeup Collection – avid user• JCPenney Home Collection – recommended numerous pieces to
peers
Resume Writing 101** Things you MAY want to include:
Personal Qualities (if you have extra space that needs filled)
• Reliable – Missed only one day of school in the last four years
• Creative – Enjoy exploring and implementing different strategies to help solve problems
• Team Player – Committed to working with peers to reach common goal
Resume Writing 101** Things you MAY want to include:
Summary (between Objective and Education) –provides employer with a “quick snippet”
• Diploma from Saegertown High School, Saegertown, PA• Experienced with retail sales • Very experienced in public relations• Children’s Park Supervisor, Summers, 2008-
present Roberts Grove Community Park, Titusville, PA
Resume Writing 101
o Rule # 4 – Things you NEED to includeReferences
* People who prospective employers can and WILL call as a verification
* Teachers, managers, mentors, coaches, guidance counselors, principals, family friends (adults), etc.
Resume Writing 101
o Rule # 4 – Things you NEED to include
References* Good rule of thumb: Aim for THREE* Second page (make sure your contact header is at the top)* Put references’ titles, addresses, phone numbers, emails…NOTIFY THEM in advance that you are putting them as references!
DON’TS• Don’t use FULL SENTENCES!• Don’t have any TYPOS, SPELLING, or
GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!• Don’t use anything SMALLER than size
11 font!• Don’t use less than a 0.5” margin on all
sides!• Don’t use pastel colors or include ANY
clip art!• DON’T LIE!• Don’t mention MONEY!
Are you getting the picture?!
DO’S
• Double space between sections• PROOFREAD…and not just with spell check!• Use bold, italics, bullets, and different font sizes for emphasis
• Research the company, and TAILOR your resume to that specific company….GET A NAME to put on the address label!
• Use action words to begin your statements:* Assisted… * Produced… * Performed…* Created… * Maintained…* Operated…
DO’S
• Try to turn the requirements of the job into your accomplishments:
MONSTER
* Search jobs in your field, and read five to ten postings
* Make a list of five requirements that most employers in that specific field want
* Think of examples from your past (home, school, work, sports, etc.) that show you can perform those tasks
DO’S
• For example, here are some job requirements for an elementary school teacher:
* loves to work with children* creative and organized* energetic* open to new ideas and teaching
strategies* outgoing personality
• How would YOU turn these requirements into your accomplishments?
Review
Resume = advertisement about YOU!
DO NOT let it end up in here…!